Zucchini Boats with Turkey

In today's fast-paced world, finding nutritious meals that are both satisfying and easy to prepare can be a challenge. Enter zucchini boats, an innovative and health-conscious culinary concept that transforms this versatile vegetable into a delicious vessel for a variety of fillings. Zucchini boats not only promote healthy eating but also offer an exciting way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. They are particularly ideal for those seeking low-carb alternatives without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Elevate your meal prep with Zesty Turkey Zucchini Boats! This healthy dish transforms zucchini into delicious vessels filled with lean ground turkey, aromatic vegetables, and flavorful seasonings. Not only are these boats low in carbs, but they're also packed with nutrients like protein and vitamins. Perfect for a quick dinner or as a crowd-pleaser, this recipe promises a satisfying and wholesome meal that everyone will love. Discover how easy it is to enjoy a flavorful and nutritious culinary experience!

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Ingredients

4 medium zucchini

1 lb ground turkey

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare the Zucchini: Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds using a spoon to create boats. Place the zucchini halves cut side up on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Cook the Turkey Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Sauté the onion and garlic until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until the turkey is no longer pink.

Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Stir in the red bell pepper, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes until everything is heated through and the flavors meld.

Fill the Zucchini Boats: Spoon the turkey mixture into each zucchini halved boat, generously filling them.

Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the filled zucchini.

Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Zesty Turkey Zucchini Boats!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | 4 servings