Low-Carb, High-Protein Ground Turkey Zucchini Boats
Summer-fresh zucchini is brimming with a zesty mix of peppers, ground turkey and spices in these ground turkey zucchini boats.
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- Prep time
- 14 min
- Cook time
- 31 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- HARD
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 4 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 12 ounces lean ground turkey
- 1.25 cups thinly sliced bell peppers
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
- 1 tablespoon ancho chile powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 0.75 teaspoon salt, divided
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 0.25 cup water
- 0.75 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese
- 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange zucchini halves cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until just tender, about 15 minutes. Let stand until cool enough to handle, about 10 minutes.
- 2
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add turkey and peppers; cook, stirring often, until the turkey is browned and the peppers are mostly tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in garlic, ancho, cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, oregano and smoked paprika; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add tomato paste; cook, stirring constantly, until the turkey and vegetables are coated, about 1 minute. Stir in water; cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 1 minute. Remove from heat.
- 3
Carefully scoop out the center from each cooled zucchini half, leaving a 1/2-inch-thick shell. Chop the scooped-out zucchini flesh; stir into the turkey mixture. Arrange the zucchini halves cut-side up on the baking sheet. Sprinkle evenly with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- 4
Stuff about 1/3 cup turkey mixture into each zucchini half. Sprinkle evenly with cheese (about 1 1/2 tablespoons each). Bake until heated through and the cheese is melted, about 8 minutes. Sprinkle with cilantro before serving.