Keto Chili Cheese Stuffed Zucchini Boats — Low‑Carb Recipe

These Chili Cheese Stuffed Zucchini Boats are irresistible. Fresh zucchini are filled with flavorful keto chili, topped with sharp cheddar, and baked until bubbly. Each boat has under 3 net carbs, making this a great low-carb meal or side.

Stuffed Zucchini Boats

This recipe builds on a popular keto chili, offering all the warm, savory flavors of traditional chili with far fewer carbs. By stuffing zucchini with a seasoned meat-and-tomato chili and finishing with melted cheddar, you get a satisfying, low-carb dish that works year-round. Serve them on their own or top with sour cream, green onions, or sliced jalapeños.

Ingredients in the Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Below is a concise ingredient overview. Quantities and step-by-step instructions follow later in the recipe section.

• Ground beef (or substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork)
• 10-ounce can tomatoes with green chiles and tomato paste
• Spices: chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper
• Medium zucchini for stuffing
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese

How to Make Stuffed Zucchini Boats

These zucchini boats are simple and quick to assemble. Here’s an overview of the method before the full recipe details:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat and drain any excess fat. Add tomato paste, the undrained can of tomatoes with green chiles, and the spices. Simmer 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid reduces.
2. Slice the zucchini lengthwise and scoop out the center to form boats.
3. Arrange the hollowed zucchini in a baking dish and spoon the chili filling into each boat.
4. Top with shredded cheddar and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, until the zucchini is fork-tender and the cheese is bubbly.

How Long to Cook Zucchini Boats

Bake the filled zucchini boats at 350°F for about 20 minutes. Since the chili filling is pre-cooked, this time is just to soften the zucchini and melt the cheese. Check for fork tenderness before removing from the oven.

Can I Prep The Stuffed Zucchini in Advance?

Yes. These hold up well as leftovers. To avoid sogginess, cook the zucchini until just fork tender rather than overly soft. Reheat gently so the texture stays pleasant.

Tips for Making Zucchini Boats

• Use a small measuring spoon or a teaspoon to hollow out the zucchini easily.
• Lean ground beef keeps the filling from becoming greasy, but ground chicken or turkey work well too.
• The scooped zucchini flesh can be saved for soups, stir-fries, or breakfast scrambles.
• Cooking time varies with the thickness of the zucchini walls—thicker boats need a bit longer. Check for fork tenderness to ensure doneness.

How to Make Zucchini Boats in the Air Fryer

These zucchini boats adapt well to an air fryer. Slice the zucchini lengthwise and remove the centers to form boats. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F and cook the hollowed zucchini 3–5 minutes, until they begin to blister. Fill with the prepared chili, top with cheese, and return to the air fryer for a few minutes until the cheese melts and the filling is heated through.

Recipe: Chili Cheese Stuffed Zucchini Boats