Description
Succulent zucchini boats filled with savory ground beef, melted cheese, and aromatic herbs create Mediterranean comfort. Hearty ingredients combine for a delightful meal you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt
- Pepper
Cooking Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 190°C (375°F) and create zucchini vessels by slicing lengthwise and carefully hollowing out the inner flesh, creating boat-like shapes on a baking sheet.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium temperature, gently sautéing diced onions until translucent and soft, approximately 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release aromatic flavors.
- Introduce chopped spinach to the skillet, stirring until completely wilted and dark green. Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ricotta, Parmesan, fresh basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Fold in the cooled spinach and onion mixture until evenly distributed.
- Carefully spoon the herbed cheese mixture into each zucchini boat, ensuring a generous and even filling that slightly mounds above the vegetable’s surface.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella across the top of each stuffed zucchini, creating a delicate cheese coverage.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until zucchinis become tender when pierced with a fork and cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
Notes
- Prevent Watery Boats by salting zucchini halves and letting them sit for 10 minutes before stuffing, which draws out excess moisture and ensures a firmer texture.
- Customize Protein Options by adding cooked ground chicken, turkey, or crumbled plant-based meat alternatives to the ricotta mixture for extra protein and variety.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation works perfectly since this recipe naturally contains no gluten; just double-check cheese ingredients for potential gluten-containing additives.
- Maximize Herb Freshness by using fresh basil and oregano instead of dried herbs, which dramatically enhances the Mediterranean flavor profile and overall dish brightness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg