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    BeeyondCereal » Recipes » Instant Pot Recipes

    Instant Pot Zucchini Boats

    Modified: Apr 17, 2025 Published: Dec 24, 2020 by Nicole Durham This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    Diet foods just got better with these Instant Pot Zucchini Boats. Filled with so much flavor in every crisp and cheesy bite, you won't even miss the carbs.

    Recipe: $6.23 | Per Serving: $1.56 | Servings: 4

    two zucchini taco boats on a plate with toppings.

    Instant Pot Zucchini Boats are a fun twist on traditional tacos. Zucchini halves are hollowed out and filled with a savory taco-inspired mixture, creating a low-carb and vegetable-packed alternative to tortillas.

    The Instant Pot makes this dish incredibly convenient and quick to prepare, allowing you to enjoy the delicious flavors of tacos in a lighter, guilt-free way.

    The Instant Pot streamlines the cooking process, making this a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will enjoy.

    For more taco-inspired favorites try our Taco Mac and Cheese (with Rotel), Walking Taco Casserole, and Easy Dorito Taco Salad.

    Jump to:
    • 🍯 Why This Recipe Works
    • 🥘 Ingredients
    • 🔪 Instructions for Instant Pot Zucchini Boats
    • 🍴 Recipe Tips
    • 🍳 Reheating
    • 💭 Recipe FAQs
    • ❤️ More Delicious Instant Pot Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    🍯 Why This Recipe Works

    1. It's affordable. Zucchini is such a cheap vegetable when it's in season and it's got so many great things in it for your body too! It's such a perfect veggie for side dishes, but now you can make it a main meal too! For even more options check out our Delicious Summer Squash Recipes.
    2. It's fast! If you use meat already on hand, this recipe only takes 3 minutes of cook time! If you don't have meat on hand, I made life simpler and included a delicious turkey taco meat recipe (also made in the instant pot!) It's on the recipe card below.
    3. It's great any time of day. Serve this up as a low carb lunch or dinner option, and it's sure to be a huge hit.

    🥘 Ingredients

    labeled ingredients needed to make instant pot zucchini boats.

    Apple Cider Vinegar- We use this to help tenderize the meat in the taco filling. This gives a nicer flavor and texture.

    Fresh zucchini- You will need some fresh zucchini. (Make sure to wash them first). This is great for using up garden zucchini, but store-bought is fine too!

    For more zucchini recipes, make sure to check out my Snickerdoodle Zucchini Bread, Zucchini Penne Pasta, and Instant Pot Zucchini.

    Cheese- What would tacos be without a little cheese? Your zucchini taco boats may want a little cheese on top to help them feel complete.

    For specific ingredients and measurements, please see the recipe card below.

    🔪 Instructions for Instant Pot Zucchini Boats

    brown your meat and onions then add seasonings and mix well.

    Step 1: In a large skillet on the stove over medium heat or in the Instant Pot on Saute mode, add the ground turkey meat and onions. (Image 1).

    Step 2: Stir and cook together until no pink meat remains. (Image 2).

    Step 3: Add in the taco seasoning, brown sugar, and cider vinegar. (Image 3).

    Step 4: Stir well to combine. (Image 4). Set aside.

    slice zucchini in half and scoop center then place on trivet in instant pot with water.

    Step 5: Wash your zucchini and slice it in half vertically. (Image 5).

    Step 6: Scoop out the centers to make the halves into little boats. (Image 6).

    Step 7: Add your trivet to the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water to the bottom. (Image 7).

    Step 8: Place your zucchini boats inside with the bowls facing up. (Image 8).

    cook boats and then mix zucchini centers into the meat filling.

    Step 9: Close the lid and seal it. Set it to High Pressure for 3 minutes and do a Quick Pressure Release. (Image 9).

    Step 10: *Optional Step* Chop up the zucchini centers and add them to the taco meat. (Image 10). Stir together over warm heat until the zucchini feels a tender. (Image 11).

    Step 11: Open the lid to the Instant Pot and drain the water out of the boats (it will collect in there) and then drain the water from inside the pot. (Image 12).

    drain water and fill zucchini with meat and cheese until melted and add toppings.

    Step 12: Place your taco boats onto a baking sheet (Image 13). Or, if they can fit, place them back into the Instant Pot on the trivet inside the Instant Pot.

    Step 13: Add the taco meat and cheese to the boats. Put the baking sheet into the oven under high broil for 2 minutes (Image 15) or if using the Instant Pot, simply close the lid and let rest for 2 minutes to melt the cheese.

    Step 14: Remove the boats and serve warm with Pico de Gallo and chopped cilantro. (Image 16). Enjoy!

    🍴 Recipe Tips

    1. Desired Texture: Aim for zucchini that is both crisp and soft, indicating freshness. Cooking for precisely 3 minutes with a Quick Pressure Release achieves this ideal texture.
    2. Adjusting Texture: For softer zucchini, extend cooking time by 1 minute. Avoid exceeding 5 minutes to prevent mushiness.
    3. Prepping Zucchini: Use a paring knife to score lines in the zucchini boat before scooping out the centers. This provides better control during scooping, ensuring even removal.
    4. You Can Use Leftover Taco Meat Instead. This is perfect to Save Money by Stretching Meat and Reuse Leftover Food.

    🍳 Reheating

    Oven Method: Place stuffed zucchini boats on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

    Microwave Method: Alternatively, microwave on a plate for 2-3 minutes, though zucchini may become softer compared to oven reheating.

    💭 Recipe FAQs

    What to eat with zucchini boats

    You can serve your zucchini boats with any of your favorite side dishes. Spanish rice, refried beans, a light salad, or even tortilla soup are nice options.

    Do you eat the skin on a zucchini boat?

    Yes. The skin of zucchini is actually very good for you as there is a lot of nutrition hiding in that green rind. The skin will become softer as it cooks making it fork tender and easy to cut through. Just make sure to wash it well before cooking.

    two taco zucchini boats on a plate with a fork.

    ❤️ More Delicious Instant Pot Recipes

    • a pile of cooked instant pot chicken spaghetti on a dinner plate.
      Instant Pot Chicken Spaghetti
    • a barbecue covered beef rib on a plate.
      Instant Pot Beef Back Ribs
    • au gratin potatoes in a white baking dish.
      Instant Pot Boxed Au Gratin Potatoes
    • two cooked chicken quarters in a dish with broccoli next to an instant pot.
      Instant Pot Chicken Quarters

    If you tried these Instant Pot Zucchini Boats, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and share your feedback in the 📝 comments section below. I would truly appreciate it!

    📖 Recipe

    two zucchini taco boats on a plate with cheese and toppings.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    Instant Pot Zucchini Boats

    Instant Pot Zucchini Boats are a tasty low carb meal that packs flavor and crisp veggies in every bite. Eating healthy never tasted this good. Make the turkey taco meat recipe below or use prepared taco meat you already have on hand.
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 15 minutes mins
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 272kcal
    Cost Recipe $6.23 / Serving $1.56
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Measuring Cups
    • Mixing Bowl
    • 6qt Instant Pot
    • IP Trivet

    Ingredients

    • 2 large zucchini ($1.78)
    • 1 cup water ($0.00)

    Turkey Taco Meat

    • 1 pound ground turkey meat ($1.98)
    • 1 small onion, diced ($0.91)
    • 3 Tablespoons taco seasoning ($0.54)
    • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar ($0.03)
    • 1 teaspoon brown sugar ($0.01)

    Toppings

    • ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded ($0.50)
    • 3 Tablespoons cilantro, chopped ($0.11)
    • 2 Tablespoons pico de gallo ($0.37)
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • In a large skillet on the stove over medium heat or in the Instant Pot on Saute mode, add the ground turkey meat and onions.
    • Stir and cook together until no pink meat remains.
    • Add in the taco seasoning, brown sugar, and cider vinegar.
    • Stir well to combine. Set aside.
    • Wash your zucchini and slice it in half vertically.
    • Scoop out the centers to make the halves into little boats.
    • Add your trivet to the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water to the bottom.
    • Place your zucchini boats inside with the bowls facing up.
    • Close the lid and seal it. Set it to High Pressure for 3 minutes and do a Quick Pressure Release.
    • *Optional Step* Chop up the zucchini centers and add them to the taco meat. Stir together over warm heat until the zucchini feels a tender.
    • Open the lid to the Instant Pot and drain the water out of the boats (it will collect in there) and then drain the water from inside the pot.
    • Place your taco boats onto a baking sheet. Or, if they can fit, place them back into the Instant Pot on the trivet inside the Instant Pot.
    • Add the taco meat and cheese to the boats. Put the baking sheet into the oven under high broil for 2 minutes or if using the Instant Pot, simply close the lid and let rest for 2 minutes to melt the cheese.
    • Remove the boats and serve warm with Pico de Gallo and chopped cilantro. Enjoy!

    Notes

    Add an extra minute for softer zucchini, but avoid overcooking.
    Score the zucchini with a knife for easier scooping.
    The zucchini skin is nutritious; no need to peel.
    Reheat in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 350°F or microwave for 2-3 minutes. Serve warm.

    Nutritional Information

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 272kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 374mg | Potassium: 704mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 767IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 157mg | Iron: 2mg
    Author Nicole Durham
    Course dinner, lunch, Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Diet Gluten Free
    Tried this recipe?Mention @BeeyondCereal on Instagram and hashtag it #BeeyondCereal
    Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used. To view how this recipe was calculated you can visit my Pricing Disclosure Page for more information.

    More Simple Instant Pot Recipes

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      Instant Pot Applesauce
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      Mississippi Pot Roast Tacos
    • a plate topped with mashed potatoes and shredded mississippi roast.
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    • bbq ribs with a bowl of bbq sauce.
      Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs

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    Hey, I'm Nicole

    The proud owner and recipe developer behind BeeyondCereal. Here, I'm passionate about showing people how to navigate the kitchen with frugality in mind, whipping up family-friendly recipes that not only save money but also bring joy to every meal.

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