Zucchini Taco Boats

These Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats are too good not to share! Tacos are one of my favorite quick and easy meals, and filling zucchini with taco meat and topping it all with melted cheese is a no-brainer.

It's a perfect way to use up summer zucchini, just like Turkey Fajita Stuffed Zucchini and Zucchini and Ground Turkey Pizza Boats!

These stuffed zucchini boats are so easy to make! First, hollow out the zucchini by removing the flesh. Then, make the filling and stuff it inside. Pour salsa or enchilada sauce on top for extra moisture and flavor.

The last step is baking until the zucchini is tender! If you're trying to avoid carbs or simply want to add more veggies to your meals, you have to add these Taco Zucchini Boats to your weekly rotation.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Here's what you'll need to make these zucchini boats:

• Zucchini: Look for small to medium size zucchini for the best results. Large zucchini will take much longer to cook and tend to be more watery. This recipe also works with yellow squash.
• Ground turkey: Make these zucchini boats with ground turkey, ground beef, ground chicken, or vegetarian crumbles.
• Taco seasoning: Season the ground turkey with taco seasoning. You can also simply add some chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Peppers, onions, and garlic: Adding bell peppers, onions, and garlic is another way to add nutrients and flavor. You could also add drained canned diced tomatoes or diced green chilies.
• Salsa: When making zucchini boats, it is best to have a sauce or salsa to add moisture. Use any salsa you like or red enchilada sauce if you prefer a smokier flavor. Save some on the side to serve on top of the baked zucchini boats.
• Cheese: Use any cheese you like, or leave out the cheese. Cheddar, pepper jack, Monterey jack, and Mexican cheese are all good options that melt well.

How to Make Zucchini Taco Boats

Here are the basic steps to making your own stuffed zucchini:

1. Prep the Zucchini

Slice the zucchini in half and scoop out the centers to make room for the filling. Don't toss the scooped-out zucchini. You'll use it in the taco filling for extra flavor and less waste!

Pro Tip: If your zucchini boats are rolling around, slice a tiny bit off the bottom to help them sit flat in the baking dish.

2. Cook the Filling

Brown the ground turkey in a skillet with taco seasoning, garlic, bell peppers, onions, and the chopped zucchini you set aside. Cook until everything is tender and well-seasoned.

Pro Tip: Want extra flavor? Let the filling simmer for a few minutes with a little salsa or enchilada sauce!

3. Assemble the Boats

Spoon the taco filling into each zucchini boat, then drizzle with salsa or enchilada sauce for extra flavor. Arrange them in a baking dish and top with shredded cheese.

4. Bake Until Tender

Pop the dish in the oven and bake until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melty and golden.

Pro Tip: If you love crispy, bubbly cheese, broil the zucchini boats for the last minute or two!

5. Serve and Enjoy

Let them cool slightly, then dig in! These are great on their own or topped with your favorite toppings.

How do you hollow out a zucchini?

The easiest way to hollow out a zucchini is with a spoon. Simply cut the zucchini in half lengthwise. Then, use the spoon to gently scoop out the center.

The best way to reheat zucchini and squash boats is in the oven at 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. When reheated in the microwave, the squash can get mushy, especially if they were previously frozen.

Customize These Boats However You Like

You can customize these boats to make them your own! Here are a few simple ideas and variations you can use:

• Make it vegetarian: Make a vegetarian by substituting black beans for ground turkey.
• Use a different protein: Try out a different protein with lean ground beef, pork, or chicken. I love using any leftover chicken in this chicken tinga taco recipe for zucchini boats.
• Switch up the salsa: Instead of enchilada sauce, reach for your favorite spicy green or red salsa.
• Use yellow squash: Try swapping out the zucchini for some yellow summer squash for a slightly different flavor.
• Change up the cheese: Swap out the shredded cheddar cheese for mozzarella, pepper jack, or queso fresco.
• Make it spicy: Add some extra heat with diced jalapeno or serrano peppers.

Ways to Serve

You can eat these boats on their own or pair them with the following delicious side dishes:

• Beans: Add some Shortcut Refried Beans or Slow Cooker Black Beans to the filling to bulk it up and add some fiber.
• Grains: If you're not worried about carbs, you can bulk up the recipe with some Mexican Quinoa!
• Slaw: Spicy Cabbage and Corn Slaw adds a creamy, spicy, crunchy element to the boats. Add some on top for a nice crunch!

Dressing Up Zucchini Taco Boats

Just like tacos, these zucchini boats taste even better with all your favorite taco toppings., Here are some favorites:

• Fresh cilantro
• Diced tomatoes
• Green onions
• Sliced black olives
• Shredded lettuce
• Greek yogurt or sour cream
• Avocado or Guacamole
• Queso fresco or queso cotija
• A squeeze of lime juice
• Hot sauce
• Pico de Gallo
• Salsa Verde
• Ranchero sauce

How do I prevent the zucchini boats from being hard?

Every time I share a stuffed zucchini recipe, I always get a few questions about how to prevent the zucchini from being hard. The most important thing to prevent this is choosing the right zucchini. Look for a bright green zucchini that is small to medium in size. Large zucchini tend to be drier and also will take a much longer time to cook through.

Additionally, wrapping the baking dish in foil will help to ensure that the zucchini is fully cooked. The foil traps the steam and helps the zucchini cook all the way through.

Another option, if you still find your zucchini comes out hard, is to microwave or boil it before stuffing. Simply slice the zucchini in half, remove the center, and microwave or boil for 2-3 minutes until softened.

This is also a good trick if you are short on time. Microwaving or boiling the zucchini means you don't have to cook the stuffed zucchini for nearly as long.