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Turkey Zucchini Boats with Black Beans and Cheese

Turkey Zucchini Boats with Black Beans and Cheese
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Turkey Zucchini Boats with Black Beans and Cheese is a nutritious, protein-packed dinner combining lean ground turkey, hearty black beans, fresh zucchini, and melty cheese. This easy-to-make, family-friendly recipe offers a balanced, wholesome meal with vibrant colors and delicious flavors, perfect for busy weeknights while supporting your nutrition goals.

Ingredients

Scale

Zucchini

  • 4 medium to large zucchinis

Meat and Beans

  • 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed

Cheese

  • 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Herbs

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Other

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Zucchini: Wash zucchinis thoroughly and slice them lengthwise. Use a spoon to carefully scoop out the center flesh to create hollow boats while keeping the walls intact. Reserve the scooped flesh for later use.
  2. Cook the Turkey and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through. Season with cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Mix in Black Beans and Zucchini Flesh: Stir in black beans and reserved zucchini flesh. Cook for a few more minutes to blend flavors and evaporate excess moisture.
  4. Fill the Zucchini Boats: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place zucchini halves on a baking sheet and spoon the turkey and bean mixture generously into each boat. Press the filling gently to pack it well.
  5. Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the filled zucchini boats. Bake for 15-20 minutes until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on the edges.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving to fully enjoy the flavors and textures.

Notes

  • Remove Excess Moisture: Salt the hollowed zucchini boats lightly and let sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry to avoid sogginess.
  • Don’t Overfill: Fill boats just enough so the stuffing stays in place while baking.
  • Cheese Choices: Mix cheddar with mozzarella for better melting and complex flavor.
  • Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground cumin and chili powder enhance flavor intensity.
  • Make it Nutritious: Add chopped kale or spinach to boost vitamin content without altering taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey zucchini boats, stuffed zucchini, healthy zucchini recipe, ground turkey dinner, black beans and cheese, family-friendly meal, gluten free appetizer

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/turkey-zucchini-boats-with-black-beans-and-cheese/