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Ground Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats served on a plate

Ground Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats

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Ground Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats are hollowed zucchini halves filled with seasoned ground turkey, vegetables, and tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese and baked until crispy. Salting the zucchini first prevents sogginess and cooking the turkey filling fully before stuffing ensures moist, safe-to-eat results. This recipe is perfect for a high-protein, no-fuss weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey Use 93% lean for moist filling
  • 4 medium zucchini Halve lengthwise, hollow leaving ¼ to ½ inch walls
  • 1 whole onion Diced into ¼-inch pieces
  • 1 whole bell pepper Diced; red or orange preferred for sweetness
  • 3 cloves garlic Minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce Plain tomato sauce best
  • 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning Dried herbs
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese Shredded from block
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese Grated
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt For zucchini salting

Equipment

  • Skillet To sauté vegetables and cook ground turkey
  • Baking dish To bake the stuffed zucchini boats
  • Meat thermometer To check turkey internal temperature of 165°F

Method
 

  1. Halve zucchini lengthwise and scoop out the centers leaving ¼ to ½ inch thick walls. Sprinkle cut sides with ½ teaspoon salt and let them drain on paper towels for 15 minutes. Pat dry before stuffing.
    4 medium zucchini, 0.5 tsp salt
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté diced onion and bell pepper for 3 to 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add ground turkey and cook 6 to 8 minutes until no pink remains and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
    1 whole onion, 1 whole bell pepper, 3 cloves garlic, 1 lb ground turkey, 2 tbsp olive oil
  3. Stir ¾ cup tomato sauce and Italian seasoning into cooked turkey mixture. Simmer 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper as desired, then remove from heat.
    1 cup tomato sauce, 2 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 lb ground turkey
  4. Arrange zucchini halves cut side up in a baking dish with about 1-inch gaps. Divide turkey filling evenly among the boats. Top each with shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan. Bake uncovered at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted.
    4 medium zucchini, 1 lb ground turkey, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, ¼ cup parmesan cheese
  5. Switch oven to broil and move baking dish to the top rack. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully until cheese develops golden spots. Let the boats rest 5 minutes before serving.
    1 cup mozzarella cheese, ¼ cup parmesan cheese

Notes

  • Salting the zucchini halves before baking draws out moisture to prevent soggy boats.
  • Cook ground turkey fully to 165°F before stuffing to ensure safety and juiciness.
  • Baking uncovered at 375°F crisps edges while keeping the filling moist.

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