These turkey stuffed zucchini boats come together quickly with only 5 simple ingredients! It’s the perfect healthy dinner recipe for busy weeknights.
Sometimes the last thing I want to do is spend an hour in the kitchen at night preparing dinner after a long day. That’s where quick and easy recipes like these turkey zucchini boats come in!
These stuffed zucchini boats have been a favorite in our household for years. I just love that they only require five simple ingredients, they’re loaded with protein and are so easy to make! Isaac loves them because they are delicious and basically a mixture between pizza and pasta, two of his favorite foods.
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Feel free to get creative with these zucchini boats! You can add any vegetables you have laying around, add extra spices, add different meat or make them meatless by using crumbled tempeh. Make them work for you. They are the perfect ‘build your own’ meal.
Enjoy them on their own or pair them with a salad like this garlicky kale salad or kale caesar salad. It’s the perfect combo if I do say so myself.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious and Low-Carb: These turkey zucchini boats are packed with lean protein and vegetables, making them a healthy, low-carb meal option.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of seasoned ground turkey, marinara sauce, and a touch of parmesan cheese creates a delicious, satisfying dish.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe comes together quickly for a hassle-free dinner.
- Versatile: Easily customize with your favorite marinara sauce or add extra veggies and spices to suit your taste.
- zucchini squash – medium, these will be halved and scooped to create the boats, providing a nutritious base.
- onion – chopped, adding flavor and texture to the turkey filling.
- ground lean turkey – a healthy, protein-rich filling that pairs well with the zucchini.
- prepared marinara sauce – look for one without added sugar to keep it healthy; this will add moisture and flavor to the dish.
- parmesan cheese – optional, for a cheesy topping that adds a savory finish to the boats.
Recipe Substitutions
- Ground turkey: Swap with ground chicken for a similar lean protein option. Ground beef offers a richer flavor, though higher in fat. For a vegetarian or vegan alternative, try using tempeh or garbanzo beans for a hearty protein.
- Marinara sauce: Use homemade marinara sauce to control the ingredients and flavor. You can also substitute with any other tomato-based sauce, such as arrabbiata for a spicier kick. If you’re avoiding tomatoes, try a basil pesto or Alfredo sauce for a completely different taste.
- Parmesan cheese: Substitute with mozzarella for a creamy melt, cheddar for a sharper taste, or feta for a tangy twist. For a dairy-free option, use nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative to keep it plant-based.
- Onion: Replace with shallots for a milder, sweeter flavor, leeks for a subtle onion taste, or green onions for a fresh, mild flavor.
How to Make Zucchini Boats
Step 1: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and ground turkey into the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, breaking apart the turkey with a wooden spoon or spatula while it cooks.
Step 2: Add the marinara sauce to the turkey mixture. Stir to fully coat the turkey mixture with the sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Cut each zucchini in half, lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop the seeds and center out of each zucchini half, leaving about ¼ inch thick zucchini boat.
Step 4: Place the zucchini cut-side up in a 9×13 baking dish. Spoon the turkey mixture evenly into the zucchini boats. Sprinkle each boat with parmesan cheese, if desired. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20-30 minutes or until boats are heated throughout and cheese has melted. Serve immediately!
Recipe Tip!
To prevent the zucchini from becoming too soft and mushy, keep an eye on the baking time. The zucchini should be tender but still have a slight bite. Check for doneness at the 20-minute mark and adjust accordingly.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover zucchini boats in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
For easy grab-and-go meals, store individual portions in separate containers. This makes it convenient to reheat just what you need for a quick lunch or dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
To prevent watery zucchini boats, you can sprinkle a little salt on the scooped-out zucchini halves and let them sit for 10-15 minutes before filling. This helps draw out excess moisture. Pat them dry with a paper towel before adding the filling.
Zucchini boats can be served with a side salad, over rice or quinoa, with garlic bread, or topped with fresh herbs. They also make a great appetizer when cut into smaller pieces.
More Turkey Recipes
Be sure to check out the full collection of ground turkey recipes here on EBF!
