Ground Beef Zucchini Boats

Ingredients

1 onion (finely diced)

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 pound lean ground beef

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 (15oz) can tomato sauce

2 cloves garlic, freshly minced

6 small-medium zucchini

Black pepper (to taste)

Directions

1. Prep zucchini: Wash 6 small-medium zucchini well, then slice in half lengthwise. Scoop out flesh with a small spoon and set aside. Place zucchini halves on a baking sheet.

2. Brown beef and season: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 onion and cook until softened, then add 1 pound ground beef and cook until well browned. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic, 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste.

3. Finish filling: Stir in 1 (15oz) can tomato sauce and scooped out zucchini flesh (chop if desired for more even filling), then simmer, covered, on low heat for 10 minutes. Remove the lid, stir well and simmer for another 5 minutes.

4. Fill and bake: Heat oven to 360°F. Spoon filling in prepared zucchini halves. Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded cheese and bake 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

Nutritional information:

6 Servings

Serving Size: 1 zucchini boat

Calories: 281.7 kcals

Total Fat: 17g

Saturated Fat: 7.2g

Cholesterol: 68mg

Sodium: 612mg

Total Carbohydrate: 11.2g

Protein: 22.3g

Fiber: 2.9g