Description
A quick, weeknight-friendly dinner featuring hollowed zucchini filled with savory ground turkey, crushed tomatoes, and melted cheese. It offers a comforting, low-calorie meal that is ready in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large medium zucchini (about 2 lbs / 900g)
- 1 pound (450g) 93% lean ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz / 400g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dry zucchini, then slice in half lengthwise. Scoop out the center flesh, leaving a ¼ inch wall, and chop the scooped flesh into small pieces. Place hollowed boats cut-side up in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess liquid if necessary, leaving a little for flavor.
- Add the chopped zucchini flesh, crushed tomatoes, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until zucchini pieces soften. Season with salt and pepper.
- Divide the filling evenly among the four zucchini boats. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until zucchini is tender and cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure zucchini walls are about ¼ inch thick to prevent falling apart. Drain excess liquid from the turkey to avoid watery filling. For best results, shred cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded varieties. These do not freeze well due to texture changes in the zucchini.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 zucchini boat
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 22
Keywords: zucchini boats, ground turkey, low calorie, healthy dinner, weeknight meals, gluten-free, easy recipes