Keto Beef Zucchini Boats

Name: Keto Beef Zucchini Boats
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise; 2 tbsp olive oil, divided; 1 lb ground beef, 85% lean; 1/2 onion, finely diced; 1 red bell pepper, finely diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1/4 cup beef broth; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, optional

Hollowed zucchini halves filled with a savory ground beef mixture and topped with melted cheese. This low-carb, keto-friendly dish is packed with flavor while being light on carbs, making it perfect for those following a ketogenic diet.

40 minEasyServes 4320 cal/serving

MediterraneanDinnerOvenKetoLow CarbHigh ProteinGluten-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

4 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
1 lb ground beef, 85% lean
1/2 onion, finely diced
1 red bell pepper, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
2 tbsp tomato paste
1/4 cup beef broth
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions

1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2

Using a spoon, scoop out the centers of the 4 halved lengthwise medium zucchini, leaving about 1/4-inch thick shells. Roughly chop the scooped zucchini flesh and set aside.
3

Place the hollowed zucchini boats on a baking sheet, brush with 1 tablespoon of 2 tbsp divided olive oil, and season with a pinch of 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Bake for 10 minutes to soften slightly.
4

Meanwhile, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 1 lb 85% lean ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
5

Add the 1/2 finely diced onion, 1 finely diced red bell pepper, and reserved chopped zucchini flesh to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables have softened, about 3-4 minutes.
6

Stir in the 2 minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
7

Add the 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
8

Stir in the 2 tbsp tomato paste and 1/4 cup beef broth, and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
9

Remove the par-baked zucchini boats from the oven. Fill each boat with the beef mixture, dividing it evenly.
10

Top each filled boat with 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
11

Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the zucchini is tender but still holds its shape.
12

Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped, for garnish fresh parsley and 1/4 tsp optional red pepper flakes if desired before serving.

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Questions

What temperature do I cook Keto Beef Zucchini Boats at?

For Keto Beef Zucchini Boats, the oven is set to 375 F (about 190 C) in step 1. The longest stretch at that heat is 15 minutes, in step 11.

What can I use instead of Italian seasoning in Keto Beef Zucchini Boats?

The entry for Keto Beef Zucchini Boats calls for 1 tsp Italian seasoning. In its place: Equal parts dried oregano, basil and thyme, with a little rosemary.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in Keto Beef Zucchini Boats?

Yes. Choose turkey that is not extra-lean and add a tablespoon of oil to the pan, because turkey has less fat and browns more slowly. Season it a little harder than you would beef. As written, the entry for Keto Beef Zucchini Boats uses 1 lb ground beef, 85% lean.

How hot is Keto Beef Zucchini Boats?

Moderately. The heat in Keto Beef Zucchini Boats comes from 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, optional. For a milder plate, halve the red pepper flakes; nothing else in the method changes. For more, add it at the table rather than in the pot, so everyone sets their own level.

Can I make Keto Beef Zucchini Boats dairy-free?

Not cleanly. Here the dairy (1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated) is the backbone of the dish, and plant-based substitutes change both its texture and its flavor. If you need strictly dairy-free, start from the dairy-free dinner collection instead.

Is Keto Beef Zucchini Boats low-carb?

A serving of Keto Beef Zucchini Boats carries 8 g of carbohydrate, 2 g of it fiber. Against a strict 20 g keto day that is 40 percent of the budget; against a moderate 100 g low-carb day it is 8 percent.

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