Name: Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 large zucchini; 1 pound ground beef; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon oregano; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ½ cup sour cream; 3 green onions, thinly sliced; 2 Roma tomatoes, diced; 1 avocado, thinly sliced; 1 bunch fresh cilantro; 1 lime, to squeeze on top

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 38 reviews

If you love the bold, zesty flavors of tacos but want a fun, lighter twist, then you’re going to adore this Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe. These zucchini halves are transformed into colorful edible vessels packed with seasoned ground beef and topped with fresh, creamy garnishes that make every bite a fiesta in your mouth. Whether you’re craving something low-carb, seeking a fresh way to enjoy taco night, or just looking to impress with a simple yet satisfying dish, this recipe delivers vibrant taste and a delightful texture combo that never disappoints.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows green zucchini sliced in half lengthwise, hollowed out with a smooth pale yellow interior, arranged on a wooden board. Four zucchini halves are empty while one is filled with crumbly brown cooked ground meat. A small metal spoon lies next to the filled zucchini. In the background, a white bowl holds more brown ground meat. At the front of the board, there is a small pile of pale yellow zucchini flesh. The scene is set near a bright window on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for straightforward, easily found ingredients that each bring something special to the table—whether it’s flavor, crunch, or creamy richness. Getting these basics right will make your Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe shine with every bite.

4 large zucchini: The perfect vessel, their mild flavor and tender flesh cradle all the taco goodness beautifully.
1 pound ground beef: Provides a hearty, protein-packed base that soaks up all the spices.
Taco Seasoning blend: Made with chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper to deliver authentic, savory warmth.
½ cup sour cream: Adds luscious creaminess that balances the spices perfectly.
3 green onions, thinly sliced: Offer a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant color.
2 Roma tomatoes, diced: Bring juicy brightness with every bite.
1 avocado, thinly sliced: Creamy and buttery, it’s the ultimate cooling partner to the spicy filling.
1 bunch fresh cilantro: Its herbal zing lifts the entire dish to a new level.
1 lime, to squeeze on top: A spritz of citrus ties all the flavors together beautifully.

How to Make Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the zucchini boats

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise and gently scoop out the center flesh with a spoon, creating “boats” about half an inch thick around the edges. This part is so satisfying—watch those boats come to life as you hollow them out, ready to hold all that flavorful filling.

Step 2: Cook the taco-seasoned ground beef

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and crumbly. Drain any excess fat, then stir in your homemade taco seasoning blend—chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the spices toast a bit with the meat to really intensify that signature taco flavor. This step is the heart of the Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe, packing every bite with bold, comforting warmth.

Step 3: Fill the zucchini boats

Arrange your hollowed zucchini halves on a baking sheet and fill each generously with the seasoned ground beef mixture. The beef mound should be just right—not spilling over but plenty full. This is where the zucchini meets that deep, smoky taco meat, creating a harmony of soft and savory textures.

Step 4: Bake until tender

Pop the stuffed zucchini into the oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You want the zucchini tender but still holding its shape—soft enough to enjoy but not mushy. The aroma while baking will have your kitchen smelling like a taco celebration in progress.

Step 5: Add fresh toppings

Once out of the oven, let the zucchini boats cool slightly before piling on fresh sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, avocado, and fresh cilantro. A final squeeze of lime juice adds brightness and ties all the flavors perfectly together. These toppings bring a cooling, crunchy, and creamy finish that makes the Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe truly irresistible.

How to Serve Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe

Four whole dark green zucchinis lie on a wooden cutting board with one zucchini sliced in half showing its pale green inside with small seeds. A large kitchen knife with a black handle rests near the sliced zucchini. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Don’t skimp on the garnishes—they’re what make each serving pop. Fresh slices of avocado and a dollop of sour cream add luscious creaminess. Sprinkle thinly sliced green onions and chopped cilantro for freshness, and finish with a juicy squirt of lime to brighten the whole dish.

Side Dishes

These zucchini boats shine on their own, but pair beautifully with a light side—think Mexican street corn salad, a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette, or simply some warm, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices. Keep the sides fresh and simple to complement, not overpower, the vibrant taco flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe on a large platter sprinkled with extra cilantro and lime wedges for guests to customize. Or, turn these into individual servings by plating each boat with contrasting color mounds of red tomatoes and bright green avocado slices. Presentation adds to the experience and makes this dish a total crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers—and they often disappear fast—store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The zucchini might soften a bit, but the flavors continue to meld delightfully.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but best done with caution. Place the cooked, cooled stuffed zucchini boats in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Note that the texture of zucchini can change after freezing, becoming a little softer upon reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, bake the zucchini boats in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave works for a faster option, but oven reheating keeps that cozy baked texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lean, healthier alternative that works well with the taco seasoning blend. Just cook it the same way and enjoy the lighter yet flavorful twist on your Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe.

How do I keep the zucchini from getting soggy?

Scooping out the centers and baking at a moderate temperature helps keep the zucchini firm. Avoid overcooking and be sure to drain any excess moisture from the cooked meat before stuffing to minimize sogginess.

Can this recipe be made vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Season them with the same taco mix for that iconic flavor profile.

What other toppings can I add?

Feel free to get creative with toppings like shredded cheese, pickled jalapeños, diced red onions, or a drizzle of hot sauce to personalize your Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe exactly how you like it.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your taco seasoning doesn’t contain any hidden gluten-containing fillers. Always double-check packaged spices if you need to be certain.

Final Thoughts

This Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe is such a joy to make and enjoy, blending fresh garden flavors with the irresistible zest of classic tacos. Give it a try the next time you want a meal that’s both fun and satisfying—you might just find it quickly becoming one of your all-time favorites.