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Delicious Taco Zucchini Boats filled with seasoned ground meat and fresh toppings

Taco Zucchini Boats

A creative and hearty meal that combines the classic flavors of tacos with healthy zucchini, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 6 medium to large Zucchini Try yellow squash for a color twist.
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Ground turkey or lentils make excellent substitutes.
  • 1.5 cups Cooked Rice Quinoa can be a great gluten-free swap.
  • 3 Tablespoons Taco Seasoning Homemade or store-bought works fine.
  • ⅓ cup Water Broth adds extra flavor.
  • 2 cups Shredded Cheese Vegan cheese is perfect for dairy-free diets.
Toppings
  • Salsas, avocado, sour cream, cilantro, corn, and diced tomatoes Customize as desired.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF (204ºC).
  2. Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise, then scoop out the seedy centers with a spoon, teaspoon measure, or melon baller.
  3. Place zucchini halves cut-side up on a large baking sheet or in a casserole dish and set aside.
Cooking
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add the taco seasoning and water to the meat, stirring until well-combined, then reduce heat to low and allow to simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked rice until everything is mixed evenly.
  4. Spoon the ground beef and rice mixture into each zucchini half, filling them generously, and then bake for 15 minutes.
  5. Once baked, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each zucchini boat and return to the oven for another 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
Serving
  1. Remove from the oven, add your favorite toppings, serve hot, and enjoy this delightful dish!

Notes

For extra smoky flavor, consider adding a pinch of paprika or chipotle powder to the meat mixture. Make it a family affair—let kids customize their own toppings for a fun dinner experience. Roast additional vegetables alongside the zucchini for a colorful side.