Deliciously Stuffed: Zucchini Taco Boats Recipe
When you’re looking for a dish that brings the heartiness of tacos without the carbs, you’ve got to try these Zucchini Taco Boats. They combine the rich flavors of traditional tacos with the fresh, crisp texture of zucchini, making a meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a healthy party appetizer, this recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a low-carb taco night. Let’s dive into how to make these scrumptious boats!
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/4 onion, diced
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese
- Fresh cilantro, shredded, for garnish
- 1 Roma tomato, diced, for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees F to ensure it’s hot and ready for your zucchini boats.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise, trim off the ends, and scoop out the seeds with a spoon to create your “boats.” Arrange them in a 9×13 baking pan, skin-side down. Drizzle the zucchini with olive oil.
- Bake the Zucchini: Place the zucchini in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until they are just soft.
- Cook the Filling: While the zucchini are baking, heat a pan over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef and diced onion for about 4-5 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the pan. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Next, stir in the salsa, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper, mixing everything thoroughly.
- Stuff the Zucchini: Remove the zucchini from the oven and fill each boat with the beef mixture. Sprinkle generously with shredded Mexican cheese.
- Final Bake: Return the zucchini boats to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Top each zucchini boat with fresh cilantro and diced tomatoes before serving. This adds a burst of freshness and color that makes the dish even more appealing!
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4
These Zucchini Taco Boats are not just tasty; they are a visual treat too! Loaded with flavors and topped with vibrant fresh cilantro and tomatoes, they make a perfect meal that pleases both the eyes and the palate. Enjoy these at your next family dinner, or serve them up at parties and watch them disappear! Happy cooking!
Zucchini Taco Boats
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Zucchini Taco Boats offer a delightful twist on traditional tacos, combining the fresh, mild flavor of zucchini with the robust, savory notes of seasoned beef and melty cheese. Perfect for those seeking a healthier, low-carb alternative to taco shells, these boats are not only nutritious but also incredibly satisfying.
The simplicity of the preparation, coupled with the richness of flavors, makes this dish a perfect choice for weeknight dinners. It also presents beautifully, making it a great option for entertaining guests. Each boat is a burst of color and taste, ensuring that each bite is as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Ingredients
4 medium zucchini
2 tsp Olive Oil
1 LB Lean Ground Beef
1/4 Onion, diced
1 tsp Minced Garlic
2 Tbsp Taco Seasoning
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Pepper
1/2 cup Salsa
1 cup Shredded Mexican Cheese
Fresh Cilantro, shredded
1 Roma Tomato, diced
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise, trim off the ends, and scoop out the seeds.
Place the zucchinis in a 9X13 baking pan, skin-side down. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 12-15 minutes until soft.
While zucchinis bake, brown the ground beef and onion in a pan over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes. Drain excess grease.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in salsa, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Spoon the meat mixture into the zucchini shells and top with cheese. Bake for 5 more minutes to melt the cheese.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and diced tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal