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Healthy Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Ground Turkey

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Tender zucchini boats stuffed with a savory ground turkey, marinara, and cheese filling. A quick, healthy, and delicious weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but is packed with protein and veggies.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium zucchinis (about 7–8 inches long)
  • 1 lb (450g) ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240ml) marinara sauce
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dry zucchinis. Cut each in half lengthwise. Scoop out center flesh, leaving a ¼-inch thick boat. Chop the scooped flesh finely and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook 3-4 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up and cook 5-7 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Stir in chopped zucchini flesh, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer 2-3 minutes until flavors meld and liquid reduces.
  5. Place hollowed zucchini boats in a 9×13 baking dish. Spoon turkey mixture evenly into each boat, pressing down gently.
  6. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the tops.
  7. Bake for 18-22 minutes until zucchini is tender and cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. For a deeper golden top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
  8. Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

For best texture, do not overcook the zucchini. Salting the hollowed boats and patting dry before stuffing helps prevent sogginess. The filling can be made up to 2 days ahead. To freeze, assemble unbaked boats and freeze; bake from frozen adding 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed zucchini boats, ground turkey, healthy dinner, low carb, gluten free, weeknight meal, zucchini recipe

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/healthy-stuffed-zucchini-boats-with-ground-turkey/