Beef Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Parmesan

Beef Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Parmesan are a delicious low-carb, high-protein meal featuring tender zucchini halves filled with seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and topped with melted Parmesan cheese. This recipe is healthy, flavorful, and visually appealing, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even entertaining guests.

The combination of juicy beef, savory seasonings, and cheesy topping makes these zucchini boats a comforting yet light alternative to heavier casseroles or pasta dishes.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s both hearty and healthy. The zucchini serves as a natural vessel for the rich, flavorful beef filling, and the Parmesan adds a golden, cheesy crust that makes it irresistible. It’s low-carb, gluten-free, and packed with protein and veggies, yet it tastes indulgent — a perfect balance of nutrition and comfort.

It’s also easy to customize — you can add extra vegetables, different cheeses, or herbs to suit your taste, making it versatile and family-friendly.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Healthy yet satisfying — a perfect low-carb meal.
• Flavor-packed — seasoned beef, aromatic herbs, and Parmesan cheese.
• Family-friendly — loved by kids and adults alike.
• Versatile — add rice, quinoa, or other veggies if desired.
• Perfect for meal prep — can be made ahead and reheated.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 4–6
• Calories: ~320 kcal per zucchini boat

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: American / Italian-inspired
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Zucchini Boats:

• 4 medium zucchini
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1–2 tbsp olive oil

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• Red pepper flakes

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds to form boats.
3. Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper; add ground beef and cook until browned.
4. Mix in diced tomatoes and seasonings.
5. Stuff zucchini with beef mixture and top with Parmesan.
6. Bake until zucchini is tender and cheese is golden.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Preheat Oven

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease a baking dish with 1 tbsp olive oil.

Step 2: Prepare Zucchini

• Wash zucchini and cut each in half lengthwise.
• Use a spoon to scoop out seeds and some flesh to create a “boat” shape.
• Lightly brush the zucchini with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Cook Beef Filling

• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened (about 3–4 minutes).
• Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
• Stir in diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer 3–5 minutes until mixture is slightly thickened.

Step 4: Stuff Zucchini

• Spoon the beef mixture evenly into zucchini halves.
• Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese generously on top of each boat.

Step 5: Bake

• Place stuffed zucchini in prepared baking dish.
• Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until zucchini is tender and cheese is golden brown.

Step 6: Serve

• Garnish with fresh parsley, basil, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Serve hot with a side salad, quinoa, or crusty bread.

How to Serve

• Serve as a main course for lunch or dinner.
• Pair with a green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Add a drizzle of marinara sauce for extra flavor if desired.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use medium-sized zucchini for easier stuffing and cooking.
• Avoid overcooking the beef filling to prevent dryness.
• Scoop out zucchini seeds carefully to maintain structure.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle mozzarella cheese along with Parmesan.
• Can add chopped mushrooms, spinach, or cooked quinoa for added nutrition.

Variations

1. Italian-Style: Add marinara sauce and mozzarella for a classic Italian flavor.
2. Spicy Beef Boats: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeño to the beef filling.
3. Cheesy Veggie Boats: Replace beef with mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach for a vegetarian version.
4. Low-Carb Delight: Serve with cauliflower rice for a complete low-carb meal.
5. Mediterranean Twist: Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store cooked zucchini boats in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked stuffed zucchini boats for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Skillet or frying pan for cooking beef
• Spoon for scooping zucchini
• Baking dish
• Grater for Parmesan cheese
• Knife and cutting board

Conclusion

Beef Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Parmesan are a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying dish that combines tender zucchini, savory beef, and melted Parmesan into a comforting and visually appealing meal.

This recipe is easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb option, a family-friendly meal, or a new way to enjoy zucchini, this dish is a must-try that balances nutrition, flavor, and presentation beautifully.