You may have tried stuffed tomatoes or stuffed bell peppers, but wait until you get a load ofMaebells’chili-cheese stuffed zucchini boats. Fresh zucchini — hollowed out and filled with a savory chili loaded with lean ground beef, spicy tomatoes and beans — makes a complete low-carb, protein-packed meal. For those who like it crunchy, top your boats with crushed tortilla chips.
Chili-Cheese Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (95% lean)
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with mild green chilies
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed (certified gluten-free if necessary)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 6 medium zucchini
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
Optional Topping
- Crushed tortilla chips
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a medium-size skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef, and drain off any grease. Add tomato sauce, tomatoes with their juice, beans and spices. Stir well, and let mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes to let flavors meld.
Meanwhile, slice zucchini lengthwise, and scoop out the center using a teaspoon.
Place zucchini boats on a baking sheet, and carefully spoon in the chili mixture. Top with cheese, and bake for 20 minutes.
Before serving, top with crushed tortilla chips, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Serves: 5|Serving Size: 2 zucchini boats
Per serving:Calories: 375; Total Fat: 13g; Saturated Fat: 7g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 79mg; Sodium: 455mg; Carbohydrate: 30g; Dietary Fiber: 10g; Sugar: 7g; Protein: 37g
Nutrition Bonus:Potassium: 158mg; Iron: 20%; Vitamin A: 17%; Vitamin C: 5%; Calcium: 22%
Annie is the gluten-free blogger behindMaebellsthat has a passion for revamping classic Southern comfort food into lighter, healthier, gluten-free meals. For more from Annie, head on over to her blog and connect with her onTwitter,Facebook, andPinterest.
Photo courtesy of Annie Holmes. Original recipe published onMaebells.
