Zucchini Lasagna Boats

$- 4 medium zucchinis - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated - 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning - 1 egg - 1 cup marinara sauce - 1/2 pound ground turkey or beef (optional) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil for garnish To make the best zucchini lasagna boats, start with fresh ingredients. I prefer using medium zucchinis because they are easy to handle and cook well. Next, I use a blend of cheeses for richness. Ricotta gives a creamy base. I add mozzarella for meltiness and Parmesan for that sharp touch. If you want extra protein, ground turkey or beef works great. Herbs and seasonings add lots of flavor. I always reach for Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper. These make the filling taste amazing. Finally, marinara sauce ties everything together. It adds moisture and a burst of tomato flavor. You can check out the Full Recipe for complete details. With these ingredients, you can create a healthy and simple dinner that everyone will love. 1. Preheating the oven Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. 2. Preparing the zucchini boats Grab your zucchinis and slice them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the center, making room for the filling. Keep the scooped-out flesh—it adds great flavor. 3. Cooking the ground meat (if using) If you opt for meat, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey or beef, cooking it until it’s browned. Break it apart as it cooks. Add minced garlic and let it cook for one more minute. Once ready, take it off the heat. 1. Combining cheese and seasoning In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Add Italian seasoning, one egg, salt, and pepper. Mix this until everything is well combined. 2. Incorporating zucchini flesh and meat Next, stir the reserved zucchini flesh into the cheese mixture. If you cooked meat, add that too. This mixture is the heart of your dish. 1. Layering marinara sauce Spread a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. This prevents sticking and adds flavor. 2. Filling the zucchini boats Now, take each zucchini boat and fill it with the cheese and meat mixture. Press it down gently to fit everything in. 3. Topping with cheese Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the filled boats. Sprinkle the last bit of mozzarella cheese on top. This will create a bubbly, cheesy crust when baked. 1. Covering and baking Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This step helps the zucchini cook through. 2. Final uncovered baking step After 25 minutes, remove the foil. Bake for another 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden. Let the boats cool for a few minutes before serving. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. Fresh herbs can make your dish pop with flavor. I love using basil or oregano in my zucchini lasagna boats. These herbs bring a bright taste that dried herbs can't match. When choosing zucchini, look for firm, shiny ones. The best zucchinis are small to medium-sized. They will hold their shape and flavor better than larger ones. To avoid soggy boats, salt your zucchini. Slice them in half and sprinkle salt on the cut side. Let them sit for 15 minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture. Afterward, pat them dry with a paper towel. For baking, cover your dish for the first half of the time. This keeps steam in, making the cheese melt well. Remove the cover for the last part to get that golden top. You can switch up the cheeses in this recipe. Try feta or goat cheese for a different taste. If you want more protein, add cooked chicken or mushrooms. You can also toss in other veggies like spinach or bell peppers. This makes the dish more colorful and even healthier. The Full Recipe gives you a great base to start from, but feel free to get creative! {{image_2}} You can make these boats meat-free by using lentils or mixed veggies. Lentils add protein and fiber. You can use chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for more flavor. Experiment with different types of cheese too. Try feta for a tangy twist or goat cheese for creaminess. Each cheese gives a unique taste and texture to your dish. For a low-carb meal, skip the meat and focus on cheese. Use a mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a rich filling. You can also swap the pasta layers with cauliflower rice. This keeps the dish hearty while reducing carbs. The cauliflower adds fiber and blends well with the flavors. If you love heat, add spicy sausage or diced jalapeños. This brings a kick to your meal. You can also sprinkle chili flakes or drizzle hot sauce on top. The spice balances the creamy cheese and sweet marinara. This option is perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors. For more ideas and flavors, check the Full Recipe! To keep your zucchini lasagna boats fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a layer of parchment paper between layers if stacking. Refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. They will last for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to freeze them, do this before baking. Wrap each zucchini boat tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, they can stay fresh for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. For reheating, the oven works best. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the zucchini boats in an oven-safe dish. Cover them with foil to keep moisture in. Bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through. If you prefer the microwave, use it on medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes. However, this may make the zucchini a bit soft. To keep the texture right, avoid overcooking. Enjoy your delicious Zucchini Lasagna Boats! Yes, you can prepare zucchini lasagna boats ahead of time. First, make the filling and fill the zucchini boats. Then, cover them tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store your boats in the fridge for up to two days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn. When ready to cook, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, bake as instructed in the Full Recipe. If you're out of ricotta cheese, don't worry. You have options! You can use cottage cheese for a similar texture. Cream cheese can also work if you mix it with a bit of milk. If you want a dairy-free choice, try blended tofu. Add some seasoning to mimic the flavor of ricotta. Each of these options will give your zucchini lasagna boats a tasty twist. To check if the zucchini is cooked right, look for a few signs. The zucchini should be tender but not mushy. You can poke it gently with a fork. If it goes through easily, it's ready. The cheese on top should also be bubbly and golden brown. This means your delicious zucchini boats are done cooking! Zucchini lasagna boats are easy and fun to make. We covered the best ingredients, like fresh zucchini and cheese, for filling. I showed you steps from preparation to baking. You learned tips to avoid soggy boats and customize flavors. Plus, we explored tasty variations and storage methods for leftovers. Try these boats for a healthy meal. Explore different flavors that suit your taste. Enjoy your cooking!$

Discover a delicious way to enjoy healthy eating with these Zucchini Lasagna Boats! These easy-to-make boats are filled with creamy ricotta, savory ground turkey, and topped with melty mozzarella. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a meal prep option, this recipe is sure to impress. Ready in just 50 minutes, these Zucchini Lasagna Boats are not only tasty but also packed with nutrition.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

4 medium zucchinis

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

1 egg

1 cup marinara sauce

1/2 pound ground turkey or beef (optional)

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the center using a spoon to create “boats.” Reserve the scooped-out zucchini flesh.

In a skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. If using, add the ground turkey or beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Stir in the reserved zucchini flesh and cooked meat mixture (if using) into the cheese mixture.

Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.

Fill each zucchini boat with the cheese and meat mixture, then place them in the baking dish.

Top each boat with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Let the boats cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4