Gluten Free Lasagna Zucchini Boats

For a healthy, low-carb Italian dinner- these gluten free lasagna zucchini boats are delicious and ready in 30 minutes!

Similar to stuffed peppers, zucchini boats are a great dinner option. There are so many possible varieties! 

Simply slice zucchini in half lengthwise. Then, scoop out the seeds and a bit of the middle. Brush with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast until fork tender. This makes the perfect vessel for meat, sauce, more veggies, and cheese!

Zucchini is also terrific as a low carb, gluten free alternative to pasta...but we're going to use some pasta too! I wasn't able to find GF lasagna noodles at my local grocery store; however, they certainly exist. Or you can easily substitute a different shape of pasta. Picture all of your favorite things about lasagna. Now, imagine them all inside of a little zucchini boat. Can you see it? Super cute and low carb, with extra veggies! Ok, so technically a fruit...

Zucchini Boat Variations

 

Zucchini Facts

  • A type of summer squash
  • Technically considered a fruit
  • Native to Central America and Mexico
  • 1 medium zucchini = 20-30 calories, 4g of carbs, 1g of protein, and 1g of fiber
  • Contain vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, and potassium

Gluten Free Zucchini Boats with Lasagna on White Plate

Ingredients in Gluten Free Lasagna Zucchini Boats

  • GF Lasagna or Pasta Noodles
  • Ground Beef
  • Peppers
  • Onion
  • Zucchini
  • Olive Oil
  • Tomato Sauce
  • Mozzarella Pearls

Lasagna vs. Lasagne

Both terms refers to stacked layers of pasta and fillings- including meats, tomato sauce, vegetables, cheese, herbs, and spices. These layers are topped with cheese, baked, and then chopped into square portions. Lasagne is plural and refers directly to the wide, flat sheets of noodles. The term lasagna comes from Italian-American and is the singular form of lasagne.

 

Do you leave the skin on zucchini boats?

If desired, you may peel the skin off zucchini- but why would you want to?!? The skin gives color, fiber, and antioxidants. Unlike winter squash, it is thin enough to be eaten, even raw. 

Gluten Free Lasagna Zucchini Boats with Broken Lasagna Noodles

Gluten Free Lasagna Zucchini Boats

For a healthy, low-carb Italian dinner- these gluten free lasagna zucchini boats are delicious and ready in 30 minutes!

Prep:
5
min
cook:
22
min
total:
30
min
Author:

Ingredients
  • 4 medium zucchinis
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 bell peppers, diced
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 2-4 oz. gluten free lasagna or pasta
  • 1 c. tomato sauce
  • 4 oz. mozzarella pearls
Instructions
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  • Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise. With a spoon, scoop out the seeds and part of the white flesh. Then, brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 16-18 minutes, until fork tender. Remove from the oven and set oven to high broil.
  • Meanwhile bring a medium pot, filled halfway with water to a boil.
  • In a large skillet, heat 1-2 Tbsp. of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and peppers and sauté for 4-5 minutes. Next, add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes.
  • If possible, break the noodles into smaller pieces. Then, boil the lasagna or pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 a cup of pasta water before draining. If needed, cut into smaller pieces.
  • To the skillet, add the broken pasta, tomato sauce, and pasta water. Stir until well combined.
  • Fill zucchini boats with the meat/veggie mixture. Next, top with mozzarella. Broil for 3-5 minutes, until cheese is brown and bubbly.

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