30-Minute Stuffed Zucchini Boats for Easy Weeknight Dinners

BBQ Zucchini Boats: Your New Favorite Summer Side (Or Main). Alright, so you love BBQ. But grilled burgers and hot dogs? Meh, they can get boring fast. Ever thought about jazzing up your grill game with BBQ zucchini boats? No? Well, you’re about to. These little beauties are crispy, saucy, and just the right amount of healthy to make you feel like a kitchen wizard. I stumbled upon this recipe one summer when I was craving something fresh but with that smoky BBQ kick, and honestly, it changed my life (or at least my summer cookouts).

Here’s why you’ll want to make zucchini boats your next BBQ side (or main if you’re feeling bold).

What’s a zucchini boat anyway?

Picture this: a zucchini, sliced in half lengthwise, hollowed out just enough to hold a mouthwatering mix of meat, cheese, sauce, and veggies, then tossed on the grill. The result? A crunchy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside masterpiece. It’s like a mini edible canoe cruising down Flavor River.

But seriously, they’re simple, quick, and look like you went all fancy chef on your friends.

The beauty of BBQ zucchini boats

• Low-carb and gluten-free — great if you’re dodging carbs or gluten without sacrificing taste.
• Adaptable for everyone — vegan, meat-lover, or somewhere in between? You can customize these boats.
• Grill or oven-friendly — no grill? No problem. Just fire up the oven.
• Impressive to serve — look at you, bringing gourmet vibes to your backyard.

Pro tip: For extra smoky flavor, toss the zucchini halves on a hot grill for a few minutes before stuffing them.

Ingredients for 4 People

You’re feeding the gang? Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 medium zucchinis (standard supermarket size)
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey (can swap with black beans or lentils for veg fans)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (pick your fave—smoky, spicy, or sweet)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced (any color for a pop of fun)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, if you like a little kick)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for drizzling
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Step-by-Step: How to Make BBQ Zucchini Boats

• Prep the zucchinis: The hollowing out bit
  • Slice your zucchinis in half lengthwise. Now, grab a spoon and scoop out the seeds and some flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch shell. Don’t throw the scooped-out bits away! We’ll use them in the filling.
• Sauté the filling: Where the magic happens
  • Heat a splash of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Toss in the onions and garlic, cooking until translucent — this is where the delicious aroma starts working its charm.
  • Add your diced bell peppers and zucchini flesh, then cook for another 4-5 minutes until softened.
  • Throw in the ground meat or beans, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the meat is browned (or beans are warmed through), then stir in half the BBQ sauce.
• Stuff ‘em and grill ‘em
  • Load each zucchini shell with the filling, packing it tight but not overflowing.
  • Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the zucchini boats, then slap them on a grill preheated to medium heat. Grill for about 10 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and you get those lovely grill marks.
  • Top each boat with shredded cheese and close the grill lid for another 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • If you don’t have a grill, bake them at 400°F (200°C) for around 20 minutes, then switch on the broiler to melt the cheese at the end.
• Serve with a flourish
  • Sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro on top. Boom! Your BBQ zucchini boats are ready to make you look like a culinary mastermind.

Why Your BBQ Sauce Choice Matters

Not all BBQ sauces are created equal, and FYI, they can make or break your zucchini boats.

• Sweet sauces: Great for those who like a milder, finger-lickin’ good vibe.
• Spicy sauces: If you want to kick things up a notch and impress your spice-loving friends.
• Smoky sauces: Perfect if you crave that deep BBQ flavor without a ton of extra seasoning.

My personal favorite is a sauce with a good balance of smoky and sweet—think a campfire vibe without the stringy marshmallows. What’s your go-to BBQ sauce?

Can You Make These Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Here’s how I handle it without losing that “fresh off the grill” feeling:

• Prepare the filling a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge.
• Hollow out the zucchinis and store them separately.
• Assemble just before cooking or even grill everything about 5 minutes before your guests arrive.

Trust me, this trick saves you from a meltdown when your friends are showing up hungry and you’re still wrestling with zucchinis.

Variations & Twists You’ll Want to Try

Because why limit ourselves, right?

Vegan BBQ zucchini boats

Replace meat with lentils, beans, or crumbled tofu. Use vegan BBQ sauces and sprinkle nutritional yeast or vegan cheese on top. You barely lose any flavor, I swear.

Swap BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce, add shredded chicken or jackfruit, then top with blue cheese crumbles. A zingy alternative perfect for game day.

Nutritional Perks Nobody Talks About

Besides just tasting awesome, zucchinis:

• Are low in calories but high in fiber.
• Contain vitamins A and C, plus potassium.
• Help keep you full while sneaking in some veggies.

So basically, eating more zucchini boats means you’re winning at the health game without trying hard. Score!

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About BBQ Zucchini Boats

Q: Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
A: Totally! Yellow squash works just as well and gives a slightly sweeter flavor.

Q: What if I don’t have a grill?
A: Oven or broiler to the rescue! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes and broil with cheese at the end.

Q: How many zucchini boats per person?
A: One big half is usually enough, but if your crew is super hungry, go for 1.5 per person.

Q: Can I freeze them?
A: You can freeze the filling, but avoid freezing the stuffed boats—they get soggy.

Q: What sides go well with BBQ zucchini boats?
A: Cornbread, grilled corn, a fresh salad, or some potato salad keeps the BBQ vibe strong.