Best Spicy Zucchini Boats With Tomato Pepper Jack Recipes

CHEF JOHN'S TACO-STUFFED ZUCCHINI BOATS

Steps:

• Combine olive oil, onion, and ground beef in a skillet over high heat. Cook, stirring, until onion turns translucent and the beef is browned and broken up into very small pieces, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and jalapeno pepper and stir for 2 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon salt, chili powder, paprika, cayenne, cumin, dried oregano, cornmeal, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute more.
• Stir in tomato sauce and water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to your desired texture, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
• Use a teaspoon or melon baller to scoop out about half the center of each zucchini to create a "boat." Sprinkle generously with remaining kosher salt and let sit, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone liner.
• Use a paper towel to blot any moisture that the salt draws out of the zucchini. Place boats on the prepared baking sheet and fill each one with as much taco meat mixture as will fit. Top evenly with pepper Jack cheese.
• Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is browned and the zucchini is just barely tender, about 20 minutes. Test for doneness with a sharp knife. Serve immediately.

CORN BOATS WITH ZUCCHINI AND PEPPER JACK CHEESE

Steps:

• Pull a lengthwise strip of corn husk (about 1 to 1 1/2 inches wide) from each ear to expose a strip of kernels and discard husk strip.
• Carefully peel back remaining husks, keeping them attached to stem ends, and snap ears from stem ends.
• Discard silk from husks.
• Tear a thin strip from a tender, inner piece of each husk and use it to tie loose end of each husk together, forming a boat.
• Cut corn kernels from ears and discard cobs.
• In a large heavy skillet heat oil over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking and sauté zucchini, stirring occasionally, until browned lightly and just tender, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Transfer zucchini with slotted spoon to a bowl and season with salt.
• In oil remaining in skillet sauté corn kernels and onion with salt to taste over moderately high heat, stirring, 4 minutes and cook, covered, over low heat until corn is crisp-tender, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Add corn mixture to zucchini and season with salt.
• Cool filling and stir in cheese.
• Spoon filling into husk boats. (Corn boats may be prepared up to this point 1 day ahead and kept chilled, covered.).
• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Arrange boats on a baking sheet and sprinkle filling with tortilla crumbs.
• Bake boats in upper third of oven until cheese is melted and filling is heated through, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Serve corn boats warm or at room temperature.

MEATY STUFFED ZUCCHINI BOATS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the first 11 ingredients and one can of tomato sauce; mix well.
• Stir in tomatoes.
• Halve zucchini lengthwise; scoop out center part of zucchini to about 1/4 inch from edges.
• Fill with meat mixture; place in two 13x9 inch baking dishes.
• Spoon remaining tomato sauce over each.
• Bake uncovered, at 375 degrees for 45 minutes or until the zucchini is tender.
• Sprinkle with cheese during last few minutes or baking.

MEXICAN ZUCCHINI BOATS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Spray the bottom of a baking dish with cooking spray.
• Fill a large skillet with water and bring to a boil. Boil zucchini halves for 1 minute. Drain.
• Heat the large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir ground beef and onion in the hot skillet until beef is browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Add tomato sauce, corn, bell pepper, and taco seasoning; cook and stir until bubbly.
• Place zucchini halves into the prepared baking dish, cut-sides up. Scoop meat mixture into the boats and sprinkle cheese on top.
• Bake in the preheated oven until tender and cheese is melted, about 30 minutes. Garnish with scallions.