If you love the comforting, crave-worthy flavors of a classic burger but want a lighter, fun twist, the Bacon Cheeseburger Zucchini Boats Recipe is going to become your new favorite. These zucchini boats are packed with savory ground beef, crispy bacon, tangy pickles, and melty cheddar cheese, all stuffed into tender zucchini halves. They bring all the joy of a cheeseburger with an added burst of freshness and a gorgeous presentation that makes for a perfect weeknight dinner or casual gathering. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making zucchini boats this way all along!
Bacon Cheeseburger Zucchini Boats Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredients simple and familiar is what makes this dish so approachable and satisfying. Each component plays a star role, from the smoky bacon that brings crunch and depth to the ground beef seasoned just right with garlic and Worcestershire sauce. The creamy cheddar cheese melts perfectly over the top, while fresh zucchini acts as a tender and healthy vessel that soaks up all the flavors. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious masterpiece:
- 4 medium zucchinis: Choose firm zucchinis with a vibrant green skin to hold all the filling perfectly.
- 12 ounces bacon: Real smoky and crisp bacon is essential for that classic cheeseburger crunch.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds a sweet, savory base that pairs beautifully with beef.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic: Lifts all the flavors with its aromatic punch.
- 1 pound ground beef: Opt for 80/20 for juiciness and great flavor in each bite.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami and a subtle tang that boosts the meat.
- 4 tablespoons ketchup: Gives a familiar sweet-tart note that screams cheeseburger.
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard: Classic cheeseburger zing that wakes up the palate.
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream: Adds richness and helps marry the flavors smoothly.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it’s the gooey crowning glory of the boats.
- 2 small tomatoes, diced: Freshness and color contrast each bite perfectly.
- 10 dill pickle sandwich slices, diced: Adds that unmistakable cheeseburger crunch and tang.
How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Zucchini Boats Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Zucchini
Start by warming your oven to 350º F so it’s ready to go when your boats are filled. Then, carefully slice each zucchini in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out all the seeds to create room for the filling, leaving a solid edge that will hold the mixture without sagging. Place your zucchini halves in a baking dish, peel side down—this helps prevent them from getting too soggy during baking.
Step 2: Cook and Chop the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook your bacon to the crispiness you love. It’s the secret crunch and smoky flavor that elevate these boats from good to irresistibly delicious. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the grease and cool slightly. Chop it up into small pieces, so it’ll mingle evenly with the rest of the ingredients.
Step 3: Saute Onion, Garlic, and Brown the Beef
Leave about a tablespoon of those bacon drippings in the skillet for extra flavor. Turn the heat to medium-high and toss in the chopped onion. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and starting to soften. Add the minced garlic next and cook for another minute—this boosts the aroma and depth. Now add your ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula and cooking until it’s fully browned and no pink remains.
Step 4: Mix in Bacon and Seasonings
Stir the chopped bacon into the browned beef, then add Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, and heavy cream. This combination brings together all those beloved cheeseburger tastes in one pan, creating a rich, flavorful filling that’s just bursting with umami and a little tang.
Step 5: Fill Zucchini Boats and Top with Cheese
Carefully spoon the hearty meat mixture into each zucchini half, packing it evenly to the edges. Don’t be shy—you want each bite loaded with flavor. Then scatter the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. The cheese will melt and brown, creating that mouthwatering cheeseburger finish.
Step 6: Bake Until Melty and Tender
Pop the filled boats into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. This is the magic time when the zucchini softens just right, the cheese melts to gooey perfection, and all the flavors meld together. Keep an eye out for bubbling cheese edges and a tender zucchini texture.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve Immediately
Once out of the oven, top each boat with the diced fresh tomatoes and pickles. They add a juicy brightness and that happy crunch that remind you exactly of a classic cheeseburger experience—without the bun. Serve these beauties fresh and piping hot for the best flavor and texture.
How to Serve Bacon Cheeseburger Zucchini Boats Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh, diced tomatoes and crunchy dill pickles are the ideal finishing touches for your zucchini boats. They bring a brightness and snap that’s essential for balancing the richness of the meat and cheese. Feel free to add a little shredded lettuce on the side or even a drizzle of your favorite burger sauce to up the freshness factor.
Side Dishes
These boats are already packed with protein and veggies, but pairing them with a crisp green salad or roasted potatoes adds a satisfying contrast. For a fun twist, serve with sweet potato fries or corn on the cob to keep the meal balanced yet indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Bacon Cheeseburger Zucchini Boats on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra ketchup, mustard, or ranch dressing for dipping. If you want a party-worthy presentation, arrange them in a colorful platter garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of green and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover zucchini boats in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They stay delicious, but the zucchini can soften further, so reheating gently is key to keeping the texture enjoyable.
Freezing
If you want to make these in advance, you can freeze the cooked boats. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is in the oven at 350º F until warmed through, about 15 minutes. This helps maintain the texture of the zucchini and melts the cheese back to its gooey goodness. Microwaving is faster but can make the zucchini a bit watery.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for the zucchini boats?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic for that cheeseburger flavor, feel free to experiment with mozzarella for a milder melt or pepper jack if you want a little spice. Just pick a cheese that melts well to maintain that luscious texture.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream in the filling?
The heavy cream adds richness and helps bind the flavors together, making the filling creamy and smooth. If you want a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half or a little sour cream, but the texture will differ slightly.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! You can swap the ground beef and bacon for plant-based meat alternatives or even a mix of sautéed mushrooms and lentils for a hearty, vegetarian filling that still satisfies the craving.
What’s the best way to scoop out the zucchini seeds?
Using a spoon or a melon baller, gently scrape the seeds out without removing too much of the flesh. This creates a sturdy pocket for the filling while keeping the zucchini intact during baking.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, just stuff the zucchini boats with the filling, add cheese, and bake as usual. This makes dinner prep super quick and stress-free.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got the full scoop on the Bacon Cheeseburger Zucchini Boats Recipe, I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try it out. It’s such a joyful, flavorful take on a beloved classic that’s both comforting and fresh. Whether for a family meal or feeding friends, these zucchini boats bring a little fun and a lot of yum to the table. Give them a go—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy all the best cheeseburger flavors without the bun!
Print
Bacon Cheeseburger Zucchini Boats Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Bacon Cheeseburger Zucchini Boats are a low-carb, delicious twist on the classic cheeseburger. Hollowed zucchinis are filled with a savory mixture of browned ground beef, crispy bacon, onions, garlic, and tangy condiments, then topped with melted cheddar cheese and baked to perfection. Garnished with fresh tomatoes and diced pickles, these boats serve as a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for keto and low-carb enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 small tomatoes, diced
- 10 dill pickle sandwich slices, diced
Meat & Dairy
- 12 ounces bacon
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Condiments & Sauces
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the zucchini boats later.
- Prepare Zucchini Boats: Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to create hollow boats. Arrange them cut side up in a baking dish for easy filling.
- Cook Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease and cool, then chop into small pieces.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Leave about a tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet, increase heat to medium-high, and sauté the chopped onion for 2 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until fully browned and cooked through.
- Combine Fillings: Stir in the chopped bacon, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, and heavy cream into the beef mixture. Mix well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Fill Zucchini Boats: Spoon the meat mixture evenly into each zucchini half, packing it firmly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously on top of each filled boat.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the zucchini is tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle with diced tomatoes and pickles. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful bacon cheeseburger zucchini boats!
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or sour cream for a slightly different texture.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure that your Worcestershire sauce and ketchup are gluten-free brands.
- Leftover zucchini boats can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispness.
- For a lower-fat version, use turkey bacon and reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
