Baked Zucchini Boats Recipe 🥒🚤
Introduction:
Indulge in the delightful flavors of these Baked Zucchini Boats 🥒🚤! This recipe combines tender zucchini boats filled with a savory mixture of lean ground beef, aromatic herbs, and nutty Parmesan cheese, baked to perfection. It’s a wholesome and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. With just a few simple steps, you can create a nutritious meal that everyone will love!
Recipe Overview:
- Name: Baked Zucchini Boats
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories: 274.1 per serving
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (based on 2 reviews)
- Keywords: Meat, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Oven, < 4 Hours
Ingredients:
- 4 zucchinis
- 1 onion
- 1 egg
- 1/2 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons long grain rice, cooked
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3/4 cup bread crumbs, divided
- Spaghetti sauce, for topping
Instructions:
| Step | Instructions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). | 10 minutes |
| 2 | Cut zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds using a spoon, creating boat-like shapes. | 10 minutes |
| 3 | In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sauté until translucent. | 5 minutes |
| 4 | Add lean ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. | 10 minutes |
| 5 | Stir in chopped parsley and dill, then add cooked rice to the skillet. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly. | 5 minutes |
| 6 | Remove the skillet from heat. Crack an egg into the mixture and add 1/4 cup of bread crumbs. Mix until combined. | 5 minutes |
| 7 | Fill each hollowed-out zucchini boat with the beef and rice mixture, distributing it evenly among the boats. | 5 minutes |
| 8 | Place the filled zucchini boats in a lightly greased baking dish. | 3 minutes |
| 9 | Top each boat with spaghetti sauce, spreading it evenly over the surface. | 2 minutes |
| 10 | Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of each boat, followed by the remaining bread crumbs. | 3 minutes |
| 11 | Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes. | 45 minutes |
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the baked zucchini boats hot, straight from the oven, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a pop of color and flavor.
- Pair with a side salad tossed in a light vinaigrette dressing for a complete and balanced meal.
- These zucchini boats also make a great appetizer or side dish for a barbecue or potluck gathering.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 274.1
- Fat: 9.4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.4g
- Cholesterol: 46mg
- Sodium: 408.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 35.4g
- Fiber: 2.2g
- Sugar: 8.3g
- Protein: 12.1g
Recipe Notes:
- Make sure to choose firm zucchinis for this recipe to ensure that the boats hold their shape during baking.
- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or different types of cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion:
These Baked Zucchini Boats are a fantastic way to enjoy the goodness of vegetables and lean protein in one delicious dish. Whether you’re following a low-cholesterol diet or simply looking for a flavorful and wholesome meal option, this recipe ticks all the boxes. Give it a try and prepare to be amazed by the delightful flavors and textures of this crowd-pleasing dish! 🍽️✨
