My niece Rachel is a busy mom with adorable twins. She looks for versatile, quick and delicious meals that the kids will love and I have asked her to share some.

Here is what Rachel has to say about this recipe:

"Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Zucchini Boats" and are amazing! I originally found this recipe on the Sugarfree Mom website, you can make this less fatty by using ground turkey instead of ground beef, skipping the bacon and using less cheese.... I however used it all!

The kids love the stuffing, so we use it for tacos and quesadillas too.

Huge hit and only takes 30 minutes to make!

Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Ingredients

  • 5 ounces uncured, nitrate free bacon or regular bacon

  • 2 zucchini, about 1.5 pounds

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1/2 cup chopped onion

  • 1 pound ground beef

  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

  • 1/2 tsp oregano

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/4 tsp pepper

  • 1 tbsp tomato paste

  • 2 tbsp mustard

  • 2 tbsp no sugar added ketchup or regular ketchup

  • 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese or any cheese you prefer, divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

  2. In a skillet, cook the bacon until crisp and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels. Chop into pieces once cooled.

  3. Slice each zucchini lengthwise and scoop out the inside seeds, leaving about 1/4 inch from the sides. Place this removed insides of zucchini in a bowl and set aside.

  4. Rub the oil around the inside of each halved zucchini and place on a baking sheet pan.

  5. Bake for 20 minutes.

  6. While the zucchini is baking you can make the filling.

  7. Remove some of the bacon grease from the skillet, leaving about a tablespoon or so in the pan.

  8. Cook the onion until softened then add the ground beef and insides of zucchini you had scooped out.

  9. Cook beef until browned then add seasonings, tomato paste, mustard and ketchup.

  10. Stir to combine the stir in 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese.

  11. Allow it to melt, turn off the heat and return half the bacon into the mixture.

  12. Once zucchini is cooked, remove from the oven and fill each half with the filling.

  13. Top with remaining shredded cheese and bacon.

  14. Broil for 2 minutes to melt the cheese on top.

  15. Enjoy!

    Rachel

Thanks Rachel! I love zucchini, it is one of those vegetables that is so versatile, and they grow quickly and plentiful in the garden too, so go out and pick some and try this recipe.

Or just head down to your local farmer's market to buy some.

~ Tracy

 

This Foodie Friday brought to you by Heartland Cafe a great place for delicious food right here in Olde Town Okotoks.