Bolognese Zucchini Boats

Beyond Spaghetti and Meaty Bolognese

My Turkey Bolognese is a very versatile recipe that can be used to top your choice of noodles (bean based spaghetti or spiralized vegetables are a great choice here) or fill peppers like in my Bolognese Stuffed Peppers. But one dish you might not think of right away is this delicious mix of hollowed out zucchini filled with a cheesy mix of cheddar and Bolognese sauce.

A Quick Protein Filled Meal

Bolognese isn’t your typical quick weeknight dinner, but from start to finish, this recipe won’t take 30 minutes if you’ve got the sauce ready. It freezes well, and if you’re in the habit of prepping food for the rest of the week, adding the sauce to your rotation won’t take much time as most of the work is hands off. Then, all you need to do is take a portion out to thaw in the fridge overnight, or simply keep it refrigerated for 3 to 4 days and use it fresh.

Why Turkey?

Beef is the de facto choice for most Bolognese recipes, but turkey is a great substitution because it’s higher in protein than chicken but lower in fat than beef. And, it can rival any of the other meats in vitamin B content, selenium, zinc, and phosphorus. Some might argue that it lacks the deep, meaty flavor of beef, but it doesn’t matter in Bolognese Zucchini Boats. They’re already packed with flavor, from the juicy yet crisp zucchini to the rich sauce topped with golden brown cheddar cheese.

Got a Few More Minutes?

If you have an additional 15 minutes to spare, you can boost the flavor of the Zucchini Boats even further by pre-baking the zucchini. After hollowing them out, brush them lightly with olive oil, add a sprinkle of salt, and bake them in the hot oven until softened and slightly golden. Then, add the sauce and cheese, and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes.

Bolognese Zucchini Boats are great on their own, and with both vegetables and protein, they are an easy low carb meal you can feel good about eating after a day of work or a good run. But they’re also delicious with roasted Brussels sprouts, oven-baked sweet potato fries, a crisp green salad, or some garlic bread (regular, keto, or gluten free, it’s up to you!)

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