Turkey-Stuffed Zucchini
Imagine a dish that's not just tasty but also packed with nutrition! Our Turkey-Stuffed Zucchini brings the best of both worlds to your dinner table. These zucchini boats are filled with a delightful mixture of ground turkey, colorful veggies, and herbs—making it the perfect meal for weekends or relaxed weeknights. Not only do they look fancy, but they’re also super friendly for your waistline!
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini - the main star of our dish! You can also use yellow squash if you’d like.
- 1 pound ground turkey - lean and tasty! Substitute with ground chicken or beef too.
- 1/2 cup onion diced - adds a nice flavor, but you can skip or replace it with shallots if you prefer.
- 1 cup bell pepper diced - go for red, yellow, or green—whatever tickles your taste buds!
- 2 cloves garlic minced - you know you need this! Garlic powder is a valid substitute too.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - or use some oregano and basil if you have them lying around.
- 1 cup marinara sauce - for that juicy punch! Make sure it’s one you enjoy! You could also use salsa for a fun twist.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - cheesy goodness! You can swap it with cheddar or leave it out entirely if you prefer.
- Salt and pepper to taste - because who doesn’t need a little seasoning?
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: First things first—let’s preheat that oven to 375°F (190°C). We want it nice and toasty by the time we pop in our zucchinis!
- Prepare the Zucchini: Grab those zucchini and slice them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and a bit of the flesh to create a cute little boat. Leave enough flesh for flavor though!
- Cook the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and sauté the onions for about 3 minutes. Toss in the bell peppers and garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes. Now add in the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s browned and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Flavor: Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and half of the marinara sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes until everything is combined and warming up nicely.
- Stuff the Zucchini: Take that turkey mixture and fill each zucchini boat generously! You want them nice and full! Then, spread the remaining marinara sauce on top
- Cheese, Please!: Shred that mozzarella and sprinkle it on top of each zucchini. More cheese, more happiness!
- Bake Away: Place your stuffed zucchinis on a baking dish and pop them into the preheated oven. Bake for about 25 minutes until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for a couple of minutes, then dig in! You can garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra cheese if you’re feeling fancy!