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Easy Low-Carb Zucchini Boats with Ground Turkey

low-carb zucchini boats - featured image

A quick and satisfying low-carb dinner featuring zucchini boats stuffed with seasoned ground turkey and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights and adaptable for various diets.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese (about 60 grams)
  • A handful fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Wash and dry the zucchinis. Cut them in half lengthwise and use a spoon or small scoop to carefully hollow out the centers, leaving about ¼ inch of flesh around the edges. Set the scooped flesh aside and place the hollowed zucchinis on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring often, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess liquid if necessary.
  5. Chop the reserved zucchini flesh finely and stir it into the turkey mixture. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
  6. Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  7. Spoon the turkey mixture evenly into each hollowed zucchini half, packing lightly.
  8. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over each stuffed zucchini boat.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, until zucchini is tender and cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  10. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

If zucchini boats brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil halfway through baking. For a crispier top, broil for the last 2 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning. Drain excess liquid from turkey mixture to prevent soggy boats. Can be cooked in an air fryer at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, checking halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: low-carb, zucchini boats, ground turkey, healthy dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, keto-friendly, gluten-free