Ingredients:
- 4 medium zucchinis (approx. 2 lbs / 900g), halved lengthwise
- 1/2 tsp (3g) sea salt
- 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
- 1 small onion (110g), finely diced
- 3 cloves (15g) garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp (16g) tomato paste
- 1 tsp (2g) dried oregano
- 1 tsp (2g) dried basil
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (115g) part-skim mozzarella, shredded
- 2 tbsp (8g) fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice zucchinis in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the center flesh, leaving a 1/4 inch (6mm) wall.
- Sprinkle the interiors of the zucchini shells with salt and let sit for 5 minutes. Pat thoroughly dry with paper towels.
- Brush the outsides of the shells with olive oil and roast in the oven for 10 minutes.
- While shells roast, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink.
- Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Fold the grated Parmesan cheese into the meat mixture.
- Remove the pre-roasted boats from the oven. Spoon the meat mixture generously into each shell, pressing down slightly.
- Top each boat with a pinch of shredded mozzarella and bake for another 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.