Zucchini Taco Boats

We are rolling in tomatoes and zucchini from the garden, so I was looking for some new ways to use them up! And here is this recipe to the rescue!

I made these yesterday as a test recipe on my kids and in-law's, as I was not really sure whether I would like them or not! 

I was happily surprised though, we all liked them a lot. My son ate a whole boat, and said it was good! 

I can see doing these with an Asian or Italian flare too, and maybe even little meatloaf boats?  Note to self, need to try all these ideas ;) next test time!

Zucchini Taco Boats

Serves 4

Ingredients:

4 medium (32 ounces) zucchinis, cut in half lengthwise

1/4 cup mild salsa

1 lb 90% lean ground beef (can sub ground turkey too)

2 tbsp taco seasoning (here is the recipe to make your own)

2 large tomatoes, diced (can sub 1/2 cup tomato sauce)

1/2 cup shredded cheese (I used cheddar)

Directions:  Preheat oven to 350 F.

Half zucchinis, lengthwise, and microwave for 5 minutes or until tender enough to hollow easily.

Using a small spoon or melon baller, hollow out the center of the zucchini halves, leaving 1/4-inch thick shell on each half. (Freeze or refrigerate the zucchini left for zucchini bread or pasta sauce)

Brown beef in a large skillet, breaking up while it cooks. Add the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes then mix well. Stir and cover, simmer on low for about 10 minutes.

Using a spoon, fill the hollowed zucchini boats dividing the taco meat equally, about 1/3 cup in each, pressing firmly. Top each with 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese. Bake 10 minutes until cheese is melted and zucchini is cooked through. Serve with salsa on the side.

 

Nutritional stats per serving

For 1/2 of recipe or 2 zucchini boats

Nutrition Facts
Servings 4.0
Amount Per Serving
calories 362
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 19 g	29 %
Saturated Fat 8 g	40 %
Monounsaturated Fat 1 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1 g
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 88 mg	29 %
Sodium 533 mg	22 %
Potassium 1198 mg	34 %
Total Carbohydrate 18 g	6 %
Dietary Fiber 6 g	23 %
Sugars 12 g
Protein 33 g	65 %
Vitamin A	41 %
Vitamin C	125 %
Calcium	18 %

*Note you can sub in 93% lean turkey meat and cut almost 100 cals per serving off! I just do not keep that stocked and the family prefers beef (Texas thing haha)! Which variation should I try next? Italian, Asian, or meatloaf boats?

X- Liss