Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats: 15-Year Loved Recipe

Ugh, weeknight dinners, right? Sometimes it feels impossible to get something healthy and tasty on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s where my Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (35-Minutes!) come in. Seriously, 35 minutes! And trust me, even the pickiest eaters will gobble these up.

Plus, if you’re like me and planted way too much zucchini this year (oops!), you’re probably drowning in the stuff. I swear, they grow like weeds! So, what better way to use it up than with these yummy boats? We’ve been making these in my family for years – seriously, I’ve been cooking for them for over 15 years! – and they’re always a hit. They’re so simple, even my kids can help. Get ready for a new weeknight favorite!

Why You’ll Love These Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (35-Minutes)

Okay, so why should you try these zucchini boats? Let me tell you, they’re kinda magical. Here’s the deal:

Quick and Easy

Seriously, dinner’s on the table in just 35 minutes! Talk about a weeknight win!

Flavorful and Satisfying

That combo of savory ground beef, tender zucchini, and melty cheese? Mwah! *Chef’s kiss*

Healthy and Gluten-Free

Zucchini’s packed with good stuff, and using lean ground beef keeps it on the lighter side. Plus, naturally gluten-free!

Perfect for Weeknight Dinners

When you’re juggling work, kids, and everything else, you need something FAST. This is it!

Customizable

Don’t be afraid to get creative! Throw in your favorite veggies, switch up the cheese – make it your own!

Ingredients for Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (35-Minutes)

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these amazing zucchini boats. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty basic stuff!

For the Zucchini Boats

First, the stars of the show:

2 medium zucchini

Make sure they’re halved lengthwise and seeded. We want those little boats ready to be filled!

For the Ground Beef Filling

Now, for the yummy stuff that goes inside:

1 pound ground beef

I usually go for lean ground beef, but honestly, whatever you’ve got works!

1/2 cup chopped onion

Yellow or white onion – your call! I usually grab whatever’s in the fridge.

1 clove garlic

Minced, of course! Gotta have that garlic-y goodness.

1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes

Undrained! We want all that juicy tomato flavor.

1/2 cup cooked rice

White or brown rice, whatever you prefer. Leftover rice is perfect here!

1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Sharp or mild cheddar, again, totally up to you! I’m a sharp cheddar kinda gal myself.

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Adds that little something-something!

Salt and pepper

To taste, of course! You know your palate best.

How to Prepare Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (35-Minutes)

Okay, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time. Trust me, it’s easier than it looks!

Getting Started

First things first:

Preheat the oven

Go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). That way, it’s nice and ready when we need it.

Prepare the zucchini

Now, grab those zucchini halves and scoop out the pulp. I like to leave about a 1/4-inch shell. Don’t throw away the pulp! You can totally chop it up and add it to the beef mixture later for extra veggie goodness. Waste not, want not!

Making the Ground Beef Filling

Time for the good stuff:

Brown the ground beef

In a large skillet, brown your ground beef over medium heat. Make sure to drain off any excess fat – nobody wants greasy zucchini boats!

Add aromatics and tomatoes

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until they’re nice and softened. Then, stir in the diced tomatoes (with the juice!), cooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix!

Assembling and Baking

Almost there!

Fill the zucchini boats

Spoon that yummy ground beef mixture right into the zucchini boats. Pack ’em nice and full!

Bake

Place the filled zucchini boats in a baking dish and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is all melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on ’em! Every oven’s different.

Serving

The final touch:

Cool and serve

Let the zucchini boats cool slightly before serving. Careful, they’ll be hot! And that’s it! Dig in and enjoy your Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats!

Tips for the Best Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (35-Minutes)

Want to make these zucchini boats *extra* amazing? Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned over the years:

Don’t Overcook the Zucchini

Nobody likes mushy zucchini! Check for tenderness with a fork. You want it soft, but still with a little bit of a bite.

Use Lean Ground Beef

This helps keep the grease down. Trust me, you’ll thank me later!

Season Generously

Don’t be shy with the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning! Taste the filling as you go and adjust as needed. It’s all about what *you* like!

Customize the Filling

This is where you can really get creative! Throw in some chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, corn – whatever your heart desires! It’s a great way to use up leftover veggies, too.

Broil for Extra Cheesiness

For that ultimate bubbly, browned cheese topping, broil the zucchini boats for the last minute or so. Just keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn!

Variations on Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (35-Minutes)

Okay, so you’ve made the classic version… now what? Let’s get a little crazy! These zucchini boats are like a blank canvas – ready for your culinary masterpiece! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Spicy Zucchini Boats

Want to kick things up a notch? Toss in some chili flakes or diced jalapeños to the ground beef mixture. Ooh, yeah! Careful though, a little goes a long way!

Mediterranean Zucchini Boats

Think feta cheese, olives, and oregano. Yum! Ditch the cheddar and Italian seasoning and go for that fresh, zesty Mediterranean vibe. My favorite!

Vegetarian Zucchini Boats

No meat? No problem! Swap out the ground beef for lentils or beans. You could even use quinoa! So good, and totally meat-free.

Italian Sausage Zucchini Boats

Okay, this one’s a game-changer. Instead of ground beef, use Italian sausage. Trust me on this one… SO much flavor!

Serving Suggestions for Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (35-Minutes)

So, you’ve got these amazing zucchini boats… but what do you serve with them? Here are a few simple ideas to round out the meal!

Side Salad

A simple green salad is always a winner. Something light and fresh to balance out the richness of the boats. Easy peasy!

Garlic Bread

Oh yeah! Gotta have some garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. I mean, come on, who can resist?

Roasted Vegetables

Broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts… whatever you’re into! Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness. Plus, it’s another healthy addition!

Storing and Reheating Your Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (35-Minutes)

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep ’em fresh and get ’em back on the table!

Storage

Just pop those leftover zucchini boats into an airtight container and stick ’em in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 3-4 days, so you have time to enjoy them!

Reheating

You’ve got options! You can reheat them in the oven (my fave!), the microwave (super fast!), or even in a skillet on the stovetop. Just heat ’em up until they’re warmed through. Easy peasy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (35-Minutes)

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common things people ask me about these Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef in these Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (35-Minutes)?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just brown it up the same way you would with ground beef!

Can I freeze these Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (35-Minutes)?

Hmm, I wouldn’t recommend it. Freezing can make the zucchini kinda watery and mushy, and nobody wants that! Best to enjoy them fresh.

What other vegetables can I add to the filling for Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (35-Minutes)?

Oh, the possibilities! Bell peppers, mushrooms, corn – they’re all fantastic additions. Get creative and use whatever you have on hand!

Can I make Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (35-Minutes) ahead of time?

You can definitely prep the filling ahead of time! Just brown the beef and mix in the other ingredients, then store it in the fridge. But wait to bake the zucchini boats until just before serving for the best texture!

Nutritional Information for Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (35-Minutes)

Disclaimer

Just a heads-up: the nutrition info here is just an estimate, okay? It can totally vary depending on the brands and exact ingredients you use. Just sayin’!

Enjoy Your Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (35-Minutes)!

Rate and Share

Alright, you made it! Now, if you loved these Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats as much as my family does, please give the recipe a rating and share it with your friends! Let’s spread the zucchini boat love!

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