Ground Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Name: Ground Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 cup marinara sauce; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 medium zucchinis; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh basil, for garnish

Highlighted under: Family Meals

When I first created these Ground Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats, I was looking for a wholesome yet satisfying dish that could get my family excited about vegetables. Each bite is a delightful combination of savory turkey and fresh zucchini, resulting in a deliciously balanced meal. The best part? This dish is incredibly easy to make and is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week ahead. I promise, you’ll love how healthy and fulfilling it feels!

Created by

Belinda Fraser

Last updated on 2026-02-27T14:57:35.329Z

I remember the first time I made these stuffed zucchini boats; I had a couple of zucchinis left over from a recent grocery run, and I didn’t want them to go to waste. I decided to whip up a filling using ground turkey, spices, and cheese that would complement the natural flavor of the zucchini. The combination was stunning, and it not only filled bellies but also boosted our veggie intake!

One tip I picked up along the way is to scoop out the center of the zucchini carefully—I use a melon baller for precision. This little step allows for more filling and ensures that each boat is perfectly balanced without being too soggy. Trust me, those small details make a big difference!

Why You'll Love These Zucchini Boats
Packed with protein and vegetables for a balanced meal
Customizable with your favorite spices and toppings
A fun, interactive dish that's great for the whole family
Light yet satisfying, perfect for any season

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the ground turkey, which offers a lean source of protein while keeping the dish light. To enhance the flavor, ensure your turkey is cooked just until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes on medium heat. The seasoning with Italian herbs imparts a fragrant aroma that elevates the dish. For a spicier kick, you can substitute the Italian seasoning with crushed red pepper flakes or your favorite spice blend.

Zucchini serves as a perfect vessel for this filling, providing a subtle, fresh flavor. When selecting zucchinis, choose ones that are firm and glossy, avoiding any that feel soft or have blemishes. I recommend scooping out the center carefully—this creates ample space for the filling and helps keep the zucchini from becoming too watery while baking.

Tips for Perfectly Stuffed Zucchini

When preparing the zucchini, brush the outer skins with olive oil. This not only adds flavor but also aids in crisping the zucchini’s skin during baking. Baking at 375°F (190°C) allows the zucchinis to cook through without losing their structure. Overcrowding the baking sheet can lead to uneven baking, so ensure your zucchini boats are spaced out properly.

Pack the turkey filling into the zucchini boats firmly but avoid overstuffing. Leaving a bit of space can help the cheese melt beautifully on top without spilling over. Baking until the cheese is bubbly and golden, around 25 minutes, will give you that crispy texture on top without compromising the tenderness of the zucchini.

Ingredients

For the Filling

1 pound ground turkey
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup marinara sauce
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Zucchini

4 medium zucchinis
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Zucchini

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the center, creating a boat. Lightly brush the outside with olive oil and arrange them on a baking sheet.

Cook the Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant. Add ground turkey and cook until browned. Stir in Italian seasoning, marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Stuff the Zucchini

Spoon the turkey filling into the hollowed zucchini boats, packing them tightly. Top each with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until zucchini is tender and cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve

Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil, and enjoy your deliciously healthy stuffed zucchini boats!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite vegetables or spices. You can also substitute ground turkey with ground beef or chicken for a different flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These stuffed zucchini boats are not only quick to prepare but also make excellent meal prep options. You can prepare the turkey filling up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply stuff and bake the zucchinis as directed, keeping in mind that pre-cooked filling may require a slightly longer baking time to warm through.

If you're looking to freeze any leftovers, the stuffed zucchini boats can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Feel free to customize your stuffed zucchini boats based on what you have on hand or your family's preferences. For a vegetarian version, you could substitute the ground turkey with cooked quinoa or a mix of black beans and corn, adding extra spices for flavor. You can also switch up the toppings; try crumbled feta or cheddar cheese for a different twist.

To serve, consider a light salad or a side of roasted vegetables for an added crunch. Drizzling balsamic glaze over the finished boats adds a touch of sweetness that complements the savory filling beautifully. These boats can also be paired with whole grain pasta for a heartier meal or served alongside a crusty piece of bread for dipping.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these zucchini boats ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and stuff the zucchini boats a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator and bake when ready to eat!

→ What can I use instead of ground turkey?

You can use ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.

→ How do I know when the zucchini is done?

The zucchini is cooked when it is tender but still holds its shape, and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

→ Can I freeze leftover stuffed zucchini?

Yes! Allow them to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.