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Easy Low-Carb Ground Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats

low carb ground turkey stuffed zucchini boats - featured image

A quick and healthy low-carb meal featuring ground turkey stuffed into tender zucchini boats, topped with melty cheese and baked to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium zucchinis (about 810 inches long, firm and fresh)
  • 1 lb (450g) ground turkey (lean or regular)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (100g) cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (50g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Wash and dry zucchinis. Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise. Using a spoon or melon baller, scoop out the seeds and some flesh to create boats, leaving about a 1/4-inch thick wall. Save the scooped flesh for the filling.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add ground turkey to the skillet. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally until fully browned and no longer pink. Season with smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir in reserved zucchini flesh and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until tomatoes soften slightly. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Place hollowed zucchinis in a baking dish. Spoon turkey mixture evenly into each boat, pressing gently to pack the filling.
  6. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the stuffed boats.
  7. Bake for 20–25 minutes until zucchini is tender but holds shape and cheese is melted and starting to brown.
  8. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

If cheese browns too fast, loosely cover with foil halfway through baking. Avoid overstuffing boats to prevent sogginess. Ground turkey cooks best over moderate heat to avoid dryness. Can substitute ground chicken or lean beef. For dairy-free, omit cheese or use plant-based alternatives. Yellow squash can replace zucchini if out of season.

Nutrition

Keywords: low-carb, ground turkey, stuffed zucchini, healthy meals, keto, paleo, easy dinner, weeknight meal