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Mexican Zucchini Boats

Mexican Zucchini Boats

Craving something unique and flavorful? These Mexican Zucchini Boats are bursting with savory goodness! Filled with hearty ingredients like ground beef, black beans, and topped with gooey cheese, they make for an easy weeknight dinner or a fun summer dish. Make them tonight!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Side Dishes
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 3 Zucchini sliced lengthwise
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • ½ pound Ground Beef 90% lean
  • ½ Yellow Onion chopped
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper chopped
  • 2 Garlic minced
  • 15 ounces Black Beans drained and rinsed (1 can)
  • ½ cup Corn frozen or canned
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • ¾ cup Salsa store-bought or homemade
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheese Mexican blend or cheddar, divided
  • Cilantro optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • 9×13 Baking Pan

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Using a spoon, hollow out the middle of each zucchini half, leaving enough intact around the edges so that the zucchini is still sturdy and retains its shape. Set the inside scraps aside for another use or discard. Place zucchini boats in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up with a spatula.
  4. Once browned, add the yellow onion, red bell pepper, and garlic. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until slightly softened.
  5. Add the black beans, corn, and spices to the skillet and stir until well combined.
  6. Add the salsa and half of the shredded cheese, mix until incorporated then turn off the heat.
  7. Spoon an even amount of the mixture into each zucchini half and top with the remaining cheese.
  8. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to fully melt the cheese.
  9. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve.

Notes

  • Tip 1: When removing the flesh from the zucchini, leave enough intact around the edges so that the zucchini is still sturdy and retains its shape.
  • Tip 2: Use lean ground beef for a healthier meal.
  • Tip 3: Try swapping the beef for ground turkey or chicken.