There are so many ways to enjoy zucchini, but my favorite has to be these Stuffed Zucchini Boats!

Filled with savory sausage sauce and topped with melty mozzarella, these zucchini boats are a breeze to make and perfect for dinner.

Want a vegetarian option? Simply swap the sausage for mushrooms or tofu. Versatile and delicious!

Ingredients

2 medium zucchini
1 tsp olive oil
1 lb hot Italian sausage
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 yellow onion, minced
2 cups chopped tomatoes or 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 tbsp fresh basil, plus more for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a saucepan, brown the sausage, then add garlic and Italian seasoning.

Step 2: Add tomatoes or sauce and basil, simmer for 20 minutes (5-10 if using sauce).

Step 3: Halve zucchini, scoop out seeds to make boats, and salt to remove moisture.

Step 4: Place zucchini in a casserole dish, season, and add a sprinkle of mozzarella.

Step 5: Fill with meat sauce, top with cheese, and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes.

Step 6: Broil to brown cheese, serve hot and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, try mild sausage, ground beef, chicken, or turkey.

2. How can I make this vegetarian?

Replace sausage with mushrooms, tofu, or a meat alternative and use vegan cheese.

3. Can I use something other than zucchini?

Yellow squash or eggplant works well as substitutes.

4. What if I don’t have fresh tomatoes?

Tomato sauce or marinara is a great alternative.

5. How do I keep the zucchini boats steady?

Trim the bottoms if needed to keep them upright in the dish.