Taco Zucchini Boats Recipe

Taco Zucchini Boats are a fun, healthy dinner idea. Grilled zucchini stuffed with seasoned ground beef taco or turkey then, topped with your favorite taco fillings like grated cheese, salsa, shredded lettuce and fresh tomatoes. They maka a naturally low carb and keto friendly meal.

I've got a fun and easy healthy dinner idea for you. My kids always loved it when I made zucchini boats for dinner only I used to fill them with Italian flavors. The light bulb went off in my head that I could fill the zucchini with Mexican flavors and Taco Zucchini Boats were born. I made these for my boys and they are a hit!

The most fun food event of the year just might be Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day which is coming up this Friday, August 8th. It is a fun way for people who grow too much zucchini to "share" it with their friends.

In the spirit of this event, I decided to think outside the shell – the taco shell, that is. I stuff hollowed out zucchini with taco filling for a Taco Zuccini "Boat" instead of a taco shell. It really is a genius way to use up lots of zucchini in a very tasty way.

Keto Taco Zucchini Boats

Everyone has been asking me for keto friendly recipes and this zucchini recipe is a great one.

Zucchini is the new tortilla!

To trade taco shells for low carb, just slice some medium sized zucchini in half lengthwise and then use a spoon to scoop out the seedy part of the zucchini to make a space for the taco filling. Then, just grill the zucchini until they are softened BUT not mushy. Stuff them with your favorite taco fillings, or use my simple recipe below.

You will love the healthy, grilled flavor (I grill mine indoors on a grill pan). Your family will love their favorite taco flavors in a zucchini boat.

Zucchini is naturally low carb and it's neutral flavor goes with almost any recipe, especially Mexican flavors. I even cut it into rounds and use it instead of chips with salsa recipes and dips for a keto friendly snack. Try it with this Zucchini Relish recipe on hot dogs!

RECIPE TIPS: The flavors in these Zucchini Taco Boats are very versatile. If you have large crowd for dinner, try slicing the zucchini with a mandolin slicer (affilliate link to Amazon) then, roll the taco meat into zucchini roll ups with meat recipe. Fill a baking dish with the roll ups. You can chill until needed then, heat them all at once.

Ingredients for Keto Taco Zucchini Boats

• Firm ripe zucchini- one for each person, perhaps two. It's up to you.
• Ground beef or turkey for the taco filling.
• Mexican spices like cumin and chili powder. Secret tip: I use taco seasoning packets for a quick and easy taco meat.
• Tomato paste.
• Grated cheese- I like Longhorn cheese or a mixture of cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack.
• Shredded lettuce.
• Diced onion.
• Your favorite salsa.
• A little vegetable oil.
• Salt and pepper.

Tips for Making Taco Zucchini Boats-

• Use fresh, firm zucchini
• Cut the zucchini into equal lengths to make cooking time uniform
• Slice the zucchini segments in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds
• Season the zucchini AFTER grilling so they don't become soggy
• Grill until marks appear and they are fork tender
• DO NOT over cook
• Fill the boats with cooked taco meat
• Top with grated cheese and salsa then, place under the broiler to melt the cheese
• Garnish with fresh tomatoes and lettuce
• Zucchini boats may be baked before filling with taco meat

I use this grill pan for a quick and easy way to grill the zucchini boats but, any grill pan will work well.

(affiliate link)

Other Keto Friendly Recipe You Will Love-

Jicama-Orange Salad with Chile Lime Vinaigrette-

Tomato Caprese Salad Stacks with Green Chile Pesto-

Fresh Zucchini Lasagna -Keto Zucchini Recipe

If you have any questions, leave a comment on this post or leave a comment on Everyday Southwest's Facebook Page. I LOVE hearing from your!

I hope you love this fun, healthy dinner idea—we do!

 Print the recipe for Taco Zucchini Boats-

Taco Zucchini Boats - Keto Zucchini Recipe

Donna Kelly

Taco Zucchini Boats filled with seasoned ground beef or turkey and topped with your favorite taco fillings. They are a fun and healthy dinner idea. Don't forget low carb and keto friendly!

5 from 4 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, American Southwest, Healthy

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 4 medium-sized zucchini
• ½ onion diced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chile powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• Favorite taco toppings such as grated cheese, lettuce and salsa

Instructions

 

• Cut zucchini in half width wise and then each piece in half lengthwise, making 8 zucchini “boats.” Placer zucchini over a medium hot grill and grill until zucchini is softened.
• In a skillet over medium high heat, cook onion in oil until softened. Add in cumin and chile powder and salt and cook for another minute or so, until fragrant.
• Add in turkey and cook until browned, breaking up into small pieces as you cook. Stir in tomato paste and remove from heat.
• Fill cook zucchini with skillet mixture and top with desired taco toppings.

Keyword ground beef,, ground turkey, Keto Recipe, Keto Zucchini Recipe, low carb recipe, Taco Zucchini Boats,