Pizza Zucchini Boats
Hollowed-out zucchini halves filled with savory pizza sauce, seasoned ground beef, and melted mozzarella cheese, then baked until tender and bubbly. All the flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza packed into a low-carb veggie boat that kids and adults love.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~10 min
Preheat oven and prep the zucchini.
1.Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).2.Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise.3.Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and some flesh, leaving a ¼-inch thick shell.4.Place zucchini boats cut-side up on a baking sheet.TIPDon't scoop too deep — leave enough flesh so the boats hold their shape while baking. - saute · ~15 min
Cook the filling.
1.Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.2.Add chopped onion and cook until translucent (3-4 min).3.Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (30 sec).4.Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned (5-6 min).5.Season with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and red chili flakes.6.Stir in tomato paste and water. Simmer until thickened (3-4 min).TIPDrain excess fat from the beef after browning for a cleaner finish. - assemble · ~5 min
Stuff the zucchini boats.
1.Spoon the meat mixture evenly into each zucchini half, pressing gently.2.Top each boat with shredded mozzarella cheese.3.Arrange pepperoni quarters on top of the cheese. - bake · ~25 min
Bake until tender and bubbly.
Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, until zucchini is fork-tender and cheese is melted and golden.
TIPFor an extra golden top, switch to broil for the last 1-2 minutes — watch closely so it doesn't burn. - garnish · ~1 min
Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the baked boats. Serve immediately while the cheese is still gooey.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Salt the scooped zucchini halves and let them rest for 10 minutes, then pat dry to remove excess moisture and prevent soggy boats.
- 2Use lean ground beef (90/10 or higher) to minimize greasiness in the filling.
- 3For a deeper pizza flavor, toast the tomato paste in the skillet for 1 minute before adding water.
- 4Don't overfill the boats — leave a small border so the filling doesn't spill during baking.
- 5If using larger zucchini, scoop out a bit more flesh to create a deeper cavity for the filling.
- 6Let the baked boats rest for 2-3 minutes before serving so the cheese sets slightly and doesn't slide off.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the ground beef with 1½ cups of cooked lentils or crumbled tempeh, and omit the pepperoni. This makes the dish plant-based while keeping a hearty, savory filling.
spicy supremeSpicy supreme
Add ½ teaspoon of red chili flakes to the meat sauce and top with sliced jalapeños along with the pepperoni for a fiery kick.
low oilLow-oil
Use a non-stick skillet and skip the olive oil by cooking the onion and garlic in 2 tablespoons of water or vegetable broth, reducing calories without sacrificing flavor.
gluten freeGluten-free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free — just ensure your pepperoni and tomato paste are certified gluten-free if needed.
cheesy margheritaCheesy margherita
Swap the ground beef for 1 cup of small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), omit pepperoni, and add fresh basil leaves before baking for a caprese-inspired version.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Low-Carb Veggie Base
Zucchini replaces the pizza crust, drastically reducing carbohydrates while providing fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.
High-Quality Lean Protein
Lean ground beef supplies iron, zinc, and B vitamins to support muscle repair and energy metabolism.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Olive oil and mozzarella offer monounsaturated fats and calcium, supporting cardiovascular health in moderation.
Antioxidant-Rich Herbs
Fresh basil and oregano provide antioxidants like flavonoids and vitamin K, which help combat oxidative stress.
Frequently asked questions
Yes — ground turkey or chicken works well. Use 93/7 lean poultry and cook until no longer pink; you may need to add a splash of water if the mixture seems dry.
