These Easy Cheesy Zucchini Lasagna Boats are a fun twist on classic lasagna! With fresh zucchini as the boat, they’re stuffed with creamy cheese and a hearty meat sauce. Yum!
Making these is so simple! I love using zucchini instead of noodles—perfect for sneakily getting more veggies on my plate. Plus, they look super cute! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: This serves as a low-carb alternative to pasta. If you’re out of zucchini, try eggplant or bell peppers as good substitutes. Just keep in mind they may have different cooking times!
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: I usually opt for Italian sausage for extra flavor. But if you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. For vegetarian options, consider lentils or plant-based crumbles.
Marinara Sauce: You can use store-bought sauce, but homemade is always fresher! If you’re low on time, any tomato sauce can work in a pinch. Add some herbs like oregano for flavor!
Cheeses: Ricotta and mozzarella are classic choices, but you can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if you prefer. For mozzarella, feel free to use a dairy-free option if you’re looking to go vegan!
How Can I Make Sure My Zucchini Boats Don’t Get Soggy?
One common struggle is preventing soggy zucchini. The trick is to salt them! After scooping out the insides, sprinkle a bit of salt in each boat. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes. This draws out excess moisture. Just remember to pat them dry before filling!
- Preheat your oven before starting to ensure an even bake.
- Don’t rush the steps! Each part is essential for flavor, especially browning the meat.
- If you’re short on time, you can roast the zucchini for about 10 minutes before filling to help reduce moisture.
Easy Cheesy Zucchini Lasagna Boats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini Boats:
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Cheese Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garnish:
- Fresh basil, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 35–40 minutes of cooking time. You’ll spend some time preparing the zucchini and filling, and then let your delicious creation bake in the oven. It’s a great way to enjoy a hearty meal without much fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Zucchini:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to carefully scoop out the seeds and some flesh to create “boats.” You want to leave about ¼ inch thick sides to hold all that delicious filling. Set your zucchini boats aside for now.
2. Cooking the Meat:
Next, grab a large skillet and add the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, throw in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing! Then, add the ground beef or sausage. Season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook while breaking it apart with a spatula until it’s browned and cooked through—this should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Making the Meat Sauce:
Once the meat is cooked, stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes. This will blend all those yummy flavors together. After that, remove the skillet from the heat.
4. Preparing the Cheese Filling:
In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with half of the grated Parmesan. This will create a creamy filling that’s going to taste oh-so-good!
5. Assembling the Boats:
Now it’s time to put it all together! Place the zucchini boats in a baking dish. Start by spooning some of the ricotta mixture inside each boat. Then, layer on a generous spoonful of the meat sauce over the ricotta in each boat. Top it all off with shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining Parmesan for that melty goodness.
6. Baking:
Cover the dish loosely with foil and pop it in the oven for 25 minutes. After that, take off the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Trust me, your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
7. Finishing Touches:
Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the top for a burst of flavor and color. Enjoy your cheesy zucchini lasagna boats hot and fresh from the oven!
Dig in and savor every bite of this delightful, healthy twist on lasagna!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Zucchini Lasagna Boats
Can I Use Different Proteins for the Filling?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef or Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, try using lentils, chickpeas, or plant-based meat substitutes instead!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover zucchini boats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or warm them in the oven until heated through.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the zucchini boats and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Just be sure to add a little extra baking time if baking straight from the fridge!
What Should I Serve with Zucchini Lasagna Boats?
These boats are delicious on their own, but you can pair them with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. They also make a great appetizer for parties!
