Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe

This recipe is so delicious that even your kids might become zucchini fans. It is seriously that amazing.

The zucchini is loaded with the best blend of ground Italian sausage. It is so hearty. Everything is topped with homemade marinara. It is very simple to make and tastes so much better than store bought.

Each bite is so cheesy thanks to the mozzarella on top. It is the best meal. I doubt anyone even misses the carbs in this zucchini recipe. If you love zucchini, make sure to also try this Zucchini Lasagna or Fried Zucchini.

Why This Recipe Works

If your family is skeptical of zucchini, give this recipe a try anyway. It is really so flavorful. I don’t think anyone will miss the carbs. The zucchini is really delicious in this recipe.

It is a great healthy recipe that everyone will love. It is even delicious leftover so I like to meal prep for the week with these stuffed zucchini.

Ingredients

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

• Meat. You can substitute ground beef or ground turkey for the Italian sausage.
• Cheese. We used shredded mozzarella but anything you like is fine. You can use colby, cheddar or anything you have. Parmesan cheese is also delicious.
• Flavor. Make Zucchini taco boats instead. This is an easy way to change the flavor if you are craving tacos.
• Marinara. If you like more sauce, just add extra. You can also use store bought instead.
• Chicken Parmesan. Love this but not the carbs? Make it with zucchini by combining chicken, Italian seasonings and marinara in the zucchini boat. Top with cheese and bake.
• Meatless. Skip the meat all together and combine diced tomatoes, onion, bell pepper and marinara. Spoon in the zucchini boat and bake with shredded cheese.
• Seasoning – Feel free to change the seasoning by using fresh herbs such as fresh basil. For an extra hint of spice add in a teaspoon of red pepper flakes.

How to Make Zucchini Boats

• Step 1 – First, preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Step 2 – While the warming is heating up, get the zucchini ready. Cut each one in half lengthwise. Don’t forget to trim off the ends. Scoop our the zucchini with a spoon.

Step 3 – Then, put the zucchinis in a baking dish with cooking spray. I used a 9×13 size and it was perfect. Make sure to put the skins on the bottom of the pan. Drizzle with oil and bake until soft.

Step 4 – Place the sausage and the onion in a large skillet over medium high heat. Break up the sausage with a spatula and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until all of the sausage has been browned. You will need to drain off the excess grease.

Step 5 – Once the meat has finished cooking, add in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Then add the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.

Step 6 – Spoon the meat mixture into the zucchini shells.

Step 7 – Add Cheese – Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese.

Expert Tips

• Zucchini – I like to use medium size. Try to make sure they are all about the same size so they cook evenly.
• Bake Zucchini – Make sure to bake zucchini before adding meat mixture. If you try to bake it all together in one step, the zucchini will not be tender.
• Meat Mixture – Spoon the meat mixture into the zucchini boats making sure to not overfill.

How Long to Cook Zucchini Boats

Bake for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Once they come out of the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Serve and enjoy.

They should be bubbly and cheesy now. The zucchini boats are really good.

Serving Suggestions

I normally serve a simple side salad with this. Just keep it simple. The recipe does not need much to go with it.

For those not eating low carb, I love to serve with Garlic Bread Cheese Sticks Recipe for a simple side.