Baked Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef and Cheese
Hollowed zucchini filled with savory ground beef, herbs, and melted cheese, baked until tender. This american-inspired beef (low-carb) ready in about 45 minutes pairs medium (about 1 inch thick) zucchini, ounces ground beef, tablespoons olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 medium (about 1 inch thick) zucchini
- 12 ounces ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds with a spoon to create boats.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Step 3: Add 12 ounces ground beef, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to the skillet. Break up beef and cook for 6-7 minutes until browned.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 teaspoon dried oregano and cook for 1 more minute.
- Step 5: Spoon beef mixture evenly into zucchini boats. Top each with 1/8 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
- Step 6: Place zucchini boats on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted and golden.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef and Cheese take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baked Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef and Cheese?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ounces ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef and Cheese?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef and Cheese for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Baked Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef and Cheese low-carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
