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ground turkey zucchini boats

Lean Ground Turkey Zucchini Boats

Delicious Lean Ground Turkey Zucchini Boats recipe with step-by-step instructions.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the zucchini base

  • 4 zucchini (halved lengthwise and scooped out)
  • 1/4 cup parmesan (I prefer Kraft Grated Parmesan for a salty crust)

For the filling

  • 3/4 onion, finely diced
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 3/4 cups marinara (I use Rao’s Homemade for the best flavor and no added sugar)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F. While it heats, wash the zucchini and cut each one in half lengthwise. Using a spoon or small melon baller, carefully scoop out the centers, leaving about 1/4 inch of flesh on the sides and bottom to create sturdy boats. Arrange the hollowed zucchini halves cut-side up in a 9x13 inch baking dish, spacing them evenly.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and diced onion, breaking the turkey into small crumbles as it cooks. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is completely cooked through and no longer pink, and the onion is softened and starting to caramelize. I like to let the turkey sit undisturbed for the first minute or two to get some browning—this develops deeper flavor in the filling.
  • Sprinkle the garlic powder and dried oregano over the cooked turkey mixture and stir to combine. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir well to coat everything evenly. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to warm through. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
  • Spoon the turkey-marinara mixture generously into each zucchini boat, dividing it evenly among all eight halves. The boats should be well-filled but not overflowing. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of each boat—I prefer using Kraft Grated Parmesan because it creates a salty, slightly crispy crust when baked, which adds wonderful texture contrast to the soft zucchini.
  • Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and place it in the preheated 400°F oven. Bake for 20-30 minutes, until the zucchini is fork-tender and the filling is heated through. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes if you'd like the cheese to brown slightly more. The zucchini should collapse slightly when pierced with a fork, indicating it's fully cooked.