Go Back
+ servings
cooked stuffed enchilada zucchini boats topped with chopped cilantro on a serving plate with a side of cilantro and striped napkin peaking into frame

Stuffed Zucchini Enchilada Boats

If you love traditional Mexican enchiladas then you need to try these stuffed ground beef with enchilada sauce zucchini boats.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 8 Boats

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 large zucchinis (8 halves)
  • 1 minced garlic clove
  • cup diced white onion
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¾ teaspoon garlic salt
  • cup shredded zucchini
  • 10 oz mild red enchilada sauce
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar

Optional Toppings:

  • ¼ cup Chopped cilantro

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Trim the zucchini ends and then cut zucchini lengthwise in half. Carefully scrape out the flesh out with a small spoon. Chop about ⅓ cup of the remains and set aside
  • In medium high heat - heat a skillet with olive oil, and sauté diced onion until translucent about 3 minutes. Add in minced garlic until fragrant about 30 seconds
  • Then add ground beef, cumin, black pepper and garlic salt and combine
  • Add in the chopped zucchini and combine. Cook until meat has browned. (If too much water accumulates from the zucchini, scoop it out with a spoon.)
  • Stir in the mild red enchilada sauce and ½ cup of cheddar cheese and combine.
  • Add more salt if needed. Once the meat mixture starts to bubble up remove from heat.
  • Spray cooking spray or olive oil on a 13x9 baking dish or cookie sheet big enough for all the zucchini boats. Add the zucchini boats in the baking dish and scoop enchilada meat mixture to the hollowed zucchini boats
  • Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and put back in the oven uncovered for 5 more minutes or until cheese has melted
  • Serve with chopped cilantro on top.

Notes

If you prefer the zucchini boats to be extra tender you can bring water to a boil in a large pot big enough for the zucchini boats and cook the zucchini boats for 3 minutes, drain water and set aside.
The amount of filling per boat will vary depending on the size of the zucchinis. If zucchini boats are on the smaller size you will have some filling leftover which can be served with another meal like tacos. Or you can do more zucchini boats. 
Did you make this recipe?Leave a comment below and tag @espressomykitchen on Instagram