How to Make the Perfect Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Ground Turkey
American · Medium · 50 min · 4 servings
Hollowed zucchini halves are filled with a savory seasoned ground turkey mixture and baked until tender and golden. It is a satisfying low-carb dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Why this recipe works
This Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Ground Turkey recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 50 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 320 calories with 28g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 large zucchini halved lengthwise
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Scoop out the center flesh of each zucchini half using a spoon, leaving a half-inch shell. Chop the scooped flesh and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, saute onion and garlic until softened. Add ground turkey and cook until browned. Stir in the reserved zucchini flesh and marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Fill and Bake
Arrange the zucchini shells in a baking dish and spoon the turkey mixture evenly into each one. Top generously with shredded mozzarella and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the zucchini is tender.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Allow the stuffed zucchini boats to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set slightly so it does not spill out when plated.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ground turkey → ground beef or plant-based crumbles
- marinara sauce → salsa for a Tex-Mex flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overfilling the boats which causes the topping to overflow and burn on the pan
- Not pre-scooping enough flesh which leaves too little room for the filling
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 320 calories, 28g protein, 10g carbs, 18g fat, 3g fiber.
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