Cheesy Stuffed Zucchini with Ground Turkey

Four zucchini halves stuffed with a seasoned filling and topped with melted cheese, arranged in a baking dish lined with parchment paper.

Cheesy Stuffed Zucchini with Ground Turkey

Cheesy stuffed zucchini boats are filled with tender ground turkey and a flavorful, creamy filling. They bake up soft and hearty, making an easy dinner everyone can enjoy.

Course Main Course, Main Dishes

Cuisine American, International, Mediterranean

Keyword baking dish, garlic, parmesan, scoop, sausage, squash, stuff zucchini, stuffed zucchini boat, stuffed zucchini boats recipe, stuffed zucchini recipe, stuffing, zucchini, zucchini boat, zucchini recipes

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Servings Portions

Calories 118kcal

Author Zuzana Paar

Equipment

1 Skillet
1 Wooden Spatula
1 Baking Sheet
1 Baking Pan

Ingredients

1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon Basil dried
1/2 Cup Marinara Sauce
1/2 Cup Mozzarella Cheese shredded
1/2 Pound Ground Turkey
1/4 Cup Onion minced
2 Pieces Zucchinis medium, halved with centers scooped

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°Fahrenheit (190°Celsius) and slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise. Scoop out the centers to form boats and place them cut-side up in a greased or lined baking dish.
Brown the ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain any excess fat. This creates the base for the stuffing.
Stir in garlic powder, dried basil, and marinara sauce until well combined. Let it warm briefly so the flavors blend.
Spoon the turkey mixture into the zucchini halves and top with shredded mozzarella. Bake for 20 minutes until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and golden.

Notes

Choose firm zucchinis: Select medium-sized zucchinis that are firm and evenly shaped. This ensures they hold the filling well and cook evenly in the oven.
Season the ground turkey well: Add garlic, onion, paprika, and herbs to your ground turkey for maximum flavor. Proper seasoning prevents the filling from tasting bland and improves the overall dish.
Mix cheeses for extra richness: Combine mozzarella, Parmesan, or cheddar for a melty, flavorful topping. This adds depth to the cheesy layer and keeps the zucchini moist.
Pre-cook the filling slightly: Sauté the turkey and vegetables before stuffing the zucchini. This ensures the filling is fully cooked and releases less moisture while baking, keeping the zucchini boats perfect.

Nutrition