Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats
A healthy and delicious twist on taco night! Tender zucchini boats are filled with perfectly seasoned ground beef and melted cheese. It's a satisfying, low-carb meal that the whole family will love.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Zucchini Boats
- b.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet.
- c.Wash and trim the ends off the zucchini. Cut each one in half lengthwise.
- d.Using a small spoon or melon baller, gently scoop out the flesh from the center of each zucchini half, leaving a 1/4-inch thick border to create a 'boat'.
- e.Finely chop the scooped-out zucchini flesh and set it aside to use in the filling.
- f.Arrange the hollowed-out zucchini boats on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the insides with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Taco Filling
- b.Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- d.Add the chopped onion and the reserved chopped zucchini flesh to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- e.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- f.Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat everything evenly. Add the salsa and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Stuff and Bake
- b.Carefully spoon the taco meat mixture evenly into each zucchini boat, mounding it slightly.
- c.Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend generously over the top of each boat.
- d.Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender-crisp (easily pierced with a fork) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the zucchini boats cool for a few minutes before serving.
- c.Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
- d.Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream, diced avocado, or extra salsa on the side.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1To prevent watery zucchini boats, you can lightly salt the hollowed-out boats and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat them dry with a paper towel before brushing with oil.
- 2Don't overbake the zucchini or it will become mushy. It should be tender but still have a slight bite.
- 3For extra flavor, add a can of rinsed black beans or corn to the meat filling along with the salsa.
- 4The filling can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a quick weeknight meal.
- 5Ensure your taco seasoning is gluten-free if you are serving someone with a gluten sensitivity.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a different flavor profile.
VegetarianVegetarian
For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with 1 can of black beans and 1 can of lentils (both rinsed and drained), or use your favorite plant-based ground meat substitute.
Add Some HeatAdd Some Heat
Incorporate finely diced jalapeños with the onion or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the taco seasoning for a spicier kick.
Cheese PleaseCheese Please
Instead of a Mexican blend, try using sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or crumbled cotija cheese for a different cheesy experience.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly
By replacing traditional taco shells or tortillas with zucchini, this dish significantly reduces the carbohydrate count, making it an excellent choice for low-carb and ketogenic diets.
Rich in Protein
The ground beef provides a substantial amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied for longer.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
Zucchini is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and potassium. Combined with the nutrients from onions, garlic, and tomatoes in the salsa, this meal delivers a healthy dose of essential micronutrients.
Good Source of Fiber
Zucchini provides dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes gut health. Including the scooped-out zucchini flesh in the filling boosts the fiber content even more.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of two boats typically contains between 450-550 calories, depending on the leanness of the ground beef and the amount of cheese and toppings used.