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Easy Cheesy Zucchini Boats with Ground Turkey

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A quick and healthy dinner recipe featuring ground turkey and melted cheese stuffed into tender zucchini boats, perfect for family meals and picky eaters.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium-sized zucchinis, washed and halved lengthwise
  • 1 pound (450g) ground turkey, lean or extra lean
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce, plain or seasoned
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 100g), part-skim recommended
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 25g)
  • A handful of fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
  2. Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds and some flesh to create boats about 1/2 inch thick walls. Reserve and finely chop the scooped zucchini flesh.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds without burning.
  5. Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  6. Stir in reserved zucchini flesh, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors and reduce moisture.
  7. Spoon the turkey mixture evenly into each zucchini half and arrange them in the prepared baking dish.
  8. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the stuffed zucchini.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted and golden brown. Optionally broil for 2-3 minutes for extra bubbly cheese, watching closely to avoid burning.
  10. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Notes

Do not scoop out too much zucchini flesh to prevent boats from collapsing. Use medium heat to brown turkey to avoid drying out. Fresh shredded mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded. Baking time can be adjusted for firmer or softer zucchini. Broil cheese at the end for extra browning but watch carefully.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini boats, ground turkey, healthy dinner, cheesy zucchini, easy recipe, low carb, gluten-free

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/easy-cheesy-zucchini-boats-with-ground-turkey-recipe-for-healthy-dinners/