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 zucchini, halved lengthwise; 1 lb (450g) ground turkey; 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh); 1/2 cup onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Highlighted under: Fresh Start Meals

I love preparing Ground Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family enjoys. The combination of tender zucchini and flavorful turkey creates a delicious dish that’s both satisfying and healthy. With only a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, I can whip up these boats in under an hour. The best part is that they are customizable – you can add your favorite spices or veggies to suit your taste. It's a delightful way to incorporate more vegetables into our meals!

Created by

Lucy Price

Last updated on 2026-02-27T20:53:35.969Z

When I first tried Ground Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats, I was amazed by how satisfying and flavorful they can be. It’s incredibly rewarding to take simple ingredients and turn them into a comforting, wholesome meal. What really works for me is seasoning the turkey with a mix of herbs and spices, allowing the flavors to mesh beautifully during cooking.

One detail that elevates the dish is using fresh herbs at the end as a final touch—fresh basil or parsley really brings the entire dish to life. I’ve also experimented with different cheeses for the topping and love how mozzarella melts perfectly over the zucchini. It’s a versatile recipe that’s a staple in my kitchen!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A healthy, low-carb option that’s full of flavor
Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
Perfect for meal prepping and leftovers
A great way to use fresh summer zucchini

The Role of Ingredients

Each ingredient in these Ground Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats plays a significant role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture. For instance, the ground turkey not only provides a lean protein source, but it absorbs the juices from the diced tomatoes and spices, enhancing its taste. The addition of garlic and onion adds depth, while the dried oregano and basil contribute an aromatic quality that ties everything together. It’s crucial to choose ripe tomatoes or high-quality canned ones, as they form the base of the filling and impact the overall moisture and flavor.

The zucchini itself acts as a vessel, but its flesh also contributes a mild sweetness to the dish. When scooping out the insides, aim for a careful removal so that the boats maintain their structural integrity, allowing them to hold all the vibrant turkey mixture. If the zucchini is too firm, it won’t bake down properly, resulting in a raw texture. Likewise, using medium-sized zucchini ensures an even cook, preventing them from becoming too soft or soggy during baking.

Techniques for Perfect Zucchini Boats

To ensure that your zucchini boats cook evenly, make certain that you cut them uniformly in half. The baking dish should not overcrowd them, as this will trap steam and make them mushy. Spacing them out allows for better air circulation, helping them achieve that tender yet firm texture that’s heavenly when paired with the cheesy, turkey filling. Another technique is to precook the filling until just tender, rather than fully cooked, to prevent the mixture from becoming overly dry during baking.

When it comes to baking, starting with the foil cover is essential for sealing in moisture, allowing the cheese to melt rather than burn. After the first 20 minutes, the foil can be removed to let the cheese brown perfectly. If you notice that the cheese isn’t achieving that golden color, simply switch on the broiler for a minute or two—just keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

Ingredients

For the Zucchini Boats

4 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise
1 lb (450g) ground turkey
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
1/2 cup onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Instructions

How to Prepare

Preheat and Prepare Zucchini

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Scoop out the insides of the zucchini halves using a spoon to create boats. Keep the flesh for later use.

Cook the Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, add minced garlic and onions. Sauté until fragrant. Add ground turkey, cooking until browned. Stir in diced tomatoes, zucchini flesh, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5-7 minutes.

Stuff and Bake

Fill each zucchini boat with the turkey mixture. Place them in a baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.

Serve

Once cooked, let the zucchini boats cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, then serve warm.

Pro Tips

For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the turkey mixture. These zucchini boats are also great with ground beef or chicken if you want to try something different.

Variations and Customizations

One of the best aspects of these zucchini boats is their versatility. If you’re not a fan of ground turkey, feel free to substitute it with lean ground beef, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative to cater to different dietary preferences. Each option will provide a distinct flavor; just be mindful of the cooking times as they may vary slightly. You can also swap in other vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms in the filling mix, which not only enhance the nutrition but also add exciting textures.

For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the turkey mixture. Alternatively, you can top the baked boats with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness just before serving. The possibilities are endless, allowing for an ever-changing dish that can match your family's flavor preferences throughout the season.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These stuffed zucchini boats are perfect for meal prep. You can assemble them ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator covered with foil for 1-2 days before baking. This not only saves time on busy weeknights but also allows the flavors to meld together for a more delicious outcome. If you opt to prepare them in advance, consider slightly undercooking the filling to prevent too much moisture from making the zucchini soggy during storage.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, bake them directly from the freezer at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-35 minutes, or until heated through. If possible, cover them with foil until warmed, then remove it to allow the cheese to crisp up slightly when the last few minutes of cooking time approach.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of meat?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or beef can work well as substitutes for turkey.

→ How do I store leftovers?

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

→ Can I freeze these zucchini boats?

Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! As long as you ensure the seasoning used is gluten-free, this recipe is a great gluten-free option.