Zucchini Taco Boats

If you are looking for a low carb dinner idea, make these Zucchini Taco Boats. My entire family loves this recipe and most of them prefer it over my Ground Beef Tacos Recipe.

These zucchini boats are packed with flavor and is a healthier alternative to our taco recipe.

Why We Love This Recipe

My family loves taco night, but I love making a low carb version. This zucchini taco boats helps to create a healthy but still serving my families favorite meal.

This recipe can be made with a variety of ingredients and makes a quick dinner idea for a busy week.

Ingredients

• Zucchini – Try to pick zucchinis that are similar in size so the cooking time will be the same. You can even use squash.
• Olive Oil – You will use this when baking the zucchini.
• Lean Ground Beef – You could use ground turkey.
• Onion – The Best Onion Substitutes if you are out
• Minced Garlic – I buy minced garlic and keep it in the fridge. It is a huge time saver, but you can mince fresh garlic.
• Taco Seasoning – You can make your own homemade taco seasoning or store bought
• Salsa – We use a red salsa or Homemade Salsa Recipe in our recipe, but salsa verde would also be delicious.
• Shredded Mexican Cheese – Honestly, any kind of shredded cheese will be delicious.
• Fresh Cilantro – I love cilantro on any taco recipe. If you do not like cilantro, then eliminate it.
• Roma Tomatoes – Dice tomatoes to top after the zucchini boats are done cooking.

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

Substitutions and Variations

• Cheese – If Mexican cheese is not available in your area, you can use shredded Monterey Jack Cheese and shredded Cheddar cheese.
• Meat – You can substitute ground turkey for the ground beef. No one will notice after you add the taco seasoning and you will save money. You can even make it with crock pot shredded cooked chicken or Italian Sausage.
• Vegetables – Try adding diced bell pepper with the diced onion. It gives it amazing flavor!

How to Make Zucchini Taco Boats

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

• Step 2 – While the oven is warming up, prepare the zucchini. Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and trim off each end. Next, carefully scoop out the seeds of the zucchini with a spoon.

• Step 3 – Next, put the zucchini in a baking pan. We used a 9X13 size and it was perfect. Put the zucchini with the skins on the bottom down on the pan.

• Step 4 – Now drizzle the olive oil over the zucchinis and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the zucchini is soft. You want the zucchini tender, but still firm.

• Step 5 – Once the zucchini goes in the oven, make the taco meat mixture.

• Step 6 – Place the ground beef and the onion in a pan and brown it over medium high heat until no longer pink. Use a spatula or spoon to break the beef all apart.

• Step 7 – Let it cook for 4 to 5 minutes until all of the ground beef has browned. Make sure to drain the grease.

• Step 8 – Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Next, stir in the salsa, taco seasoning, salt and pepper. If you like your taco meat spicier consider adding in a teaspoon of chili powder. If you want it saucier add in a can of tomato sauce.

• Step 9 – Finally, scoop the meat mixture into each zucchini shell and top with the shredded cheese. Put in the oven for a few minutes so the cheese can melt.

• Step 10 – Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Add Beans – If you need to stretch your meat, add black beans or pinto beans to the meat mixture.
• Baking dishes – We used a 9×13 pan, but you can also use a cooking sheet, a corning ware, or any oven safe dish.
• Leftover Over Taco Meat – If you have leftover taco meat this is a great recipe to make with the leftovers.

Topping Ideas

• Fresh Cilantro
• Diced Tomatoes
• Salsa
• Sour Cream
• Pico de Gallo
• Guacamole
• Salsa Verde

I like to set out a small topping bar for everyone to choose from. The kids love to choose their favorites.

Serving Suggestions

These zucchini taco boats are a complete meal idea. But if I am making them for taco night, I like to serve with Best Mexican White Cheese Dip Recipe and tortilla chips.

For even more vegetables, you can serve with Air Fryer Broccoli.