The Best Way to Use Up Your Summer Zucchini Crop
Stuffed Zucchini Boats are the perfect way to enjoy your fresh summer zucchini! Tender zucchini is filled with a rich and zesty meat sauce, topped with cheese, then baked until tender and bubbly.
- 3 medium zucchini (about 6 ounces each)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound lean ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 ½ cups pasta sauce (or marinara, divided)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet until no pink remains. Drain any fat. Stir in the bell pepper (and any extra zucchini bits if you'd like) and cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes or until it begins to soften.
- Stir in 1 cup pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, and salt & pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
- Slice zucchini lengthwise and use a teaspoon to scrape out the center to create a ½-inch thick shell. Brush with olive oil and season the zucchini with salt & pepper to taste.
- Place the zucchini in a large baking dish. Fill each zucchini with the beef mixture. Top with the remaining ½ cup pasta sauce and place in the oven. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Top with the cheeses and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until the zucchini is soft and the cheese is bubbly.
Holly’s Recipe Highlights: Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Of all of the things that grow in my garden, the herbs and the zucchini have to be my absolute favorites (ok, and the tender baby carrots). I have so many zucchini recipes, and this one is near the top of the list!
Flavor: Zesty meat sauce is stuffed in zucchini and topped with two kinds of cheese for a hearty and veggie-filled dish.
Why Make It: This is the ultimate garden veggie recipe! It’s a cozy, low-carb comfort meal that is ready in just 40 minutes.
Serving Suggestions: Pair it with a simple side salad and homemade garlic bread for the perfect family meal!
