• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
freebie! download my top 8 dessert recipe ebook

Join my newsletter for latest recipes!

Erin Lives Whole

Healthy Eats + Delicious Treats

  • Recipe Index
    • Course
      • Appetizers
      • Breakfast
      • Lunch & Dinner
      • Dessert
      • Soup
      • Sides
      • Drinks
      • Snacks
      • Sauces & Dips
    • Dessert Type
      • Bars & Balls
      • Breads & Muffins
      • Brownies
      • Cakes
      • Candy
      • Cookies
      • Frozen
      • Pie & Cobbler
      • Other
    • Diet
      • Dairy-Free
      • Gluten-Free
      • Nut-Free
      • Paleo Friendly
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
    • Method
      • 30 Minute or Less
      • Air Fryer
      • Grill
      • Instant Pot
      • Meal Prep
      • No Bake
      • One Pot/Pan
      • Oven
      • Stove Top
    • Season
      • Fall
      • Holiday
      • Winter
      • Spring
      • Summer
    • Recipe Filter
    • All Recipes
  • Ebooks
  • Shop
  • Lifestyle
  • About
    • Work With Me
    • Contact
  • Subscribe to receive latest recipes

    Join my newsletter for latest recipes!

  • Browse by Diet
    • Gluten-Free
    • Dairy-Free
    • Nut-Free
    • Paleo Friendly
    • Vegan
    • Vegetarian
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch & Dinner
  • Drinks
  • Snacks
  • Dessert
  • Appetizers
Home By Meal

Buffalo Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats

★★★★★ 67 Reviews Recipe Print
gf nf
By: Erin7/7/21

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Buffalo Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Buffalo Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Use up your zucchinis with Buffalo Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats — the perfect blend of ranch, buffalo sauce, and cheesy goodness! Easy and perfect for 6.

stuffed zucchini boats

A buffalo zucchini boat recipe you’ll want to try ASAP

Zucchini is one of those ingredients that I just don’t eat enough of! For some reason I tend to overlook it in my cooking, despite the fact that it’s such a versatile vegetable. It can be used in so many ways — in salads, as “noodles,” in breads and muffins, heck… you can even use it to make brownies!

But there’s one way to use zucchini that’s extra delicious, savory, and filling: stuffed zucchini boats! So, that’s exactly what we’re making today. And these aren’t just regular zucchini boats, they’re buffalo turkey stuffed zucchini boats!

We’re using plain ground turkey and taking the flavor up a notch with a blend of buffalo sauce, Greek yogurt, and ranch dressing. It creates an undeniably tasty result. The recipe yields 6 servings, so it’s great for the whole family (and super easy to double if needed)!

stuffed zucchini boats

Ingredients in buffalo turkey zucchini boats

Zucchini boats with ground turkey go heavy on the flavor, let me tell you. We’ll start with a garlic an onion mixture, followed by the sauce-heavy turkey. Load up the zucchinis, top them with cheddar cheese, and you’ll be in love!

  • Zucchinis: First up, you’ll need 3 large zucchinis. These will create 6 servings.
  • Avocado oil: 1 tbsp of avocado oil will be used to sauté the onion.
  • Onion: Add 1 small onion for a great taste! I recommend a yellow onion, diced into small pieces.
  • Garlic: Add 2 cloves of minced garlic for lots of flavor.
  • Turkey: 1 lb of ground turkey is the perfect amount for stuffing the zucchini boats.
  • Buffalo sauce: To flavor up the turkey, use 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce. You can use store bought or make your own with my creamy vegan buffalo sauce recipe!
  • Greek yogurt: Then, 1/3 cup of plain Greek yogurt will cut the heat while maintaining the flower and thickening up the filling.
  • Ranch: Finally, add 1/4 cup of ranch dressing as the final sauce.
  • Cheese: 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese will be used to top the 6 zucchini boats.
  • Cilantro: Optionally add fresh cilantro as a tasty topping!

Tools used to create this recipe

You’ll need a variety of kitchen items to make this zucchini boat recipe. Start with a 9×13 casserole dish and nonstick spray, followed by a cutting board, knife, spoon, large pan or skillet, and strainer.

For measuring, you will need the following sized cups: 1 tbsp, 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup, and 1 cup.

stuffed zucchini boats

How to make buffalo stuffed zucchini boats

Stuffed zucchini with ground turkey is ready in around 50 minutes. We’ll start by prepping the zucchinis and sautéing the onions, and then we’ll brown the turkey and fill the boats. Don’t forget to top with cheese and optionally garnish with cilantro, buffalo sauce, and ranch!

To begin, preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with nonstick spray.

Next, cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise. Scoop out the center seeds to create a “boat” in the zucchini. Discard the seeds.

Heat the avocado oil in a large pan. Add the diced onion and cook until it begins to soften, about 4 minutes.

Add the garlic and ground turkey and cook until no longer pink. Drain any excess liquid.

Next, add the buffalo sauce, Greek yogurt, and ranch dressing to the pan and stir to combine with the turkey.

Evenly divide the turkey mixture into the zucchini boats and top with shredded cheddar cheese.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the zucchini is fork tender.

Remove from the oven and top with cilantro, more buffalo sauce, and extra ranch if desired!

stuffed zucchini boats

Zucchini boat add on ideas

Looking for extra ingredients to add to your boats? Try these! Double up on the cheese, add extra crunch with green peppers, or heat things up with a jalapeño!

  • Green onions
  • Mozzarella or pepper jack cheese
  • Green pepper (diced very fine)
  • Jalapeño (remove seeds if you don’t want a lot of heat)
  • Blue cheese dressing (I would swap for ranch)

Recipe tips and ingredient options

Switching up this recipe is easy! If you’re wondering about swaps, here are some commonly used substitutes that you can try.

Type of turkey
Any type of ground turkey will work in this recipe! I usually go with 99% lean, but feel free to use whatever you prefer!

Using beef or chicken
You can easily sub turkey with ground beef or chicken, or use your favorite Italian sausage.

Switching the sauce
Some people aren’t buffalo sauce people, and I get that! If that’s you, you can swap the buffalo, ranch, and yogurt mixture for your favorite pasta or marinara sauce. You may need to use a smaller amount. If going this route, I recommend mozzarella cheese in place of cheddar!

If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!

Are you a buffalo sauce lover like me? If so, you’re in luck! Try my infamous buffalo recipes, from buff chic casserole and dip to meatballs and soup!

  • Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole
  • Healthier Buffalo Chicken Dip
  • Healthy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
  • Creamy Buffalo Chicken Soup

Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by Quarter Soul Crisis

stuffed zucchini boats

Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by Quarter Soul Crisis

buffalo stuffed zucchini boats
★★★★★ 5 from 67 reviews

Buffalo Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Use up your zucchinis with Buffalo Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats — the perfect blend of ranch, buffalo sauce, and cheesy goodness! Easy and perfect for 6.

Prep: 20Cook: 40Total: 1 hour
Yield 6 boats 1x
Print Pin it Rate

Ingredients

  • 3 large zucchinis
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced small
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1/3 cup plain greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • cilantro for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F and spray 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick spray.
  2. Cut zucchinis in half longwise. Scoop out the center seeds and create a ‘boat’ in the zucchini. Discard seeds.
  3. In a large pan, heat 1 tbsp avocado oil. Add diced onion and cook until just softening, about 4 minutes.
  4. Add garlic and ground turkey and cook until no longer pink. Drain any excess liquid.
  5. Add in buffalo sauce, greek yogurt, and ranch dressing to the turkey mixture. Stir until combined.
  6. Evenly divide turkey mixture into zucchini boats. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
  7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until zucchini is fork tender.
  8. Top with cilantro, more buffalo sauce, and more ranch if desired.
Author: ErinCategory: dinner, lunch, meal prep, summerMethod: BakeCuisine: AmericanDiet: Gluten Free
buffalo stuffed zucchini boats

Did you make this?

Leave a comment below and tag @erinliveswhole on social media!

erinliveswhole

There may be affiliate links in this post! By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat 🙂

You May Also Like...

  • buffalo chicken soup
    Creamy Buffalo Chicken Soup
  • Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
    Healthy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
  • chicken caesar salad
    Healthy Chicken Caesar Salad
  • cauliflower wings on plate
    Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
chocolate chip cookies
free ebook

get my free top 8 desserts ebook!

A dessert lover’s heaven – six healthier sweet treats all made with six ingredients or less!

download now

Join my newsletter for latest recipes!

Previous Post
Next Post

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Use the form below to submit your question or comment. I love seeing what you made!

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Shannon says

    Posted on 7/7 at 7:32 pm

    I’ve made this a few times and I swear it gets better and better each time. SO good!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 7/8 at 11:58 am

      Hi Shannon, so glad you liked it!!

      Reply
  2. Katelyn says

    Posted on 3/31 at 10:33 pm

    Made a few little swaps but wow these were SO good! Super easy and great for meal prep, even better the second night.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/1 at 1:46 pm

      Hi Katelyn, so glad you loved them!!

      Reply
  3. Abbey says

    Posted on 3/20 at 10:38 am

    My husband’s favorite dinner! I love the buffalo sauce and it allows us to eat a lot of veggies!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/21 at 1:51 pm

      Hi Abbey, so glad you both loved them!!

      Reply
  4. Kelli says

    Posted on 3/20 at 9:50 am

    Perfect, easy weeknight dinner! Can’t wait to make again.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/21 at 1:47 pm

      Hi Kelli, so happy you liked them!

      Reply
  5. Emily says

    Posted on 3/16 at 8:04 pm

    So yummy!!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/17 at 2:53 pm

      Hi Emily, so happy you loved them!

      Reply
  6. Becca says

    Posted on 2/22 at 10:34 am

    Loved these! So easy, and delicious while also feeling like I was eating pretty healthy.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/22 at 3:36 pm

      Hi Becca, so happy you loved them!

      Reply
  7. olivia says

    Posted on 1/28 at 6:18 pm

    These FUELED me right up after field hockey practice. love love love. the flavors are amazing together

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/28 at 8:13 pm

      Hi Olivia, so happy you enjoyed them!!

      Reply
  8. Katie says

    Posted on 12/30 at 9:03 pm

    These were a huge hit tonight! We had them with a side of sweet potato fries and we already can’t wait to make it again.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/3 at 4:14 pm

      Hi Katie, so glad you loved them and great addition!

      Reply
  9. Emily G. says

    Posted on 12/9 at 9:45 pm

    This is pretty much an every other week staple for us now. I was hesitant about the ground turkey/chicken and buffalo sauce, but now I prefer it!!! I’ve also made it with cream cheese instead of Greek yogurt because I forgot it lol and that worked too!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/10 at 11:33 am

      Hi Emily, I am thrilled you loved them!!

      Reply
  10. Haley says

    Posted on 12/9 at 1:49 pm

    Easy and great meal – both fresh and as leftovers!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/10 at 11:27 am

      Hi Haley, so happy you enjoyed them!!

      Reply
  11. Laura t says

    Posted on 10/17 at 2:42 pm

    So so easy and so so delicious.
    Thanks for sharing with us Erin 🤗🤗

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/18 at 6:06 pm

      Hi Laura, so glad you loved the boats!!

      Reply
  12. Nicole S says

    Posted on 10/17 at 12:21 pm

    I LOVE anything buffalo so these were a hit. Healthy, flavorful, filling!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/18 at 5:57 pm

      Hi Nicole, I am so happy you loved them!! Thanks for your support!! 🙂

      Reply
  13. Natalie Hotrum says

    Posted on 10/17 at 12:04 pm

    10/10 would make again!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/18 at 5:51 pm

      Hi Natalie, I am so glad you loved the boats!!

      Reply
  14. Ali says

    Posted on 9/17 at 6:16 pm

    Loved these zucchini boats!! Made them vegetarian-friendly with a mixture of black beans and chickpeas instead of ground turkey and they were so so good!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 9/18 at 6:02 pm

      Hi Ali, so glad you loved them!!

      Reply
  15. Molly says

    Posted on 9/13 at 4:30 pm

    These were delicious and won over my boyfriend who doesn’t particularly love zucchinis. Not to mention, the leftovers were perfect for lunch the next day. We’ll be making them again!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 9/13 at 9:08 pm

      Hi Molly, so glad you both loved them so much! 🙂

      Reply
  16. Rachel S says

    Posted on 9/12 at 9:00 pm

    My mouth is still tingly from this delicious recipe! Easy AND husband approved..what more can you ask for?!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 9/13 at 9:05 pm

      Hi Rachel, so happy you both loved the boats!!

      Reply
  17. Brittany says

    Posted on 9/6 at 9:22 pm

    This recipe was so easy to make and super yummy! I swapped out ground turkey for ground chicken. I even made the same mixture and put it on peppers!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 9/7 at 2:58 pm

      Hi Brittany, so glad you loved them and made them your own!!

      Reply
  18. Malorie says

    Posted on 9/1 at 6:16 pm

    Before I even put the mixture in the Zucchini I was in love. I don’t eat cheese so I did sub for dairy free options. This recipe is SO SO GOOD.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 9/4 at 11:41 am

      Hi Malorie, so glad you loved them!!

      Reply
  19. Marina says

    Posted on 8/30 at 12:56 pm

    Obsessed with this recipe! So easy and delicious, and perfect for leftovers for the week. Highly recommend!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/30 at 4:17 pm

      Hi Marina, so glad you loved them!!

      Reply
  20. Claire says

    Posted on 8/25 at 4:02 pm

    These were everything I had hoped for! I might use a tiny bit less Buffalo sauce next time because they were spicy!! A great way to use an abundance of garden zucchini, and if sliced in half they could be a great party appetizer.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/25 at 4:33 pm

      Hi Claire, so glad you loved them with your home grown zucchinis! 🙂

      Reply
Older Comments
Newer Comments

Primary Sidebar

erin in front of a building

Hey there!

I’m Erin. Creator of Erin Lives Whole, a food blog with delicious and easy healthy recipes that will leave you feeling good. We’ve got everything from wholesome baked goods to comforting savory dishes. I can’t wait to see what you whip up! Read More...

grocery lists

Shop My Grocery Downloads

Do you head to the grocery store and feel overwhelmed with all of the options? Well, I've created FIVE downloadable and printable grocery lists from five different and popular grocery stores. All of my absolute must haves from Whole Foods, Target, a regular grocer, Trader Joe's, and Costco!

Shop Now

Popular Posts

chickpea brownie on a tray

Chickpea Brownies

bite out of healthy cookie dough ball

Healthy Cookie Dough Balls

cauliflower wings on plate

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

pouring syrup on stack of oatmeal blender pancakes

Oatmeal Blender Pancakes

chocolate chip cookies

get my free top 8 desserts ebook!

A dessert lover’s heaven – six healthier sweet treats all made with six ingredients or less!

Download Now

Join my newsletter for latest recipes!

Trending Recipes

avocado corn salad

Avocado Corn Salad

cilantro lime shrimp on plate

Cilantro Lime Shrimp with Coconut Cauliflower Rice

paleo cookie skillet with ice cream

Healthy Cookie Skillet

banana bread muffin on a rack

Paleo Banana Bread Muffins

Featured On

good housekeeping logo
parade logo
feed feed logo
business insider logo
everyday health logo
country living logo
bar desserts
truffles
bar desserts
bar desserts
muffins
vanilla birthday cake with chocolate icing

Get latest updates To your inbox!

Back to Top
© 2023 Erin Lives Whole
  • Privacy Policy
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled