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–+ servings
Three baked zucchini boats stuffed with seasoned ground meat, red peppers, and melted cheese, perfect for Simple Low-Carb Dinner Ideas.

Simple Low-Carb Stuffed Zucchini Boats

These zucchini boats use ground beef and fresh vegetables for a simple, low-carb, and gluten-free dinner. This recipe is quick to prepare and suitable for a family meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Baking Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Zucchini Boats
  • 5/6 Zucchini medium or large
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • Salt To taste
  • Black Pepper To taste
For the Filling
  • 1 kg Ground beef
  • 1 Red onion chopped
  • 1 Red pepper chopped
  • 2 Garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tbsp Cumin
  • 1 tbsp Sweet paprika
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes cut in half
  • 1/2 cup Red beans
  • 1 tbsp Lime juice
  • 1 tbsp Parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Large skillet

Method
 

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 180º C or 370º F.
  2. Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the insides. Season with salt, black pepper, and drizzle with olive oil. Place into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
  3. While the zucchini is cooking, add the red onion and garlic cloves in a large skillet. Cook for 2 minutes.
  4. Season ground beef with lime juice, sweet paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Mix it very well to combine.
  5. Add this mixture to the skillet and continue to cook for about 5 minutes, tossing and breaking up occasionally until just cooked through.
  6. Add red beans and cherry tomatoes.
  7. Stir in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer until the sauce has reduced. (Note: Chicken broth was not listed in ingredients but is mentioned here; omit if you prefer a drier filling.)
  8. Fill the zucchini boats with the ground beef mixture. Add shredded cheese on top (Note: Cheese was not listed in ingredients but is mentioned here; add your preferred cheese now).
  9. Place back into the oven and cook for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Drizzle with chopped parsley.
  10. Serve hot.

Notes

This recipe is naturally low-carb and gluten-free. If you are following a strict keto diet, check the carbohydrate content of the red beans and adjust or omit them as needed. You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meal.

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