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We’re getting to that time of year when summer squash is becoming abundant. I’m up to my ears in zucchini and yellow squash – and I’m loving every minute of it. One of these years I need to start planting my own, but until then, the green and yellow squash combination from Costco is just perfect. From zucchini noodles to zucchini fries, there are so many possibilities! And in case you didn’t know, you can use zucchini and yellow squash interchangeably in pretty much any recipe that calls for one or the other. They’re especially versatile in stuffed summer squash recipes.
If I had to pick a favorite way to use up zucchini and yellow squash, any stuffed summer squash recipe would be the clear winner. Not only does it look gorgeous and lend itself to a variety of fillings, it also makes for an easy dinner that leaves only one pan to clean. My husband does the dishes at our house while I do the cooking, but I know he’ll thank me for that one.
The only challenging part about creating stuffed summer squash recipes is figuring out what to call them. Often times, I want to draw attention to so many of the delicious contents. Even though this recipe has only ten ingredients, so many of them seemed important to mention: summer squash, shiitake mushrooms, ground beef, caramelized onions, garlic, and Swiss cheese. How does one even begin to narrow this down? The name I ended up with – stuffed summer squash boats with beef, Shiitake mushrooms & Swiss cheese – is a bit of a mouthful, but I thought it was worth it to point out as many of the flavors as possible.
Shiitake Swiss beef stuffed summer squash boats. Let’s just pretend that rolls off the tongue. Wait, you mean it doesn’t? The taste will make up for it, I promise. It’s actually kind of fitting, now that I think about it, because a big mouthful is exactly what you’ll want when you see these lovely zucchini and yellow squash boats in front of you.
If you haven’t tried shiitake mushrooms before, this recipe is a great way to start. They share some similarities with portobello mushrooms, but have a deeper umami flavor. You can definitely use other types of mushrooms for this dish too, but shiitakes are my favorite, hands down.
The filling in these stuffed yellow squash and zucchini literally melts in your mouth. The earthy mushrooms pair wonderfully with the naturally sweet caramelized onions, browned ground beef, and gooey Swiss cheese. Can you imagine the flavors together?
Excuse me while I go daydream about them…
If you manage to have any left over, these stuffed summer squash boats freeze well, too. (Many of the summer squash recipes here do, too!) I’ll be making a bunch of them to enjoy in the winter, when I know I’ll be missing my summer squash. When you’re craving comfort food later, these will totally do the trick.
Tools To Make Keto Summer Squash Boats
Tap the links below to see the items used to make this recipe.
- Baking Sheet – This is my personal favorite baking sheet to use for almost everything. It’s nonstick, heavy duty, and perfect for making these low carb beef filled summer squash boats.
- Parchment Paper – Parchment paper makes clean-up after making this stuffed squash recipe a breeze.
- Skillet – Don’t forget you will need a skillet for one step of this recipe. These nonstick skillets are the perfect choice.
Shiitake Swiss Beef Stuffed Summer Squash Boats (Low Carb, Gluten-free)
Stuffed Summer Squash Boats with Beef, Shiitake Mushrooms & Swiss Cheese
Ingredients
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Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Slice the squash length-wise. Use a melon baller or small spoon to partially hollow out the seedy center of each squash half (this is where the filling will go).
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Arrange the squash on the lined baking sheet, cut side up. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt. Bake 15-20 minutes, until almost fully softened.
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Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and saute about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent and slightly browned. Add shiitake mushrooms and garlic. Saute 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are slightly browned and reduced in size.
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Turn the heat up to medium high. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Saute 7-8 minutes, breaking up the pieces with a spatula or spoon, until the beef is browned and the onions are caramelized.
- Remove from heat. Stir in sour cream and half of the shredded Swiss cheese. Spoon the filling into the squash halves.
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Bake for 10 minutes, until the squash is cooked through and the filling is bubbly.
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Turn the oven to broil. Sprinkle the remaining shredded Swiss cheese evenly on top of the squash boats. Broil 3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and browned.
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Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 squash boat
Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.
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11 Comments
Sharon
0Excited to try this…love my yellow summer squash!
Ellen
0Can this be frozen? I will be making this today but would like to freeze some.
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Ellen, Squash usually freezes well in an airtight container. I recommend reheating in the oven for best results.
Lisa
0Do you cook the recipe first then freeze?
Wholesome Yum A
0Hi Lisa, Yes, you cook the stuffed summer squash boats first. Make sure to wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in a freezer-safe container.
Lindy
0I really love this recipe! It’s simple but so delicious and visually appealing!
You can substitute the mushrooms with anything you like.
I made this recipe with peas!
Jean Truitt
0Do you have a suggestion for a substitution for the shitake mushrooms? Unfortunately, I am highly allergic to mushrooms and I am struggling to think of a substitute that would offer a similar texture profile.
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Jean, Texturally, I think sun-dried tomatoes or eggplant will work well.
Lesley
0This recipe is delicious!
Valerie
0Do we throw the inside of the squash away or add it into the mixture?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Valerie, I usually throw that part away.