1. Prepare Zucchini Boats:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Zucchini: Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and center flesh with a spoon to create a ‘boat’. Be careful not to remove too much flesh; just enough to hold the filling.
- Season: Brush the inside of each zucchini boat with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake: Arrange the zucchini boats in a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until just tender.
2. Make the Filling:
- Cook Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Brown the Meat: Increase the heat to medium-high, add the ground meat to the skillet, and brown it, breaking it up with a spoon, until no pink remains.
- Add Spices and Vegetables: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
3. Assemble Zucchini Boats:
- Fill Zucchini: Spoon the filling into each pre-baked zucchini boat, packing it tightly.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of each filled zucchini boat.
- Bake Again: Return them to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Serve:
- Garnish: Garnish the zucchini boats with chopped cilantro, sour cream, sliced avocado, and lime wedges on the side.
- Enjoy: Serve hot, allowing each person to add their desired toppings.
Tips for Success:
- Filling Variations: The filling for the zucchini boats is very versatile. Consider adding rice, quinoa, or other vegetables like bell peppers to the mix.
- Vegan Option: For a vegan version, substitute the ground meat with crumbled tofu or a plant-based meat alternative, and use vegan cheese and sour cream.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the zucchini boats and filling ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble and bake just before serving.
Mexican Zucchini Burrito Boats offer a delightful way to enjoy all the flavors of a traditional burrito in a healthy, creative, and fun manner. They’re sure to be a hit whether as a casual weeknight dinner or a part of your next gathering!