Ground Turkey Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe

Looking for a healthy and flavorful twist on traditional tacos? Ground Turkey Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats are the perfect solution! These zucchini boats are filled with a delicious combination of lean ground turkey, bold taco seasonings, and all the tasty taco toppings you love. They are low-carb, gluten-free, and packed with nutrients, making them the perfect meal for anyone looking to enjoy a healthier take on tacos. The zucchini acts as a perfect boat, providing a hearty yet light base that complements the spiced ground turkey filling.

Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner, meal prep option, or a tasty treat for a taco night, these stuffed zucchini boats deliver on both flavor and nutrition. This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the fillings and toppings based on your preferences.

In this guide, I will walk you through every step of preparing these scrumptious stuffed zucchini boats, including how to prepare the turkey filling, roast the zucchini, and serve them with all your favorite taco toppings.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini Boats

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

   - Advertisement -

2. Slice and Hollow Out the Zucchini: Wash the zucchinis thoroughly. Slice them in half lengthwise and scoop out the center with a spoon or melon baller, leaving a shell about 1/4 inch thick. Be careful not to scoop too much out, as you want the zucchini boats to hold their shape.

3. Season the Zucchini: Place the zucchini halves on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if desired). Toss them lightly to coat evenly, and make sure the zucchini boats are positioned cut-side up.

4. Pre-roast the Zucchini: Roast the zucchini halves in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, just enough to soften them slightly. This step helps prevent the zucchini from becoming too soggy when stuffed. After roasting, remove from the oven and set them aside while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Ground Turkey Filling

1. Cook the Ground Turkey: While the zucchini boats are roasting, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook it, breaking it apart with a spatula, for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.

2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground turkey. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. If you’re using bell pepper, add it now and cook for another 2 minutes.

3. Season the Filling: Sprinkle the taco seasoning (or your homemade taco seasoning) over the turkey mixture, and stir to combine. Add the salsa, corn kernels, and black beans, and mix well. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until everything is heated through and the flavors have melded together.

4. Add Cheese: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded cheese into the turkey filling and stir until the cheese is melted and incorporated into the mixture. The cheese adds a nice creamy texture and helps bind the filling together.

5. Taste and Adjust: Taste the filling and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or taco seasoning if needed.

Step 3: Stuff the Zucchini Boats

1. Stuff the Zucchini: Take each pre-roasted zucchini half and spoon the ground turkey mixture into the hollowed-out centers. Pack the filling tightly but avoid overstuffing them. If desired, sprinkle additional cheese over the top of the stuffed zucchini boats.

2. Bake the Zucchini Boats: Place the stuffed zucchini boats back on the baking sheet (or into an oven-safe dish) and bake them in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese on top has melted and browned slightly.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish the Zucchini Boats: Remove the zucchini boats from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, garnish them with freshly chopped cilantro, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and green onions, if desired.

2. Add Toppings: Serve your stuffed zucchini boats with a dollop of sour cream, guacamole, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. For extra heat, you can top them with sliced jalapeños or drizzle your favorite salsa over the top.

3. Serve: Serve the stuffed zucchini boats as a main dish with your favorite sides such as a fresh salad, Mexican rice, or avocado slices.

Tips for the Perfect Ground Turkey Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats

1. Choose the Right Zucchini: Select medium-sized zucchinis with firm skin and minimal blemishes. The larger zucchinis tend to have more seeds and less flavor, so stick to medium-sized ones for the best results.

2. Customize the Filling: You can easily make this dish your own by adding extra vegetables like diced tomatoes, olives, or even spinach. If you want a spicier filling, add chopped fresh jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

3. Make it Vegetarian: If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can replace the ground turkey with a plant-based protein like lentils, black beans, or crumbled tofu. Add extra vegetables like corn, zucchini, and peppers for more flavor.

4. Add Extra Cheese: If you love cheese, feel free to sprinkle extra cheese on top of the zucchini boats before baking them. You can use shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend for a more authentic taco flavor.

5. Avoid Overstuffing: While it’s tempting to load the zucchini boats with as much filling as possible, make sure not to overstuff them. This could cause the filling to spill out during cooking and make the zucchini soggy. A little filling goes a long way!

6. Pre-cook the Zucchini: Be sure to pre-roast the zucchini before stuffing them. This step softens the zucchini and ensures it holds up to the filling without becoming too watery during baking.

Variations on Ground Turkey Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats

1. Southwest-Style Stuffed Zucchini: Instead of traditional taco seasoning, try a Southwest-inspired flavor profile by using a mixture of cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cinnamon. You can also add roasted red peppers and black beans for more depth of flavor.

2. Cheesy Tex-Mex Version: For a cheesy Tex-Mex twist, stir in some cream cheese or sour cream into the turkey filling before stuffing the zucchini boats. This adds richness and creaminess to the dish, making it even more comforting.

3. Spicy Taco Stuffed Zucchini: If you love heat, add fresh diced jalapeños to the turkey filling or top the stuffed zucchini boats with pickled jalapeños for an extra kick. You can also drizzle a spicy chipotle ranch dressing over the top.

4. BBQ Turkey Zucchini Boats: For a smoky BBQ twist, use BBQ sauce instead of salsa in the turkey filling. Mix in some cooked corn, black beans, and a handful of fresh cilantro for added flavor. Top with cheddar cheese and bake until bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

1. Mexican Rice: Serve the taco stuffed zucchini boats with a side of Mexican rice, which is flavored with tomato, garlic, and cumin. It’s a great addition to round out the meal.

2. Avocado Slices: Fresh avocado slices or guacamole add a creamy texture and balance the spices in the zucchini boats.

3. Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy lime vinaigrette or a simple side of chopped tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro pairs perfectly with these zucchini boats.

4. Tortilla Chips: If you’re craving a bit of crunch, serve tortilla chips on the side, along with your favorite salsa for dipping.

Conclusion

Ground Turkey Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional tacos. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb meal, a gluten-free option, or just a fresh take on tacos, these zucchini boats check all the boxes.

The combination of lean ground turkey, bold taco seasonings, and the versatility of zucchini as a boat makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. With the option to adjust seasonings, fillings, and toppings, you can make it as mild or as spicy as you like.

Try it out and enjoy these flavorful stuffed zucchini boats with your favorite toppings, and you’ll have a meal everyone will love.

Yield: 4

Ground Turkey Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe

Print

Looking for a healthy and flavorful twist on traditional tacos? Ground Turkey Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats are the perfect solution! These zucchini boats are filled with a delicious combination of lean ground turkey, bold taco seasonings, and all the tasty taco toppings you love. They are low-carb, gluten-free, and packed with nutrients, making them the perfect meal for anyone looking to enjoy a healthier take on tacos. The zucchini acts as a perfect boat, providing a hearty yet light base that complements the spiced ground turkey filling.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchinis
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1/2 cup black beans (optional, drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream (for serving)
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• Salsa (optional, for serving)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   
2. Prepare the Zucchini Boats:
   Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the centers using a spoon to create boat-like cavities. Be sure to leave about 1/4-inch border around the edges. Set aside the zucchini "insides" for another use (like adding to soups or smoothies).
   Place the zucchini boats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   
3. Cook the Ground Turkey Filling:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
   Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
   Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked through.
   Stir in the taco seasoning and water, letting it simmer for a few minutes until the mixture thickens.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes and black beans (if using). Let the mixture cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, then remove from heat.
   
4. Stuff the Zucchini Boats:
   Spoon the ground turkey mixture into the zucchini boats, pressing it down gently to pack it in.
   Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the stuffed zucchini boats.
   
5. Bake:
   Place the baking sheet with the zucchini boats in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   
6. Serve:
   Remove the zucchini boats from the oven and let them cool slightly.
   Top with sour cream, fresh cilantro, and salsa if desired. Serve with lime wedges on the side for extra flavor.

Notes

• You can use ground beef or ground chicken instead of turkey if preferred.
• For extra flavor, try adding diced bell peppers, corn, or green chilies to the turkey mixture.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a chopped jalapeño to the turkey mixture.
• If you want a low-carb option, this recipe is perfect as is! You can also make it gluten-free by ensuring your taco seasoning is gluten-free.