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Close-up of baked zucchini boats filled with seasoned ground beef and topped with melted cheddar cheese.

Baked Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef and Cheese

A simple recipe for zucchini boats filled with seasoned ground beef and topped with melted cheese. This dish is a good way to use zucchini and can be a satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 boats
Course: Dinner, Main Course
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. Scoop out the seeds and some of the flesh from the zucchini halves to create a boat shape. Discard the scooped-out zucchini flesh or save it for another use.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain off any excess fat.
  4. Add the minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the tomato sauce and cook for another 2 minutes.
  6. Spoon the ground beef mixture evenly into the hollowed-out zucchini boats.
  7. Place the filled zucchini boats on the prepared baking sheet.
  8. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender.
  9. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each zucchini boat.
  10. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  11. Serve hot.

Notes

You can add other seasonings like chili powder or cumin to the ground beef mixture for extra flavor. Other cheeses like mozzarella or a blend can also be used.

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