Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy zucchini. These flavorful boats are filled with a savory turkey sausage mixture, creamy ricotta filling, and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. The combination of hearty sausage, tangy marinara sauce, and cheesy goodness makes for a comforting, yet light meal. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious dinner or a fun way to enjoy vegetables, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

• For the Zucchini Boats:

  • 3 medium zucchinis, cut in half

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 tsp black pepper

• For the Sausage Filling:

  • 1 ½ lbs turkey sausage

  • 1 medium sweet onion, finely diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 (24 oz) jar prepared marinara sauce (divided)

  • 3 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 ½ tsp dry Italian seasoning (divided)

  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• For the Ricotta Filling:

  • 2/3 cup part-skim or whole milk ricotta cheese

  • 1 large egg

  • 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (divided)

• For Topping:

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spray a broiler pan or a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Prep the Zucchini:

1. Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and use a teaspoon to scoop out the seeds and part of the zucchini flesh, leaving at least a 1/3-inch border around the edges.

2. Arrange the zucchini halves side by side on the broiler pan. Season with salt and black pepper. Set aside.

Make the Sausage Filling:

1. In a large skillet, cook the turkey sausage and diced onion over medium-high heat for 5-8 minutes or until the sausage is fully cooked (no pink remains). The sausage will likely release enough fat, but you can add olive oil if necessary.

2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.

3. Drain any excess fat from the pan, then add 2 cups marinara sauce, tomato paste, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until the tomato paste has melted and the sauce is well combined. Remove from heat.

Prepare the Ricotta Filling:

1. In a small bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, egg, 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, and ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning.

Assemble the Zucchini Boats:

1. Divide half of the shredded mozzarella cheese between the zucchini halves, sprinkling it at the bottom of each.

2. Spoon the ricotta mixture evenly over the mozzarella in each zucchini boat.

3. Top each zucchini boat with the turkey sausage mixture from the skillet.

4. Sprinkle the tops with the remaining mozzarella cheese and 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese.

Bake:

1. Transfer the zucchini boats to the oven and bake for 22-25 minutes. To test for doneness, insert the tip of a knife into the zucchini—it should glide through easily when the zucchini is tender.

Serve:

1. Serve immediately, optionally with reserved warm marinara sauce on the side.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

• Calories per Serving: 578 kcal

Tips

• Zucchini Preparation: Be careful not to scoop out too much zucchini flesh, as the boats need to hold the filling well. Leave a sturdy border so they don’t collapse during baking.

• Add-Ins: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins, like chopped spinach, fresh herbs, or mushrooms, into the ricotta or sausage mixture to enhance the flavor and nutrition.

• Make Ahead: These stuffed zucchini boats can be prepped ahead of time and baked later. Just assemble and refrigerate them, then bake when ready to serve.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes, or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef or chicken instead of turkey sausage?

Yes, you can substitute the turkey sausage with ground beef, chicken, or even a plant-based sausage. Just make sure to cook the meat thoroughly before adding the marinara sauce.

Can I use other cheese instead of ricotta?

If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or cream cheese for a different texture, though the flavor will be slightly different.

How do I prevent the zucchini from being too watery?

Be sure to scoop out most of the seeds and some of the flesh to create a nice cavity for the filling. If you want to avoid excess water, you can sprinkle a little salt inside the zucchini boats and let them sit for 10 minutes before patting them dry.

Can I make these stuffed zucchini boats ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the zucchini boats up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Then, just bake when you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze the stuffed zucchini boats?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked stuffed zucchini boats. After assembling, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Conclusion

Stuffed Zucchini Boats are the ultimate healthy comfort food—packed with savory turkey sausage, cheesy ricotta filling, and topped with mozzarella and Parmesan. This dish is easy to prepare, perfect for meal prepping, and a great way to enjoy fresh summer zucchini. Whether you serve them as a main dish or as a side, these zucchini boats are a flavorful, nutritious option the whole family will love!

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