Ground Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Highlighted under: Favorite Comfort Food Collection

I love making Ground Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats because they offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The juicy ground turkey pairs perfectly with the tender zucchini, while the herbs and spices elevate the dish even further. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty meal that's also packed with vegetables. Plus, they’re simple to prepare and can be ready in no time, making them an ideal weeknight dinner option that even my kids enjoy!

Created by

Juliet Ashford

Last updated on 2026-02-24T07:37:37.302Z

When I first experimented with these Ground Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats, I wanted something that was hearty without being heavy. I discovered that browning the turkey with garlic and onions before stuffing enhances the flavors remarkably. It’s one of those dishes that can easily impress dinner guests while being a breeze to whip up at home.

I've also found that roasting the zucchini beforehand for a few minutes makes a tremendous difference in texture. This method ensures you get a tender yet firm base to hold the stuffing, preventing sogginess while still allowing the boats to soak up all those delicious juices.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Delicious combination of savory turkey and fresh zucchini
Healthy and full of protein, making it a great low-carb option
Customizable – add your favorite spices or veggies for a personal touch

Understanding the Zucchini

When selecting zucchinis for this dish, opt for medium-sized ones as they provide a perfect balance between firmness and tenderness. Smaller zucchinis might be too fragile, while larger ones can be watery and less flavorful. The skin should be glossy and firm without any blemishes. If possible, choose organic zucchinis to enhance the flavor and ensure you're avoiding pesticides. Remember, the hollowed centers are what you'll fill with that delicious turkey mixture, so leave enough flesh around the edges for stability during baking.

Scooping out the seeds is crucial for achieving the right texture. If you leave too many seeds in the zucchini, it can become mushy when cooked. I like to use a grapefruit spoon for precision, which allows for easy removal while maintaining the structure of the boat. After scooping, placing the zucchini halves cut-side up in a baking dish helps them retain their shape and absorb all the flavors from the filling.

Perfecting the Turkey Filling

Using ground turkey not only makes this dish leaner but also allows it to absorb the flavors of the spices and vegetables beautifully. When browning the turkey, ensure you break it down into small pieces for even cooking. It should be cooked just until no longer pink, which typically takes about 8-10 minutes over medium heat. Adding the diced tomatoes creates moisture and acidity that brighten the flavors while also preventing the filling from drying out during baking.

Feel free to get creative with your filling. For a southern twist, you might incorporate a bit of smoked paprika or even substitute ground turkey with chicken or lean beef. Additionally, if you’re looking for extra nutrition, mix in some finely chopped spinach or bell peppers into the turkey mixture. This will not only enhance the nutritional profile but also add vibrant colors and textures to the dish.

Serving and Storing Tips

Once your zucchini boats are out of the oven, they can be served immediately, garnished with fresh basil for that pop of color and fresh flavor. Pair these with a simple side salad or some whole-grain bread to make it a full meal. If you have leftovers, they store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat them in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F to restore their deliciousness without making them soggy.

If you plan to prepare these ahead of time, you can stuff the zucchini and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours. This makes it easy to have a quick dinner ready to pop into the oven after a busy day. Alternatively, these stuffed zucchinis can be frozen for up to three months. Just bake them as directed, allow to cool, then wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container. When it's time to enjoy, simply reheat from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these tasty stuffed zucchini boats:

Ingredients

4 medium zucchinis
1 lb ground turkey
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Gather all these ingredients to make the preparation easier and quicker!

Instructions

Here’s how to make Ground Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats:

Prepare the Zucchini

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds using a spoon, creating a hollow channel for the stuffing. Place the zucchini halves in a baking dish, cut side up.

Cook the Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, add some olive oil and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they are fragrant and translucent. Add the ground turkey, cooking until browned. Mix in the diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning, seasoning with salt and pepper. Allow the filling to cook for another 5 minutes.

Stuff and Bake

Spoon the turkey mixture evenly into the hollowed zucchinis. Top each stuffed zucchini with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Garnish and Serve

Remove the zucchini boats from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and enjoy your delicious and nutritious meal!

Serve these boats warm for a delightful dinner!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try mixing in some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms into the turkey filling. You can also substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or beef if preferred.

Flavor Variations

While the classic combination of turkey, tomatoes, and mozzarella is always a winner, don't hesitate to mix it up! Bold flavors can be added by incorporating different cheeses such as feta or cheddar into your filling for a unique taste experience. You can also swap the Italian seasoning for taco seasoning for a Mexican twist, and serve with salsa on the side for a fresh flavor kick.

Herbs can elevate your dish even further; consider adding fresh thyme or oregano to the turkey mixture. A dash of red chili flakes can also give it a spicy kick that’s delightful. Remember, since zucchini is mild, it absorbs surrounding flavors well, making it an ideal canvas for experimentation.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your zucchini boats turn out too watery, this may be due to overcooking the filling or using overly ripe zucchinis. Make sure to drain excess liquid from the tomato before adding it to the turkey mixture, and try to choose zucchinis that are firm to the touch. If using fresh tomatoes, you might consider roasting them beforehand to reduce moisture.

Another common issue is undercooked turkey. Ground turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe to eat. If you find the turkey isn't well cooked, increase the heat slightly and give it more time on the stovetop while regularly stirring to prevent burning.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare these zucchini boats in advance?

Yes! You can hollow out the zucchinis and prepare the filling ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and assemble them before baking.

→ What can I use instead of ground turkey?

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

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

→ Can these be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze the stuffed zucchini before baking. Just wrap them tightly and store them for up to 2 months. Thaw and bake when you're ready to eat.