Cheesy Cottage Cheese Beef Zucchini Boats
A deliciously cheesy and hearty dish featuring ground beef, cottage cheese, and zucchini.
Equipment
- 1 Baking Dish large
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Knife for cutting zucchini
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1/2 cup bell peppers
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash and dry the zucchini. Cut each one in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to create boat shapes. Arrange them in a baking dish, cut side up.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce and cottage cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Serving
- Fill each zucchini boat with the beef mixture. Top with mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
Storage
- Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
Pro Tips: Be careful not to scoop out too much zucchini flesh to maintain the structure. Ingredient Substitutions: Use ground turkey as a leaner alternative to beef. How to Serve: Pair with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. Storage & Freshness: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the beef mixture a day in advance for quicker assembly on the day of serving.