🥒✨ Not Your Momma’s Picadillo Zucchini Boats
Not Your Momma’s Picadillo Zucchini Boats are a bold twist on a classic, featuring spiced ground beef, beans, and cheese nestled in roasted zucchini. Garnished with fresh toppings, this dish is a flavorful, low-carb meal the whole family will love! 🥒✨
Reimagine a classic dish with these Not Your Momma’s Picadillo Zucchini Boats! Packed with seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and gooey Monterey Jack cheese, these stuffed zucchini boats are a delicious, low-carb way to enjoy the comforting flavors of picadillo.
Why You’ll Love It
• Low-Carb Twist: Zucchini boats are a nutritious alternative to tortillas or rice.
• Packed with Flavor: Spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika bring a bold, savory kick.
• Customizable Garnishes: Add avocado, green onions, or sour cream for extra flavor.
Ingredients
• 3 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise
• 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinse
• 1/2 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Optional garnishes: chopped avocado, sliced green onions, fresh parsley or cilantro
Method
1. Prepare the Zucchini
• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and hollow out the centers to create boats.
• Brush with 1 tbsp olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and bake for 8 minutes.
2. Cook the Picadillo
• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a frying pan and sauté the onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
• Add ground beef and season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, then drain any excess grease.
• Stir in black beans, corn, and tomato sauce. Simmer for a few minutes to combine flavors.
3. Assemble and Bake
• Remove zucchini boats from the oven and fill each with the picadillo mixture.
• Top with shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
• Return to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Garnish and Serve
• Top with optional garnishes like avocado slices, radishes, green onions, or sour cream.
Why It Works
This recipe transforms classic picadillo into a light, veggie-packed dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor. The zucchini adds a subtle freshness while the spiced beef, beans, and corn deliver hearty, satisfying bites.
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