These Healthy Stuffed Zucchini Boats are super fun to make! Filled with tasty ground turkey, colorful veggies, and topped with cheese, they are both delicious and good for you.
Plus, they’re easy to whip up on a busy day! I love how you can mix and match ingredients. Sometimes, I even turn them into mini pizza boats—yum! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh medium zucchinis work best for these boats. If you can’t find zucchini, try using bell peppers or eggplant as alternatives—they hold up nicely and can add a twist!
Ground Turkey: This is my favorite for a lighter dish. However, you can swap it for lean ground chicken or even a plant-based meat substitute if you’re vegetarian/vegan.
Quinoa or Brown Rice: This adds a nutritional boost and helps fill you up! If you don’t have either, cooked lentils or couscous are great replacements.
Cheese: I love part-skim mozzarella for the gooiness, but you could use a sprinkle of feta or a dairy-free cheese if you prefer. Get creative!
How Do You Cut and Prepare the Zucchini for Stuffing?
Getting your zucchini ready is key to making beautiful stuffed boats. Here’s how to do it right:
- Wash your zucchinis thoroughly to remove any dirt.
- Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise using a sharp knife.
- With a small spoon, gently scoop out the seeds and a bit of the flesh, but be careful to leave about a 1/4-inch shell. This way, they’ll hold their shape.
This method creates a perfect vessel for your filling! Save the scooped-out flesh to add later in the stuffing—no waste here!
How to Make Healthy Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound (225g) lean ground turkey (or chicken or plant-based substitute)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced (red or yellow for color)
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice (for added bulk and nutrition)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or basil and oregano)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (or a light cheese of choice)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake, so you’re looking at around 40 minutes total. It’s perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’s hot and ready for your delicious stuffed zucchini boats!
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash your zucchinis thoroughly, then cut them in half lengthwise. With a spoon, scoop out the seeds and some of the flesh to create hollow “boats.” Leave about a 1/4-inch thick shell to hold all the tasty filling. Don’t toss the scooped-out flesh; you’ll use it in the filling!
3. Season the Zucchini Boats:
Place the zucchini boats on a baking sheet or in a casserole dish, cut side up. Brush them lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper for added flavor.
4. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
5. Cook the Ground Turkey:
Next, add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
6. Add the Veggies:
Chop the reserved zucchini flesh finely, and then add it to the skillet along with the diced bell pepper, optional mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes. Cook this mixture for another 4-5 minutes, until the veggies have softened nicely.
7. Combine and Season the Filling:
Stir in the cooked quinoa or brown rice, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything together well to combine and let it heat through for another minute.
8. Fill the Zucchini Boats:
Spoon the filling evenly into each zucchini boat, making sure each one is well-packed with the delicious mixture!
9. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top of each filled boat. Cheese adds a wonderful flavor and a nice melty texture!
10. Bake:
Pop the zucchini boats into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and golden.
11. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re done baking, take the boats out of the oven, garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve warm. Enjoy your healthy and vibrant stuffed zucchini boats!
They’re sure to be a hit at your dinner table!
FAQ for Healthy Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Can I Use Other Types of Meat or Substitutes?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. You can substitute ground turkey with lean ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based alternatives like lentils or veggie crumbles for a vegetarian option.
How Do I Store Leftover Stuffed Zucchini Boats?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. They taste great the next day, too!
Can I Freeze Stuffed Zucchini Boats?
Yes, you can freeze them! After baking, let them cool completely. Place them in a freezer-safe container or wrap individually in plastic wrap. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What Should I Serve with Stuffed Zucchini Boats?
These boats can be a meal on their own, but for a complete dinner, consider serving them with a side salad or some roasted vegetables. A light dressing also complements the meal nicely!
