Ground Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Name: Ground Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 medium zucchinis; 1 lb ground turkey; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh basil for garnish

Highlighted under: Quick Collection

I love making Ground Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats for a healthy yet satisfying meal option. The zucchini serves as the perfect vessel, soaking up the savory flavors of the ground turkey and spices. These boats are ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, and they can easily be customized with your favorite toppings. Each bite delivers a delicious balance of flavors, making it hard to believe you’re indulging in something so nutritious!

Created by

Elodie March

Last updated on 2026-02-23T19:36:50.896Z

Creating Ground Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats has become one of my favorite go-to recipes. I enjoy experimenting with different spices and toppings, and using fresh ingredients elevates the dish. The trick is to not overcook the zucchini, ensuring it retains its shape and provides a nice crunch to hold the flavorful filling. Each time I make these, I adjust the spice level depending on my mood, making them versatile for everyone at the table.

Furthermore, I discovered that pre-cooking the turkey helps to enhance its flavor and keeps the dish from becoming watery. I recommend also topping the boats with a sprinkle of cheese just before they finish baking for that golden touch that brings everything together. Trust me, these boats make for a delightful, happy meal!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Savory ground turkey combined with spices for a flavorful filling
Fresh zucchini adds a healthy twist and beautiful presentation
Quick to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy nights

Mastering the Zucchini Preparation

When preparing your zucchini, the key is to create the perfect boat shape while leaving enough flesh for a satisfying texture. Use a small spoon or a melon baller to scoop out the insides gently; this helps avoid tearing the skin. Aim for a 1/4 inch border around the edges to prevent the zucchini from collapsing during baking. If the zucchinis seem too watery, you can sprinkle a little salt on the insides after scooping them to draw out moisture, making for a firmer filling later.

Preheating the oven is crucial for even cooking. Make sure your oven reaches 375°F (190°C) before you place the zucchini in to bake. This temperature ensures that the zucchini softens while the filling cooks through but doesn’t turn mushy. If you notice your zucchini boats are browning too quickly, you can cover them with foil during the first part of baking, allowing them to steam and cook evenly without burning.

Perfecting the Filling

The ground turkey filling is versatile and can benefit from various spices and herbs. Italian seasoning gives a classic flavor, but feel free to experiment with crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy twist or smoked paprika for depth. What’s crucial is cooking the turkey until it’s fully browned; this usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes over medium heat. Pay attention to stirring frequently to ensure even cooking, which helps in avoiding dry spots in the filling.

Using fresh or canned tomatoes impacts both texture and flavor. Canned tomatoes can bring a more concentrated taste, so if you use them, consider reducing the amount of additional salt. Conversely, fresh tomatoes will add brightness but might require a bit longer to cook down. If you prefer a creamier filling, you might consider adding a dollop of cream cheese or Greek yogurt at the end for richness.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

4 medium zucchinis
1 lb ground turkey
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil for garnish

Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your stuffed zucchini boats:

Prepare the Zucchini

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the center using a spoon, leaving about a 1/4 inch border. Place the zucchini halves cut-side up in a baking dish.

Cook the Filling

In a pan over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart, and cook until browned. Stir in the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Stuff the Zucchini

Spoon the turkey mixture evenly into each zucchini half. Top each filled zucchini with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Ground Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats!

Once completed, these zucchini boats will be a hit at your dinner table!

Pro Tips

Experiment with different types of cheese or herbs to customize the stuffing to your liking. If you like a little extra crunch, try adding breadcrumbs on top before baking!

Storage and Meal Prep

These Ground Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats are fantastic for meal prep. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When ready to eat, reheat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through. This dish also freezes well, allowing you to enjoy a quick homemade meal later.

When freezing, wrap each stuffed zucchini boat in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to three months. To cook from frozen, bake them directly in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-35 minutes, covering them with foil initially to avoid excessive browning. Be sure to check that the filling is heated thoroughly before serving.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

For a delightful meal, serve these stuffed zucchini with a fresh side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the juices. You can also garnish with different toppings like sliced olives, diced avocado, or a sprinkle of feta cheese to enhance the flavors. A drizzle of balsamic glaze can also add an elegant touch that complements the savory filling beautifully.

Variations can be easily made to suit dietary preferences. For a vegetarian option, consider substituting the ground turkey with a blend of quinoa and black beans, seasoned similarly for a hearty filling. Alternatively, you can replace zucchini with bell peppers, eggplants or even large mushrooms that will hold the filling just as well, providing a new flavor profile to explore.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of meat?

Absolutely! Ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based crumbles can be used as substitutes.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can these be frozen?

Yes! You can freeze the stuffed zucchinis before baking. Just thaw and bake as directed when ready to enjoy.

→ How can I make them vegetarian?

You can replace the ground turkey with cooked quinoa, beans, or lentils for a delicious vegetarian option!