Description
Savory ground turkey taco stuffed zucchini boats bring Mexican-inspired flavors to a healthier dinner option. Zucchini serves as a nutritious vessel for spicy seasoned turkey, melted cheese, and fresh toppings that create a delightful meal you’ll crave again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 zucchini
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 tbsps taco seasoning
- 1 cup (4 oz) shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F, preparing a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cooking surface.
- Slice zucchinis lengthwise, carefully hollowing out the center to create boat-like vessels, reserving scooped flesh for potential future use.
- In a skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat, sautéing diced onions until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking apart the meat and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
- Incorporate taco seasoning and diced tomatoes into the meat mixture, allowing flavors to meld together for approximately 5 minutes.
- Generously fill each zucchini boat with the seasoned turkey mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese across the top of each stuffed zucchini boat, creating a melty, golden covering.
- Transfer zucchini boats to the prepared baking sheet and place in preheated oven.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until zucchini reaches desired tenderness and cheese turns golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving with optional garnishes like fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream.
Notes
- Opt for lean ground turkey to keep the dish lighter and healthier, reducing overall fat content without compromising flavor.
- Customize seasoning intensity by adjusting taco mix; homemade blends allow better control of salt and spice levels.
- Zucchini selection matters – choose medium-sized, firm vegetables with smooth skin for ideal texture and easier boat creation.
- For gluten-free version, ensure taco seasoning is certified gluten-free and replace cheese with dairy-free alternatives if needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg