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Healthy Zucchini Turkey Stuffed Boats Recipe with Brown Rice and Feta for Easy Dinner

healthy zucchini turkey stuffed boats - featured image

A wholesome and easy-to-make stuffed zucchini recipe featuring lean ground turkey, brown rice, and tangy feta cheese. Perfect for a quick, healthy dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise and seeds scooped out
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice (about ½ cup uncooked)
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A handful fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Wash and halve the zucchinis lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and some flesh to create boats about ¼ inch thick. Set aside the scooped flesh and dry gently if very moist.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. If dry, splash in a tablespoon of water or broth.
  5. Chop reserved zucchini flesh finely and stir into the skillet with tomato paste and oregano. Cook for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
  6. Remove skillet from heat and stir in cooked brown rice and half of the crumbled feta. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Place zucchini halves cut side up in a baking dish. Spoon turkey and rice mixture evenly into each boat, pressing down lightly.
  8. Sprinkle remaining feta over stuffed zucchinis and drizzle with remaining olive oil.
  9. Cover dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until zucchini is tender and tops are slightly golden.
  10. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the stuffed boats before serving.

Notes

Dry the zucchini flesh after scooping to avoid watery filling. Brown the turkey well for better flavor. Cover with foil while baking to prevent burning and uncover for a golden finish. Drain excess liquid during baking if needed. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for brightness.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini boats, stuffed zucchini, ground turkey recipe, healthy dinner, brown rice, feta cheese, easy meal prep, low carb, gluten free