We are BIG Mexican lovers in our house so I am always looking for new dishes to make. We LOVE tacos (perfect for busy nights) and usually have them with whole grain tortilla shells. But one of my challengers recently posted this in our group and I got so EXCITED! Two of my loves, tacos and zucchini, combined into one? And it’s 21 Day Fix Approved? It was love at first sight for me! I made these for the first time last night and they were a huge hit with my hubby (SCORE!). You know that means something because he loves his carbs and would rather have his tacos with a tortilla. I did tweak a few things but overall kept this recipe the same. Try them out and let me know what you think! Credit for this recipe goes to www.thefithousewife.com.
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini, cut in half lengthwise
- 1/2 cup salsa (I used mild)
- 1 pound lean ground turkey or chicken (I used lean ground beef)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 4 oz no-salt-added tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup low-fat Tex-Mex shredded cheese
- chopped cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F. Place 1/4 cup of salsa in the bottom of a large baking dish .
- Using a small spoon (I used a teaspoon,) hollow out the center of the zucchini halves, leaving 1/4-inch thick shell on each half. Chop the scooped out zucchini flesh and save 1/2 cup to add to the taco filling (squeeze excess water with a paper towel,) discarding the rest.
- Brown turkey in a large skillet, breaking up as it cooks. When no longer pink, add the chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and salt and mix well. Add the reserved zucchini, tomato sauce, salsa, and water. Stir and simmer on low for 15 minutes.
- Using a spoon, fill the hollowed zucchini boats dividing the taco meat evenly, pressing firmly. Top each with 1 Tbsp of shredded cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes, until cheese is melted and zucchini is cooked through. Top with cilantro or green onions if desired.
FEW NOTES: Like I mentioned above, I used lean ground beef rather than ground turkey because that’s what I had here. I also admitted the water because after I added the salsa to the meat I felt it wasn’t needed. I didn’t do this but I think you could also top these with a bit of shredded lettuce and chopped tomato! ENJOY!
XOXO,
Linnea
