Easy Low-Carb Stuffed Zucchini Boats For Meal Prep

These stuffed zucchini boats are a delicious and healthy meal prep option, perfect for anyone following a low-carb diet. Filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, vegetables, and cheese, they are satisfying and easy to make.

This recipe is straightforward, allowing you to prepare a nutritious meal in no time. Customize the filling with your favorite ingredients to suit your taste.

Flavorful Filling Options

The filling for these zucchini boats is where creativity can truly shine. A savory mixture of ground meat, such as beef or turkey, combined with diced tomatoes and aromatic spices, results in a hearty and satisfying dish.

Customizing the filling allows for a variety of flavors to be explored. Adding ingredients like bell peppers, onions, or even different types of cheese can elevate the dish to new heights.

For those looking to keep it low-carb, the zucchini serves as a perfect vessel, providing a nutritious alternative to traditional pasta or rice. Each bite offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a meal that everyone can enjoy.

Preparation Made Simple

Preparing stuffed zucchini boats is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort.

Start by preheating the oven and preparing the zucchinis. Halving them lengthwise and scooping out the centers creates the perfect boat shape for filling. A light brush of olive oil on the insides ensures they bake to a tender perfection.

Cooking the filling involves sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, followed by browning the ground meat. Mixing in diced tomatoes and seasonings brings everything together, creating a mouthwatering filling ready to be stuffed into the zucchini.

Baking to Perfection

Baking the stuffed zucchini is where the magic happens.

As they cook in the oven, the zucchini softens, and the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden layer that adds richness to each bite. The aroma wafting from the oven is enough to make anyone's mouth water in anticipation.

Typically, the baking time is around 25 to 30 minutes, allowing for the perfect balance of tenderness in the zucchini while ensuring the filling is heated through.

Garnishing for Extra Flavor

Once the zucchini boats are out of the oven, garnishing them with fresh herbs like basil or parsley adds a burst of flavor and freshness.

This final touch not only enhances the taste but also elevates the visual appeal of the dish. A sprinkle of herbs can transform a simple meal into something that feels gourmet.

Serving the zucchini boats warm, alongside a colorful salad, creates a well-rounded meal that is both nutritious and satisfying.

Nutritional Benefits

Stuffed zucchini boats offer a wealth of nutritional benefits, making them a great choice for health-conscious diners.

With a low carbohydrate count and a good balance of protein and healthy fats, they fit well into various dietary plans, including low-carb and keto diets.

Each serving provides essential nutrients while being low in calories, making it an ideal option for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.

Low-Carb Stuffed Zucchini Boats for Meal Prep

These zucchini boats are hollowed out and filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef or turkey, diced tomatoes, and spices, then topped with cheese and baked until bubbly. The recipe takes about 45 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchinis
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Zucchini: Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the center using a spoon, creating boats. Brush the insides with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet.
3. Cook the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until translucent. Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Stuff the Zucchini: Fill each zucchini boat with the meat mixture, pressing down gently. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake: Place the stuffed zucchini in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: 250kcal
• Fat: 15g
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 6g