Description
Mexican Zucchini Boats are a delightful summer dish that perfectly combines vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients. Each zucchini half is loaded with seasoned ground meat, topped with melted cheese, and garnished with fresh cilantro, creating a colorful meal that’s ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests. Easy to customize based on dietary preferences, these boats not only taste incredible but also present beautifully on any table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Halve zucchinis lengthwise and scoop out the insides to create boats.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until soft (3-4 minutes).
- Add ground meat and spices; cook until browned (5-7 minutes). Mix in tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Fill each zucchini half with the meat mixture and sprinkle cheese on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until zucchini is tender and cheese is bubbly. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 zucchini boat (180g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Feel free to substitute the ground meat with black beans for a vegetarian option. You can also experiment with different cheeses or add jalapeños for extra spice!