Italian AmericanMedium · Hot
Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Beef and Mozzarella
Tender zucchini halves stuffed with a savory ground beef and tomato sauce filling, topped with bubbly melted mozzarella and finished with fresh basil. A hearty, comforting dish that brings the family together.
Prep
15 min
Cook
30 min
Rest
5 min
Total
50 min
Method
Prep the Zucchini
1
Pat the zucchini dry and brush the cut sides with olive oil. Place them cut-side up on a baking dish and set aside.
Make the Beef Filling
2
Stir in the tomato sauce, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Remove from heat.
Stuff and Bake
3
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Finish and Serve
4
Garnish with fresh torn basil leaves and serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
B
Nutri-Score
Good balance
A–E · lower is better · score 0
Calories
949
per serving
High in protein · 72gLow sugar · 11g
Protein
72g
Carbs
20g
Fat
67g
Sat. fat
29g
Fiber
11g
Sugar
11g
Sodium
1918mg
High ProteinBalanced MacroLow Calorie
Nutri-Score is a general nutritional-balance guide, not medical or dietary advice.
E
Environmental impact
Very high impact
A–E · lower is better · includes estimates
kg CO2e
13
per serving
ECarbonBEU all-round· carbon sets the grade
Water
1.1m³
Land
296Pt
Runoff
0.3g P
Ground beef drives 90% of this recipe’s estimated footprint.
Carbon from Poore & Nemecek 2018; water, land & runoff from Agribalyse — modelled averages for comparing recipes, not a measurement of your groceries.
Flavor Profile
7
Umami
3
Sweet
6
Salty
2
Sour
1
Bitter
3
Spicy
Textures
TenderSaucyCreamyCrispy
Aromas
HerbalSavoryCheesyGarlicky
Kitchen Equipment
Primary Tool
OvenBaking DishOvenSkilletChef KnifeCutting BoardGraterMixing SpoonTongsAluminum FoilPaper TowelsPastry Brush
Counter FootprintMedium
Safety & Storage
Cooking Temperature
Ground beef must reach an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure food safety. Use a meat thermometer to verify doneness before serving.
Handling
Pat zucchini dry thoroughly before brushing with oil to ensure proper browning and prevent excess moisture in the baking dish.
Cross Contamination
Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw ground beef. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds after handling raw meat.
Storage
Store leftover stuffed zucchini boats in an airtight container in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days.
High Risk Population
Ensure beef filling is cooked to proper temperature. Pregnant women, young children, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals should only consume fully cooked meat products.
Equipment Safety
When removing foil after initial baking, use oven mitts and open away from face to avoid steam burns.
Pro Tips
Technique
When you're scooping out that zucchini flesh, don't go too crazy - leave about a quarter inch of flesh so your boats hold their shape nice and proud while they bake.
Substitution
If you want to mix things up, try swapping half the ground beef for sweet Italian sausage - adds a beautiful depth of flavor that my Nonna would approve of.
From the chef
When my grandchildren come over on Sunday, they always know what's cooking the moment they walk through the door. These stuffed zucchini boats? They're like little edible boats sailing across a sea of my red sauce, packed with that savory beef filling and blanketed in melted mozzarella. It's comfort food that brings everyone to the table, and that's what it's all about.
TagsComfort FoodFamily FriendlyCheesyTomato BasedBakedWeeknight DinnerHeartyGround Beef
AllergensMilk
Source: generated · June 10, 2026