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Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that combines the comforting essence of lasagna with the health-conscious twist of zucchini? Introducing Cheesy Zucchini Lasagna Boats—a delightful alternative to traditional lasagna that retains all the flavors you love while offering a lighter, low-carb option. This innovative recipe not only caters to those looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake but is also a fantastic choice for vegetarians, with the option to add meat for those who crave a heartier meal.

Cheesy Zucchini Lasagna Boats

Discover the joy of healthy eating with Cheesy Zucchini Lasagna Boats! This innovative recipe combines the comforting flavors of lasagna with the nutritious benefits of zucchini, making it a perfect low-carb and vegetarian alternative. With a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, plus optional meat for heartiness, these boats are both satisfying and versatile. Enjoy a delicious meal that caters to various dietary preferences while incorporating more vegetables into your diet.
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Ingredients
  

4 medium zucchinis

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup cooked ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's ready for baking.

    Prepare the Zucchini: Take the zucchinis and slice them in half lengthwise to create two long halves. Using a spoon or a melon baller, scoop out the centers of each half to create a hollowed-out boat. Arrange the zucchini boats in a baking dish, trimming the bottoms if necessary to help them stand upright without tipping.

      Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella, the Parmesan cheese, the cooked ground beef or Italian sausage (if you're using it), the egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until well blended and creamy.

        Fill the Zucchini Boats: Generously spoon the cheese mixture into each hollowed zucchini boat. Make sure to pack the filling well to prevent it from collapsing during cooking.

          Add Marinara Sauce: Carefully spoon marinara sauce over each filled zucchini boat, ensuring each one is generously covered with sauce for optimal flavor.

            Top with Cheese: Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the marinara sauce, creating a delicious cheesy layer.

              Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep in moisture during cooking. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. After that time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has turned a lovely golden color.

                Garnish and Serve: Once baked, take the dish out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. If you like, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a touch of color and added flavor. Enjoy your scrumptious Cheesy Zucchini Lasagna Boats!

                  - Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 50 minutes | 4 servings