These ground beef zucchini boats are a delicious low-carb summer dinner that’s hearty, easy to make, and loaded with flavor. They’re the perfect way to enjoy garden-fresh zucchini in a healthy, satisfying meal. With a savory ground beef filling, melty cheese, and a tender zucchini base, this dish is ideal for anyone looking for a keto zucchini recipe or a creative way to use up an abundance of summer squash.
Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle, looking for a healthy dinner idea, or simply want something light and delicious, these zucchini boats will become a go-to favorite. Ready in under 45 minutes and made with simple, wholesome ingredients, this easy recipe is both family-friendly and weeknight-approved.
Imagine tender zucchini boats brimming with perfectly seasoned ground beef, simmered in a rich tomato sauce with fresh garlic, onions, and juicy tomatoes. This savory, hearty filling is stuffed into hollowed-out zucchini halves, then topped with melted cheese and baked until bubbly and golden. Every bite is a burst of Italian-inspired flavor with a light, satisfying twist.
These stuffed zucchini boats with ground beef are one of the best ways to use up your summer zucchini harvest. Bursting with wholesome ingredients and bold flavors, they’re not just delicious—they’re also low in carbs and keto-friendly. No breadcrumbs or starchy fillers here—just real food, real flavor.
This easy zucchini recipe is great for busy weeknights, family dinners, or summer gatherings. And with just a handful of ingredients, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Serve it as a standalone meal or pair with a crisp green salad or cauliflower mash for a complete dinner.
If you’re looking for a low-carb zucchini dinner idea that’s both comforting and fresh, these cheesy zucchini boats are guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle or just looking for a lighter meal, this dish delivers on taste, texture, and nutrition.
- 1 Why You’re Going to Love These Ground Beef Stuffed Zucchini Boats
- 2 Ingredients for Ground Beef Stuffed Zucchini Boats
- 3 How To Make This Ground Beef Zucchini Boats
- 4 Tips for Making the Best Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef
- 5 Easy and Delicious Variations for Stuffed Zucchini Boats
- 6 Storing Ideas
- 7 Serving Ideas
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions
- 9 More Zucchini Recipes
- 10 Ground Beef Zucchini Boats
Why You’re Going to Love These Ground Beef Stuffed Zucchini Boats
There are so many reasons to make this delicious and healthy zucchini recipe a regular part of your meal rotation:
- Quick and Easy to Make – This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – These zucchini boats store and reheat well, so you can make them ahead and enjoy throughout the week.
- Made with Clean, Simple Ingredients – You’ll only need a few fresh, wholesome ingredients like zucchini, ground beef, onion, garlic, and tomatoes.
- Packed with Flavor – From the savory meat filling to the melted cheese on top, every bite is rich, hearty, and satisfying.
- Low Carb and Keto Friendly – Naturally low in carbs and gluten-free, this dish fits seamlessly into keto, paleo, and Whole30 meal plans.
- Customizable and Family-Friendly – Easily adjust the seasonings or mix in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to make it your own.
- A Nutritious Alternative to Traditional Stuffed Dishes – Instead of pasta or bread, you’re using fresh zucchini for a lighter, veggie-forward meal.
- Great for Entertaining – Whether you’re hosting friends or feeding your family, these zucchini boats are visually impressive and guaranteed to please a crowd.
- Delicious With Sides or On Their Own – Serve alongside cauliflower rice, a crisp salad, or roasted veggies for a complete low-carb dinner.
Ingredients for Ground Beef Stuffed Zucchini Boats
One of the best things about this stuffed zucchini recipe is that it uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a comforting, flavorful dish. Here’s everything you’ll need to make these low-carb zucchini boats:
- Zucchini – Medium-sized, firm zucchini work best for stuffing. They hold their shape well during baking and offer the perfect balance of tenderness and structure.
- Olive Oil – Used for sautéing the onions and adding rich flavor. Avocado oil or any neutral oil works as a substitute.
- Onion – A finely chopped medium onion adds depth and sweetness to the beef filling.
- Ground Beef – Choose 85% lean ground beef for the best balance between flavor and moisture. You can also use ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option.
- Tomato Paste – Adds a deep, concentrated tomato flavor that intensifies the richness of the filling.
- Italian Seasoning – Brings in those classic Italian flavors with a blend of herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. Use a homemade mix or your favorite store-bought version.
- Garlic Powder (or Fresh Garlic) – Garlic powder is convenient, but if you want a more robust flavor, go with 2–3 cloves of fresh minced garlic.
- Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning the meat and bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Tomato Sauce – Choose a sugar-free tomato sauce to keep the carb count low. This helps create a saucy, savory base for the filling.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Adds a melty, cheesy finish to the zucchini boats. Feel free to swap with provolone, cheddar, or an Italian cheese blend for variety.
How To Make This Ground Beef Zucchini Boats
Once you see how easy it is to prepare these delicious ground beef zucchini boats, you will want to make them over and over again when you need a quick dinner recipe. So, here are the instructions that you need to follow:
Preparing The Zucchini
Wash the zucchini, then cut them lengthwise using a sharp knife. Then scoop out the flesh using a spoon, creating a shell for the meat sauce, and place the zucchini halves on the baking sheet.
MaKing The Ground Beef Mixture
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes or until tender. Then add the ground beef and cook until brown for about 10 minutes breaking it down with a wooden spoon.
Stir in the tomato paste, Italian Seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper and mix until well combined.
Then add the tomato sauce, and simmer on medium heat for 15 minutes.
Assemble The Zucchini Boats
It’s time to fill the zucchini boats with the delicious ground beef mixture. Spoon the cooked ground beef mixture into each zucchini boat, evenly distributing it among them. Press the filling gently to ensure it is packed well inside.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese or any other desired cheese on top of the stuffed zucchini boats. The cheese will melt and create a gooey, flavorful topping.
Baking
Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
As it bakes, the zucchini becomes tender, and the cheese melts into golden, bubbly perfection.
Allow the zucchini boats to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley or basil, for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Tips for Making the Best Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef
Mastering zucchini boats is all about the right prep and a few smart techniques. These helpful tips will ensure your stuffed zucchini boats turn out flavorful, well-balanced, and perfectly tender every single time:
- Choose the Right Zucchini: Use medium-sized, fresh, and firm zucchinis for the best results. Avoid overly large ones, as they can become too watery and may not hold their shape during baking. Medium zucchini are easier to hollow out and offer the ideal portion size for stuffing.
- Scoop Out the Center Carefully: Use a spoon or melon baller to gently scoop out the zucchini flesh without piercing the skin. This creates the perfect “boat” to hold your savory filling.
- Brown the Ground Beef Well: Fully cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly. Searing the meat enhances the flavor and prevents a bland filling. Don’t skip this step—it makes a big difference in taste!
- Drain Excess Fat and Moisture: Once the beef is browned, drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy final dish. Letting the meat mixture rest also allows the flavors to settle before stuffing.
- Simmer with Sauce: After adding tomato paste and tomato sauce, allow the beef mixture to simmer for a few minutes. This reduces excess moisture and lets the flavors meld for a rich, thick filling.
- Don’t Overfill the Zucchini: Stuff the zucchini boats just to the top edge. Overstuffing can cause the filling to spill out during baking and make the boats unstable.
- Top with Cheese Generously: A layer of shredded mozzarella or your favorite melty cheese adds that irresistible golden crust. You can also sprinkle grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Bake Until Just Tender: Avoid overbaking, as zucchini can quickly turn mushy. Bake just until fork-tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly—usually around 20–25 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Add chopped fresh parsley or basil after baking for a pop of color and freshness that balances the savory flavors.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to mix in extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms, or use Italian sausage or ground turkey instead of beef for variety.
Easy and Delicious Variations for Stuffed Zucchini Boats
One of the best things about these keto zucchini boats is how versatile they are! You can easily mix things up based on what you have in your fridge or your personal preferences. Here are some tasty ideas to switch up your stuffed zucchini boat recipe:
- Swap the Ground Beef: Don’t have ground beef on hand? Try using Italian sausage, ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork instead. Each option brings a slightly different flavor and texture, giving you a new twist on a classic recipe.
- Change the Cheese: Mozzarella is delicious and melty, but feel free to use cheddar, pepper jack, provolone, or crumbled feta. For a sharper bite, sprinkle some Parmesan on top before baking.
- Add Extra Veggies: Boost the nutrition and flavor by mixing in finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, celery, or spinach to the meat sauce. It’s a great way to sneak in more veggies, especially for picky eaters.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture for a spicy version of zucchini boats.
- Bacon Topping: Crumble some crispy cooked bacon over the zucchini boats before serving for an extra layer of smoky flavor and crunchy texture.
- Tex-Mex Style: Season the ground meat with taco seasoning and top with shredded Mexican cheese blend, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream for a low carb Mexican zucchini boat twist.
- Pesto Flavor: Mix a spoonful of basil pesto into the tomato sauce for an herb-forward, fresh variation.
Storing Ideas
- Fridge: These delicious baked ground beef zucchini boats can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing these stuffed zucchini since they get super soggy once thawed. However, you can make the ground beef filling ahead and freeze it until you are ready to stuff your zucchini.
- Reheating: Place the zucchini boats in the oven or the air fryer and reheat them until warm.
Serving Ideas
There are many delicious options when it comes to serving these ground beef zucchini boats. Here are some serving ideas that will help you to create a complete meal:
- Cauliflower Rice
- Coleslaw Salad Recipe
- Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
- Green Bean Casserole
- BEST Antipasto Salad
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Recipe In Advance?
Sure, you can prepare these ground beef zucchini boats in advance. Then, after hollowing out the zucchini and preparing the filling, you can store them separately in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to bake, simply fill the zucchini boats with the ground beef filling and follow the steps from this recipe.
How Do I Know When The Zucchini Boats Are Cooked?
The zucchini are cooked when tender but still hold their shape. You can check the doneness by punching the zucchini with a fork, and if it easily slides through the flesh, then the zucchini are cooked.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Squash Instead Of Zucchini?
Yes, feel free to use other types of summer squash, like yellow squash or pattypan squash, as substitutes for zucchini in this recipe since they have similar textures.
More Zucchini Recipes
Ground Beef Zucchini Boats
Description
Ingredients
- 4 zucchini small
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion medium, finely chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- pepper to taste
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 360F/180C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash the zucchini, then cut them lengthwise. Then scoop out the flesh, creating a shell for the meat sauce, and place the zucchini halves on the baking sheet.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet, add the chopped onion, and cook until tender. Add the ground beef and cook until brown for about 10 minutes breaking it down with a wooden spoon.
- Stir in the tomato paste and seasonings and mix until well combined.
- Then add the tomato sauce, and simmer on medium heat for 15 minutes.
- Spoon the ground beef mixture into zucchini boats and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
How do we calculate the nutrition info?
These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.