If you love a juicy burger with all the classic fixings but want a fun, lighter twist, the Bacon Cheeseburger Zucchini Boats Recipe is about to become your new favorite meal. This dish takes the rich, smoky flavors of bacon, the savory depth of ground beef, and the melty goodness of cheddar cheese, all nestled inside tender zucchini halves. It’s the perfect way to enjoy all the indulgence of a cheeseburger without the bun, plus a fresh pop of color and texture that makes every bite exciting.
Bacon Cheeseburger Zucchini Boats Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential—each one adds a unique layer of flavor, moisture, or crunch that creates the perfect balance in your zucchini boats. From the smoky bacon to the tangy pickles, every item plays a starring role in this delicious meal.
- 4 medium zucchinis: The sturdy boat that holds all the tasty fillings while roasting to tender perfection.
- 12 ounces bacon: Crispy, smoky, and chopped — it brings fantastic texture and flavor.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness that complements the savory beef.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic: For a fragrant punch that wakes up the whole dish.
- 1 pound ground beef: The heart of the cheeseburger flavor, juicy and perfectly browned.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the meat with a savory, umami boost.
- 4 tablespoons ketchup: Classic burger tanginess in every bite.
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard: Adds that essential sharp, tangy zing.
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream: Keeps the filling moist and creamy while blending the flavors.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts over the boats, giving rich cheesiness you’ll adore.
- 2 small tomatoes, diced: Bright and fresh, perfect as a topping garnish.
- 10 dill pickle sandwich slices, diced: The perfect crunch and pickle punch that makes this truly a bacon cheeseburger in zucchini form.
How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Zucchini Boats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini Boats
Begin by preheating your oven to 350º F. Then, take your zucchinis and carefully slice them lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out all the seeds to create hollow boats that will hold the delicious filling. Arrange them in a baking dish, placing the peel side down to keep them sturdy while cooking.
Step 2: Cook and Chop the Bacon
Next, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches your favorite level of crispiness. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the grease and cool, then chop into small, bite-sized pieces. This smoky addition will add a wonderful crunch.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Keep about a tablespoon of that bacon grease in the pan to harness all that flavorful fat. Turn the heat up slightly and add the finely chopped onion first. Cook for two minutes until it softens, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef
Now, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spatula until it’s browned and cooked through. This forms the hearty base of your boats.
Step 5: Mix in Flavorful Ingredients
To the skillet, stir in the chopped bacon, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, and heavy cream. Mix everything thoroughly; this combination is the secret that brings that distinct bacon cheeseburger taste, all wrapped up in a creamy, tangy sauce.
Step 6: Stuff the Zucchini Boats
Generously fill each zucchini boat with the meat mixture. Make sure every boat is nicely packed to balance flavors with every bite. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top—this is about to melt into melty, golden perfection.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the stuffed zucchini boats in the oven uncovered. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and browned just right, and the zucchini has softened but still holds its shape.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once they come out of the oven, sprinkle the diced tomatoes and pickles over the top for that fresh, tangy crunch. Serve immediately and get ready to enjoy a burger-inspired dish that feels fun, fresh, and totally satisfying!
How to Serve Bacon Cheeseburger Zucchini Boats Recipe
Garnishes
Adding diced tomatoes and pickles on top provides a delightful contrast of freshness and crunch that complements the warm, cheesy filling. For an extra splash of color and flavor, consider a sprinkle of chopped green onions or a drizzle of your favorite burger sauce right before serving.
Side Dishes
These zucchini boats are filling on their own, but you can round out your meal with a crisp side salad, roasted sweet potatoes, or even some crunchy coleslaw. These choices keep the meal balanced while still offering texture and flavor variety.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dinner presentation, serve the zucchini boats on a colorful platter with small bowls of extra ketchup, mustard, or pickled jalapeños. You can also make it interactive by creating a mini “build your own” burger topping station where everyone can customize their boats with their favorite extras.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which can be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld even better overnight, making your next meal just as tasty.
Freezing
You can freeze the stuffed zucchini boats before baking. Wrap each boat individually in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake without thawing, just increase the baking time slightly to heat through.
Reheating
Reheat leftover zucchini boats in a preheated oven at 350º F for about 15 minutes or until warm throughout. Microwaving is possible but may make the zucchini a bit softer, so baking is preferred to maintain texture and keep the cheese gooey.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar gives a classic sharpness, feel free to experiment with mozzarella for extra meltiness, pepper jack for some heat, or even a smoky gouda for a unique twist.
Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes, by using zucchini instead of a bun, this dish is a great low-carb alternative to a traditional bacon cheeseburger. It’s packed with protein and veggies, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Can I make these vegetarian?
You can swap out the ground beef and bacon for plant-based meat substitutes or use sautéed mushrooms and lentils for a hearty vegetarian filling. Just adjust seasoning as needed to enhance the flavors.
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
If you’re out of Worcestershire sauce, a splash of soy sauce mixed with a bit of vinegar and a pinch of sugar can mimic its tangy, umami depth quite well in this recipe.
How big should the zucchinis be?
Medium zucchinis about 6 to 8 inches long work best—they’re large enough to hold a good amount of filling but still cook through evenly. Avoid very small or overly large zucchinis to keep consistent cooking times.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Cheeseburger Zucchini Boats Recipe is one of those meals that makes you wonder why you haven’t tried it sooner. It’s comforting, flavorful, and so easy to whip up any night of the week. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these boats serve up all the cheeseburger joy with a fresh, veggie-packed twist. Give it a go — I promise it will become a regular in your recipe collection!
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Bacon Cheeseburger Zucchini Boats Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
These Bacon Cheeseburger Zucchini Boats are a delicious low-carb twist on a classic cheeseburger. Hollowed-out zucchinis are filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, crispy bacon, onions, garlic, and tangy condiments, then topped with melted cheddar cheese and baked to perfection. Garnished with fresh tomatoes and pickles, they make a perfect easy weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and comforting.
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 and Dairy
- 12 ounces bacon
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Condiments and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C) to prepare for baking the zucchini boats.
- Prepare Zucchinis: Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the seeds to create hollow boats. Arrange them in a baking dish with the peel side down to hold the filling.
- Cook Bacon: Place the bacon in a skillet over medium heat and cook until crispy to your liking. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease and let it cool. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces.
- Sauté Aromatics and Cook Beef: Leave about one tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet. Over medium-high heat, add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 2 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked bacon pieces, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, and heavy cream into the skillet with the beef mixture. Mix well to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Fill Zucchini Boats: Evenly spoon the meat mixture into each hollowed zucchini half, filling them generously. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of each filled zucchini boat.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish the zucchini boats with the diced tomatoes and pickles. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Bacon Cheeseburger Zucchini Boats!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner protein.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.
- Feel free to use a different cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for varied flavor.
- These zucchini boats are perfect for meal prep and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Make sure not to overfill the zucchinis to avoid spillover during baking.
