These Cheesy Taco Zucchini Boats are a fun and yummy way to enjoy veggies! Stuffed with seasoned meat, cheese, and all your favorite taco toppings, they’re super satisfying.
I love how they look on my plate, all cheesy and colorful! Plus, they’re easy to whip up for a quick dinner. Give them a try and watch them disappear! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchinis: Fresh medium zucchinis are the best for boats as they hold up well. If zucchinis are hard to find, you can use yellow squash or even bell peppers for a fun twist!
Ground Beef: I use lean ground beef for less grease, but you could swap it out with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat substitute if you want a healthier or vegetarian option.
Taco Seasoning: A packet is easy, but if you prefer homemade, mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika for your own blend. This gives you control over the flavors!
Cheese: I like sharp cheddar for a punchy flavor, but feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or any melting cheese you prefer.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a nice pop. If you’re not a fan, chopped green onions or parsley can be used instead!
How Can I Make Sure My Zucchini Boats Are Tender Yet Firm?
Getting the right texture for zucchini boats can be tricky. You want them to be tender without turning mushy. Here are some tips:
- Make sure to scoop out enough of the flesh to allow for even cooking.
- Pre-bake the zucchini boats for about 5-10 minutes before adding the filling. This softens them up a bit.
- Don’t overfill! It can make the boats soggy. Just enough filling to dome over the top works perfectly.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have perfectly cooked zucchini boats every time!
Cheesy Taco Zucchini Boats – Easy and Tasty
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time, plus around 20 minutes of cooking time. So, in just about 35 minutes, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is a crucial step to ensure your zucchini boats bake evenly and come out delicious!
2. Prepare the Zucchini Boats:
Next, cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the seeds and some flesh to create boat shapes, leaving about 1/4 inch thick walls. Don’t throw away the scooped-out flesh; you’ll need it later!
3. Sauté the Onions:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté it until it’s softened, which should take about 3 minutes. The smell will be amazing!
4. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Cook it until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
5. Season the Beef Mixture:
Stir in the taco seasoning mix and water, making sure to coat the beef evenly. Then add the reserved zucchini flesh, chopped finely, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
6. Fill the Zucchini Boats:
Place the hollowed zucchini boats in a baking dish. Spoon the taco meat mixture evenly into each boat, making sure they’re nicely filled!
7. Add the Cheesy Topping:
Top each stuffed zucchini boat with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Go ahead and pile it on for that delicious cheesiness!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Put the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You want the cheese to be melted and bubbly, and the zucchini should be tender but not mushy.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re out of the oven, garnish your cheesy taco zucchini boats with quartered cherry tomatoes and chopped cilantro for that fresh touch!
10. Enjoy:
Serve warm and dig in! These cheesy and flavorful taco zucchini boats are sure to be a hit at the dinner table!
FAQ for Cheesy Taco Zucchini Boats
Can I Use Other Meats Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based option like lentils or Beyond Meat for a vegetarian dish. Adjust cooking times as necessary based on the meat you choose.
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Boats?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or microwave them for a quick option until warmed through.
Can I Make These Zucchini Boats Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the zucchini boats and fill them with the meat mixture ahead of time. Just cover them tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to eat, bake them for about 20-25 minutes, as they may need a little extra time if chilled.
What Can I Serve with the Zucchini Boats?
These zucchini boats are hearty on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a side salad, some Spanish rice, or tortilla chips and salsa for a complete meal!
