These Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef are a delicious and nutritious option for dinner. They are filled with lean ground beef, zucchini, onions, garlic and tomato sauce. The combination of ingredients creates a flavorful and filling meal that is sure to please the whole family. Plus, they are easy to make!
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❤️ Why You'll Love to Make It
- This easy dinner is packed with nutrients and flavor.
- The ground beef and zucchini provide a lean protein source, while the onions and garlic add delicious flavor.
- This dish is also incredibly versatile - you can customize it with your favorite spices or herbs for an extra flavor boost.
One of the best things about this simple meal is that it comes together so quickly but it's low-carb friendly and super filling. Plus, your entire family will love it.
📝 Ingredients
Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.
🥄 Instructions
Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Cut each zucchini lengthwise and core using a small spoon to get the pulp out.
- Place zucchini boats on the baking dish, spray with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place in the oven until we are done making the ground beef filling.
- In a big skillet over medium-high heat saute onions and garlic then add ground beef and cook until no longer pink. Mix in black pepper, oregano, tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce.
- Take out the zucchini boats,and divide the meat mixture into the boats, sprinkle evenly with shredded cheese. Return to oven for another 5 minutes or until bubbly and cheese melts.
👍 Amira's Tips
- Give the zucchini a good wash before you start cutting them up.
- Don't discard the pulp of the zucchini it's great to make zucchini bread or muffins with to avoid kitchen waste.
- Grease your casserole dish with butter and nonstick cooking spray so that your boats do not stick to the dish.
- I prefer to use a glass or ceramic casserole dish. I don't recommend using a metal pan, so the boats can brown too much on the bottom.
- Do not have oregano? check out these easy oregano substitutes that you might already have in your kitchen.
🧺 Storage
This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
⌛ Make Ahead
Making this dish ahead is so easy, just follow all the steps, and assemble the boats. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store in in the fridge until you are ready to bake them. Then, bake as directed in the recipe card.
🍽️ Serve With
I love to serve these with a side of this Keto Greek Salad to up the vegetable content. However, if you have some family members that aren't watching their carbs you could also serve it with this Lebanese Pita Bread recipe or this delicious Lebanese rice.
👩🍳 Variations
- If you want to make the filling even heartier, try adding some cooked quinoa or brown rice.
- You can also tweak the flavors by adding in your favorite herbs and spices like thyme, basil, chili flakes etc.
- You can switch up the protein in this easy recipe, and use turkey sausage, ground chicken, or ground turkey instead.
- I like mozzarella cheese in this recipe but you can also use cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese or any melty cheese you like.
- Use your favorite marinara sauce instead of tomato sauce for another flavor.
💬 FAQs
The best way to reheat this dish is in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes, or until heated throughout. You can also reheat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes on high heat. Make sure to cover in the microwave.
The zucchini boats should be tender, and the cheese should be melted. You can insert a knife into the center of the boat to test for doneness. If it goes in easily without resistance, they are done.
📣 Related Recipes
- This Stuffed Zucchini in Yogurt Sauce is another great zucchini recipe. It's so creamy that even the picky eaters in your house will love it.
- Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole is a great way to get the whole family to enjoy zucchini. It's so comforting and delicious! If you are looking for a lighter meal, this recipe is for you.
- If you are looking for a way to use up your garden fresh zucchini? Look no further than this 5 Ingredient Zucchini Vegan Dish. It's simple to make and bursting with flavor.
- Green Bean Casserole with Cream of Chicken is a classic American dish especially popular during the holidays. The rich and savory flavors of the creamy sauce go pretty well with the tender green beans and the crunchy topping.
🥑 More keto Recipes
- Savor the rich and cheesy goodness of a classic Italian dish while staying true to your keto lifestyle with this flavorful and guilt-free Keto Eggplant Parmesan recipe that will leave you craving for more.
- Keto cloud bread is incredibly easy to make, with only few ingredients! Great as rolls, loaf and very versatile.
- Super easy ground beef Philly cheesesteak casserole perfect family friendly one skillet dinner the entire family will love.
🥘 Ground Beef Casseroles
- Warm comfort food at its best. Ground beef Doritos Casserole is a super delicious, savory mix of seasoned ground beef, cheese and Doritos. A kid friendly meal for busy parents.
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating! Thank you.
🥣 Equipment
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- Casserole dishes
- sharp knife
- spoon
- large skillet
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Zucchini Boats with ground beef
Ingredients
- 6 large zucchini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 4 medium garlic cloves mined about half tablespoon
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 can 15oz tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ Tablespoon oregano
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Salt to your liking
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F. Grease two 13x9 casseroles and set aside.
- Cut each zucchini lengthwise and core using a small spoon to get the pulp out.
- Place zucchini boats on the casseroles, spray with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Place in the oven until we are done making the ground beef filling.
- Make the filling:
- In a big skillet over medium high heat, pour olive oil and add diced onions.
- Saute onions for about 3 minutes or until translucent.
- Add garlic and continue to cook for 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef break it apart and cook until no longer pink.
- Drain excess fat if any then add mix in black pepper, oregano, tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking then let it continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes then turn heat off.
- Take out the zucchini boats, they should be tender by now and almost fully cooked.
- Divide the meat mixture into the boats and sprinkle evenly with shredded cheese.
- Return to oven for another 5 minutes or until bubbly and cheese melts.
Notes
- You can use less meat and add diced mushrooms to the mix. Use any ground meat you like.
- If you do not have oregano you can use Italian seasoning.
- I like peeling my zucchini into stripes, you can leave the skin or peel it completely.
- Variations:
- Make dairy free zucchini boats using dairy free cheese.
- Make it vegan using vegan ground beef or make it with rice, bulgur or quinoa.
- For a gluten free version make sure your tomato and Worcestershire sauce are gluten free.
- If you cannot find then simply blend and strain tomatoes then use in this recipe and skip the Worcestershire sauce.
- Fir more tips and variations check the post above.
- Please check the nutrition disclaimer policy.
Nutrition
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Kaitlin
This meal was delicious and a great way to use up some of my garden zucchini. Will definitely add this to my cook book!!
Annette Kreamer
I want your recipe please that look so Good.
Amira
Hello Annette, click on the button at the top of the page that says jump to recipe, this will direct you to the printable version. Thanks
Judy
Haven't tried it yet but certainly will. It looks and sounds wonderful .