Keto Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats Recipe That Hits All the Right Notes

Let’s get straight to the point: you’re hungry, you’re probably tired, and you want dinner to taste good and keep you in ketosis. That’s where these Keto Beef Zucchini Boats slide in and save your night.

We’re talking juicy ground beef tucked into zucchini halves, topped with melty cheese, and baked until everything is bubbly and golden. The best part? It’s one of those ground beef recipes you can make with stuff you probably already have. Plus, no weird ingredients or five-step sauces.

This is real food that fills you up without trashing your low-carb goals.

Why These Zucchini Boats Are Always on Repeat at Our House

We’ve tried a lot of Zucchini Dinner Recipes over the years, but this one? It hits every time. It’s easy, low mess, and my family actually eats it without side-eyes or sneaky trash-can dumps.

Even my teenage son (the human vacuum of frozen pizza rolls) asks for these when he’s home from college. He calls them “meat canoes.” I pretend not to laugh but yeah… they kinda are.

They’re also flexible. Want Italian? Add some marinara and mozzarella. Want something spicy? Throw in chili flakes and pepper jack. More into Meatball Zucchini vibes? Make the beef mix with parmesan, herbs, and egg—bam, you’ve got Keto Meatball Zucchini Boats.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Zucchini Boats

This is what you’ll need for your Beef Zucchini Boats—nothing fancy, just kitchen basics:

  • 4 medium zucchinis
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (or a few cherry tomatoes, chopped up)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar (or mozzarella, if you like it classic)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional, but recommended)
  • Fresh parsley or basil for topping (optional)

Let’s Cook – Step by Step to making keto Beef Zucchini Boats

This isn’t one of those recipes that takes 5 hours and 3 kitchen gadgets. It’s chill.

Step 1: Prep the Zucchini

Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the insides, making a little “boat” shape. Don’t go too deep—you want a bit of meat left on the edges. Save the scooped bits. We’ll toss that back into the beef mix.

Set your Zucchini Boat halves on a baking tray or dish.

Step 2: Brown That Beef

In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium. Toss in the onions and cook till they’re soft. Add the garlic and cook for another minute (don’t burn it).

Next, throw in the ground beef. Cook it all the way through, breaking it up with a spoon as you go. Add the scooped-out zucchini, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and seasoning.

Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture isn’t watery.

Step 3: Fill ‘Em Up

Spoon the beef mix into your zucchini halves. Pack it in—don’t be shy. Top with cheese.

Step 4: Bake

Pop your Stuffed Zucchini Boats in a 375°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and the zucchini is tender.

That’s it.

Why This Recipe Works on a Low-Carb Diet

Zucchini is low in carbs, high in fiber, and mild enough to go with whatever you throw in it. Pair that with protein-packed ground beef and some cheese, and you’ve got a dinner that keeps your blood sugar steady and your stomach full.

It’s also way more exciting than eating the same bowl of meat and lettuce for the third night in a row.

You can even serve these Zucchini Boats with a side of Zucchini Zoodles tossed in garlic butter if you’re extra hungry.

Add-Ons and Swaps (Make It Your Own)

This recipe’s easy, but it’s also made to be messed with. You can make so many Zucchini Boat Recipes just by changing the mix-ins:

  • Italian Stuffed Zucchini Boats: Add marinara and mozzarella, throw in Italian sausage if you want.
  • Keto Meatball Zucchini Boats: Mix the beef with egg, almond flour, and parmesan before stuffing.
  • Spicy Tex-Mex: Add cumin, chili powder, salsa, and cheddar.
  • Greek Vibes: Use lamb, feta, oregano, and olives.

You get the idea. If it fits in the boat, it works.

What To Serve With Zucchini Ground Beef Boats

Now, these are pretty filling on their own. But if you’re feeding a crowd or just want a little more, here’s what we pair them with:

  • Side salad with olive oil and lemon
  • Roasted cauliflower
  • Cheesy cauliflower mash
  • Garlic roasted green beans

Sometimes we even throw some Zucchini Zoodles on the side and call it a “Zucchini Dinner” and honestly, it’s a vibe.

Can You Meal Prep This?

Absolutely. These keep like a dream. I make a double batch on Sunday and stash them in glass containers.

Reheat in the oven or microwave, and they’re still just as good. Maybe even better, because the flavors settle in.

Also good cold straight out of the fridge. Don’t judge. I’ve done it at midnight. Twice.

Keto Beef Zucchini Boats For the Win

If you’ve been stuck eating plain meat and sad veggies every night, these Zucchini Boat Recipes are about to change that. They’re cozy, they’re cheesy, and they’re perfect for people who need easy Ground Beef Recipes that don’t require a food science degree to make.

They’re also a sneaky way to get more veggies in your day without feeling like you’re “eating healthy.” Feels like cheating. It’s not.

This one’s been in our weekly rotation for years, and every time I make it, I remember why. Quick, low carb, and straight-up satisfying.

Extra Variations (Because You’ll Want More)

Once you make these a few times, you’re gonna want to start branching out. Here’s a few extra twists to try when you get bored:

1) Taco Zucchini Boats

Use taco-seasoned ground beef, top with shredded cheddar, sour cream, and green onions.

2) Philly Cheesesteak Boats

Sauté peppers and onions with your beef, top with provolone. You won’t miss the bread.

3) Pizza Boats

Add pizza sauce, mini pepperoni, mozzarella. Bake till bubbly. It’s basically guilt-free pizza.

These are all still solid Low Carb Recipes and fall right in with your keto goals, without making you feel like you’re stuck eating dry chicken and eggs for life.

You’ve Got Dinner Sorted

Whether you’re new to low carb, or just sick of staring at your fridge wondering what to make, this Easy Zucchini Recipe has your back. It’s got flavor, it’s got crunch, it’s got melty cheese.

It’s dinner without drama. And honestly, who doesn’t need more of that?

If you make it and your people like it, even just a little, save this one. Print it. Write it down. Tattoo it on your arm (okay, maybe don’t). But keep it close, because this is one of those Ground Beef Recipes that doesn’t let you down.

Print

Keto Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Easy, cheesy, and low-carb, these keto beef zucchini boats are stuffed with seasoned ground beef and baked to perfection. Perfect for keto diet dinner ideas, meal prep, or just a no-fuss zucchini dinner the whole family will love.

  • Author: Jane Summerfield
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American / Italian-inspired, Keto, Low-Carb

Ingredients

  • 4 medium zucchini

  • 1 pound ground beef

  • 1 small onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

  • Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Slice zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the middle with a spoon. Set the scooped parts aside.

  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft.

  4. Add garlic, cook for 1 minute.

  5. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any fat.

  6. Add diced tomatoes, scooped zucchini bits, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5 minutes until the mix thickens.

  7. Place zucchini halves in a baking dish. Spoon beef mixture into each zucchini boat.

  8. Top with cheese.

  9. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until zucchini is tender and cheese is golden.

  10. Sprinkle with fresh herbs if you like, and serve hot.

Notes

These also work great with ground turkey, sausage, or even a meatball-style filling. Freeze extras in an airtight container for quick weeknight meals. You can prep these a day ahead and bake when ready.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 310 Sugar: 3g Sodium: 520mg Fat: 22g Saturated Fat: 9g Unsaturated Fat: 12g Trans Fat: 0g Carbohydrates: 6g Fiber: 2g Protein: 23g Cholesterol: 75mg

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze keto stuffed zucchini boats after cooking them?

Yes, you can freeze cooked zucchini boats. Let them cool first, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag. They reheat best in the oven so they don’t get soggy. Perfect for meal prep or when you need a fast low-carb dinner.

How do I keep zucchini boats from getting watery?

To avoid soggy zucchini boats, scoop out the seeds, don’t overcook them, and let the beef filling cool slightly before adding. You can also sprinkle a bit of salt on the zucchini halves and let them sit for 10 minutes, then blot with a paper towel to remove extra moisture.