These Healthy Ground Turkey Taco Zucchini Boats are a fun and tasty twist on tacos! Filled with seasoned turkey, veggies, and your favorite toppings, they’re low in carbs but high in flavor!
I love making these as a light dinner. Plus, they’re great for using up extra zucchini from the garden. Loading them up with cheese? Yes, please! 🌮✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: This is the star ingredient! Medium zucchinis are best for making boats. If you can’t find zucchini, you can use bell peppers or even eggplant as alternatives.
Ground Turkey: Lean ground turkey keeps this recipe healthy. If you want a different protein, try ground chicken or even plant-based ground meat as a vegetarian option.
Taco Seasoning: For ease, a pre-packed seasoning works well. If making it from scratch is preferred, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. You can adjust spices based on your taste!
Cheese: I love a shredded Mexican blend, but feel free to use what you have on hand. Monterey Jack, cheddar, or pepper jack all work nicely. If looking for a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese shreds.
How Do I Properly Prepare Zucchini Boats?
Preparing your zucchini boats is simple but crucial for the perfect outcome. Follow these easy steps:
- Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds gently. This creates space for your flavorful filling.
- A ½-inch thick “boat” is ideal. Too thick means less flavor, too thin can lead to soggy boats!
- Using a spoon, scrape the zucchini carefully to avoid breaking the sides. I often use a grapefruit spoon for this task!
Once ready, you can load them with the tasty filling and give them a good bake. Don’t rush this part; well-prepped zucchini makes all the difference!
Healthy Ground Turkey Taco Zucchini Boats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini Boats:
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 lb ground turkey (lean)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 tbsp tomato sauce or salsa
- 1 packet (or 2 tbsp) taco seasoning (preferably low sodium)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc.)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to bake. In a total of about 35-40 minutes, you can have a healthy and tasty dinner ready for the whole family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and warm for your zucchini boats.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash the zucchinis thoroughly and cut them in half lengthwise. Next, using a spoon, carefully scoop out the seeds and some of the flesh, making sure to leave about a ½-inch thick border. This creates the boat shape and gives you plenty of room for filling.
3. Cook the Filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, toss in the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it’s softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Brown the Turkey:
Now, add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Use the spatula to ensure it’s evenly browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
5. Mix in the Flavors:
Once the turkey is cooked, stir in the taco seasoning, drained diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce (or salsa). Allow it to cook together for another 3-4 minutes to combine all the wonderful flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Assemble the Boats:
In a baking dish, add a bit of tomato sauce or salsa on the bottom to help prevent sticking. Then, take your zucchini boats and fill them generously with the turkey mixture. Make sure they’re filled to the brim!
7. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese over the top of each filled zucchini boat, making it cheesy and delicious!
8. Bake and Enjoy:
Pop the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the zucchini is tender, and the cheese is melty and bubbly. Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped green onions, and enjoy your healthy and flavorful ground turkey taco zucchini boats!
Enjoy your meal! 🌱🍽️
FAQ for Healthy Ground Turkey Taco Zucchini Boats
Can I Use Different Meat Instead of Ground Turkey?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, lean beef, or even plant-based meat for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, ensuring the meat is fully cooked before stuffing the zucchinis.
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Boats?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or you can microwave them for a quick option. Just be sure to cover them to prevent drying out!
Can I Make These Boats Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the fridge. On the day of serving, just fill the zucchini boats and bake them fresh. You can also assemble the whole dish ahead, cover it, and bake it directly when ready.
What Can I Use Instead of Zucchini?
If you don’t have zucchini, bell peppers (cut in half) or ripe eggplants can be great alternatives for making boats. Just ensure they are firm enough to hold the filling during baking!
