Low-Carb Stuffed Zucchini Boats

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These Stuffed Zucchini Boats are filled with seasoned ground beef, red bell pepper, onion, mushroom and topped with melted cheddar cheese.

zucchini boats

If you’re looking for a low carb dinner idea that comes together quickly and tastes incredible, try a stuffed zucchini boat. When zucchini is in season, I’m always looking for great recipes to use up the fresh squash from the garden. These zucchini boats are my favorite way to make sure the tender nutritious zucchini don’t go to waste.

You can make dozens of different combinations of zucchini boats, but this one with ground beef is my favorite. It’s super easy to make. All you need to do is a bit of chopping, brown the meat, and mix it all together. It takes about 20 minutes to bake them in the oven and dinner is ready. If you like this quick and easy dinner recipe you will want to try these sausage stuffed delicata squash.

How Many Carbs are in Zucchini?

There are 6 grams of carbs in one medium zucchini. There are also 2 grams of fiber. So, if you’re counting net carbs a medium zucchini has just 4 grams of net carbs. If you scoop out a lot of the insides of the zucchini, that reduces the carb total even more.

Low-Carb Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Do I Peel the Zucchini?

There is no need to peel the zucchini. With the peels left on, the zucchini boats keep their shape well and don’t become too watery.

Also, according to Healthline, “Studies note that zucchini peel extract may help reduce blood sugar and insulin levels. This may be due to the skin’s potent antioxidants”. There are quite a few important health benefits in zucchini, so you can eat it without worries.

» You might also like these Low-Carb Meatballs without Breadcrumbs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Zucchini boats can be filled with a number of different ingredients. You can use the ones we recommend in this recipe, or get creative and come up with your own favorite version.

zucchini boats

For this version, you will need:

  • Green zucchini – Look for ones that are all about the same size. Not too large, not too small. It should feel firm and have a slight give and it should have smooth, glossy skin without blemishes, cuts, or bruises.
  • Ground beef – This dish is very light so using a lean ground beef will help keep it from being greasy and adding to that richness.
  • Red onion
  • Button mushrooms
  • Red bell pepper
  • Shredded cheddar cheese – If you want to mix it up, you can use another type of good melting cheese, like Mozzarella or Colby Jack
  • Seasonings: Garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Stuffed Zucchini Boats

The first step of the recipe is to prepare the zucchini. I do this while the ground beef is browning in the skillet to save time. So get that ground beef sizzling in the pan first, then get to it.

  1. Cut off the top stem of the zucchini.
  2. Half the zucchini lengthwise. If the zucchini is bent, turn it up toward you, so you can get an even slice down the middle.
  3. Use a tea spoon to carve out the middle of the zucchini to look like little boats, leaving about 1/4 inch of flesh all around. You can incorporate the scooped out bits into the filling, or reserve it for another use later. I like to add it to a stir fry.
  4. Sprinkle the zucchini with salt and pepper, or seasoning salt.
  5. Put the zucchini in the oven for 10 minutes to pre-cook them. This will ensure that the filling doesn’t become overcooked.

As soon as the ground beef is browned, add the seasoning and stir well. Add the chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, and half the cheddar cheese. Stir it all up.

Ground Beef

Add a few scoops of the filling mixture to each boat, packing it down with the back of the spoon. Set the zucchini boats side by side in a baking dish (an 8”x8” glass dish works perfectly). Sprinkle each with salt and pepper. Then top with the remaining shredded cheddar.

zucchini boats

Bake the stuffed zucchini boats in the oven for 10 more minutes at 375° F. Since you pre-baked the zucchini, they will be perfectly cooked, while the toppings won’t become dry and overcooked. The cheese only needs about 10 minutes to become bubbly and melted.

Tips For Zucchini Boats

  • Make sure to season the zucchini with salt and pepper before you precook it. It will help build flavor.
  • It is helpful to use a tea spoon to carve out the middle of the zucchini to look like little boats. Make sure to leave about 1/4 inch of flesh all around.
  • Leaving the peel on the zucchini will help the boats keep their shape while cooking.

How Many Carbs in This Zucchini Boat Recipe?

The ingredients in this recipe are all very low in carbs, so you can indulge. These zucchini boats have only 6 net grams of carbs per serving, which is 2 halves – one whole zucchini.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you hollow out zucchini?

Hollowing out zucchini is a simple process, especially if you plan to stuff them for a delicious meal. Wash your zucchini and trim off both ends with a sharp knife. Carefully slice the zucchini in half lengthwise, creating two long halves. Carefully slice the zucchini in half lengthwise, creating two long halves.

Can you eat the skin of zucchini?

Yes, you can absolutely eat the skin of zucchini! In fact, the skin is not only edible but also contains valuable nutrients and fiber. Zucchini skin is thin and tender, and it adds a nice texture and color to your dishes.

Can you freeze stuffed zucchini?

Yes, it’s absolutely fine to freeze your prepared zucchini boats. The only side note is that the zucchini’s texture will change after being frozen. They can be stacked side by side and on top of each other, then stored in a freezer storage container for a month or two.

What to Serve With a Stuffed Zucchini Boat?

If you’re looking for a great side dish to serve alongside this main dish, why not try one of these recipes below. They will compliment this main dish very well and are all low in carbs so you can make a great keto or low-carb meal to enjoy.

More Ways to Enjoy Zucchini

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stuffed zucchini 2

Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Fresh zucchini stuffed with seasoned beef, onion, mushroom, red pepper and cheese.
5 from 5 votes
Print Rate
Prep Time: 12 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 379kcal
Author :Laura Lynch

Ingredients

  • 4 medium zucchini about 8 inches long
  • 1/2 pound (227 g) ground beef
  • 1/2 small red onion chopped
  • 6 button mushrooms chopped
  • 1/4 cup (37 g) red bell pepper chopped
  • 1 cup (113 g) shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon (0.75 g) garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375° F.
  • Trim the ends off zucchini. Cut zucchini in half lengthwise. Scoop out the center, leaving 1/2 inch around the edges. Reserve the insides for another dish, or chop it into small pieces to add to the filling.
  • Place the zucchini boats in a greased 9” x 13” baking dish. Bake them in the oven for 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a skillet, cook the beef, zucchini pulp, onion, mushrooms and peppers over medium heat until the meat is browned. Remove from the heat. Add 1/2 cup cheese, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
  • Remove the zucchini from the oven. Spoon the filling into the zucchini shells, pressing it down to compact. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, on 375°F for 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 379kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 251mg | Potassium: 904mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 967IU | Vitamin C: 49mg | Calcium: 254mg | Iron: 3mg

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Low-Carb Stuffed Zucchini Boats

8 thoughts on “Low-Carb Stuffed Zucchini Boats

  1. Jessica Formicola says:

    5 stars
    I’ve been looking for some yummy low carb meals, and this one looks like it’s perfect! I can’t wait to make it for dinner tonight!

  2. Karen @ Seasonal Cravings says:

    5 stars
    Easy and delicious low carb winner. Love easy recipes like this especially when they are low carb!

  3. Elaine says:

    5 stars
    Ah, it’s been a while since I made zucchini boats, so really excited about this recipe. It reminds me of warmer days, which is always great! 🙂

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