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Stuffed Zucchini Boats

A comforting and flavorful dish featuring hollowed-out zucchinis filled with a savory mixture of lean ground turkey, spices, and cheese, perfect for family dinners or entertaining.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 medium medium-sized zucchini Look for firm, fresh zucchinis.
  • 3/4 lb 99% lean ground turkey For lower-fat, use 93% lean.
  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning Store-bought or homemade.
  • 1 clove garlic, minced Use fresh for better flavor.
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced Fresh is best.
  • 1 cup onion, minced Yellow or white onions work well.
  • 1 cup salsa or enchilada sauce Choose spicy for an extra kick.
  • 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese Opt for a higher-quality brand.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you prepare the zucchini.
  2. Prepare the Zucchini: Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to create 'boats.' Save the flesh for later.
  3. Make the Filling: In a skillet, combine ground turkey, taco seasoning, minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, chopped zucchini flesh, and minced onion. Cook for 7-10 minutes until the turkey is pink and veggies are tender.
  4. Stuff the Boats: Pack each zucchini boat generously with the turkey mixture.
  5. Add Sauce: Drizzle salsa or enchilada sauce on top of the filling.
  6. Sprinkle with Cheese: Add cheese over each stuffed zucchini.
  7. Bake: Place in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted.

Notes

To avoid soggy zucchini, use medium-sized ones and rest the boats for 5-10 minutes before serving. For variations, try different proteins or seasonings.