Taco Zucchinni Boats

Did the name of this dish get you? I am not sure what to call these... stuffed zucchini? Honestly, that's just not as much fun.

I have been searching for new recipes that I can 1. Make a large quantity to have leftovers for lunches, and 2. incorporate more veggies.

I am starting to sound like an adult. When did that happen??

This recipe is so fun and heats up so well the next day. AND, you don't have to feel guilty about it.. even though I am not a believer in feeling guilty after a meal ;)

There are so many different ways to stuff these. You can use ground sausage, ground beef, ground turkey.. you could even use no meat, and go with beans or just veggies and cheese.. so many options!

I went with ground turkey, I was in the mood for something a bit more lean.

You want several Zuchini, but however many you choose, multiply x2 because you are slicing them in half :)

Once you slice them in half, hot-dog style, you're going to take a spoon, and carve out the middle. You don't want to carve so much out that they are very thin, but you do want to create enough room for them to be stuffed.

I browned my ground turkey with an onion, and seasoned it with cumin, paprika, garlic, chili powder, salt & pepper.. I wanted it to resemble a taco filling. I then threw in a can of diced tomatoes, and a can of whole kernel sweet corn. And of course, you top it with lots and lots of cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Tip: mine turned out just a little tough, I like my Zucchini really tender. Try covering it with foil for the first 20 minutes with a table spoon of water in the bottom of your pan, and then uncovering for the last 10. This will steam the Zucchini while they cook, and make them really tender.

They turned out so good!

Apparently, Nelly liked them, too :) .....................

I think you are going to love this one! Is it just me or has this been a really long week? Like.. the week that just won't end. I am SO pumped for the hardwoods being installed in my house this weekend, and (hopefully) the cabinet reno. The updates are desperately needed and I can't wait to share before and afters!

We are so close to Friday.. I can almost taste it! 

XO

Full Recipe

1lb ground meat (sausage, turkey, ground beef, etc, but optional)

1tsp chili powder

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1 1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flake

1 onion, minced

1 can diced tomatoes

1 can whole kernel sweet corn
Shredded Monterrey Jack cheese 

4 decent-sized Zucchini - sliced in half (making 8 boats)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Slice your zucchini, hot dog style down the middle, in half.

3. Brown your meat in a skillet over medium to high heat, add minced onion. Add seasonings.

4. Add tomatoes and corn, cook down for four to five minutes.

5. While meat is cooking, take a spoon and carve out the inside of the zucchini, creating a deep center leaving a 1/2 inch rim.
6. Spoon meat mixture into the carved zucchini. Top with shredded cheese.
7. Bake covered for 20 minutes, uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes.