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Close-up of delicious ground beef recipes for baked zucchini boats with cheese, topped with melted mozzarella.

Baked Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef and Cheese

A simple recipe for baked zucchini boats filled with seasoned ground beef and topped with melted cheese. This dish is a good way to use up zucchini and can be a satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 boats
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Zucchini Boats
  • 4 medium zucchini halved lengthwise
For the Filling
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
For the Topping
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Skillet
  • Knife
  • Spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and some of the flesh, creating a boat shape. Leave about a 1/4-inch border around the edges. Chop the scooped-out zucchini flesh and set aside.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped zucchini flesh, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
  6. Stir in the tomato sauce until well combined. Remove from heat.
  7. Place the zucchini boats on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon the ground beef mixture evenly into each zucchini boat.
  8. Top each boat with shredded cheddar cheese.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

You can add other seasonings like paprika or chili powder to the beef mixture for extra flavor. Serve hot.

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