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Close-up of a Cheesy Meatball Zucchini Boat topped with golden puff pastry, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, garnished with fresh parsley.

Cheesy Meatball Zucchini Boats with Pastry

A comforting and fun twist on classic zucchini boats—loaded with juicy meatballs, bubbling cheese, marinara, and a golden puff pastry lattice.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 430
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 medium zucchinis
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
  • 1 tbsp milk for brushing

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Skillet
  • Baking Dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise. Scoop out the centers with a spoon, leaving sturdy boats. Set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing for 3–4 minutes until softened.
  4. In a bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, oregano, basil, sautéed onion mixture, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
  5. Shape small meatballs and place them in a lightly greased baking dish. Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly browned.
  6. Arrange the zucchini boats in another baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce into each boat, then place cooked meatballs on top.
  7. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
  8. Cut the puff pastry into thin strips and lay them over the boats in a crisscross lattice pattern. Brush the pastry lightly with milk.
  9. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
  10. Allow to cool slightly, then serve warm.

Notes

A delicious fusion of savory meatballs, cheesy zucchini, and flaky pastry—surprising, fun, and comforting!