Turkey Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Zucchini taco boats on baking tray after cooking.

Turkey Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 30

Servings: people

Calories: 421kcal

Author: Platings and Pairings

Turkey Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats are filled with taco seasoned turkey and topped with melted cheese and your favorite toppings. A low-carb, keto friendly way to enjoy taco night. You won't miss the tortilla!

Print Recipe

Ingredients

4 medium zucchini ends cut off and cut in half lengthwise
3 Tablespoons olive oil divided
Salt and pepper to taste
½ small onion minced
1 pound ground turkey 93% lean
1½ teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
1 4-ounce can tomato sauce
¼ cup water
1 cup shredded cheese mexican blend, divided
2 Tablespoons minced cilantro
1 Tablespoon fresh lime juice

For Topping:

Instructions

Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Cut zucchini in half lengthwise; scoop out pulp, leaving 1/4-in. shells.
Drizzle with 2 Tablespoons oil. Rub the oil over the zucchini so it is well coated. Season with salt and pepper.
Heat remaining Tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and saute 2-3 minutes, until beginning to soften.
Add ground turkey and spices and cook, breaking up occasionally until just cooked through.
Stir in tomato sauce and water and bring to a simmer then reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer until sauce has reduced, about 5 minutes. Stir in half the cheese, cilantro and lime juice.
Spoon turkey taco filling into zucchini, sprinkle with remaining cheese and grill, covered, until zucchini is tender, 8-10 minutes.

Video

Notes

Oven directions

To bake zucchini boats, heat your oven to 400-degrees. Baked filled boats for 12-18 minutes until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted.

Air fryer directions

To make zucchini boats in the air fryer, cook filled boats at 380-degrees for 10-12 minutes until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted. Air frying time will depend on the size of the zucchini.

Grill directions

To grill zucchini boats, heat your grill to medium-high heat. Fill them with the taco filling mixture and top with additional cheese. Grill for 8-10 minutes until the zucchini is beginning to soften and the cheese is melted.

Recipe tips

Use a melon baller to scoop out the centers of the zucchini.
Look for medium zucchini that are all about the same size so that they will cook evenly.
Try making your own homemade taco seasoning and use it to season the meat mixture.

Variations

Vegetarian – Swap out the ground turkey for a can of black beans
Stuffed peppers – Swap out the zucchini halves for some halved bell peppers
Hawaiian – Ham, pineapple, red onions
Caprese – Fresh chopped tomatoes, basil and a drizzle of reduced balsamic vinegar
Greek Zucchini Boats – Feta, chickpeas, and olives and flavored with lemon, garlic and oregano.
Pizza Zucchini Boats – Sausage, mozzarella, peppers, black olives, mushrooms

Nutrition