Philly Cheesesteak Zucchini Boats

These Philly Cheesesteak Zucchini Boats are more than just a healthy twist on a classic. They’re loaded with veggies and delicious flavors. Made with perfectly seasoned steak, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Served in zucchini boats for a low-carb option then topped with shredded mozzarella cheese. This is a great dinner to make any day of the week as they come together in less than 10 minutes and are ready in 20.

Philly Cheesesteak Zucchini Boats

Who doesn’t love a Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich? They are pretty delicious right? Unfortunately, they’re pretty far from being a healthy option. As good as they are, they’re just not something my tummy can easily digest. Philly Cheesesteaks also happen to be my hubby’s favorite sandwich. So I thought why not make a healthy version we could all enjoy?

Even though the method used to cook this sandwich is really unhealthy, I like the veggies it calls for. Give me anything that is loaded with bell peppers, onions and mushrooms. Substituting bread for zucchini gives this classic sandwich a healthy and delicious twist. It adds way more of a nutritional value while making it a low-carb option.

Make these Philly Cheesesteak Zucchini Boats as a simple and easy weeknight dinner. Prep them ahead of time to pack for a delicious and satisfying lunch. Gameday food? Why not make these? They’re perfect for virtually any occasion. These zucchini boats are loaded with flavors that everyone will love and enjoy!

Ingredients needed to make these Philly Cheesesteak Zucchini Boats:

• Shaved Steak– Philly Cheesesteak traditionally calls for using Ribeye steak. You can use that, strip, skirt and flank are also good options.
• Zucchinis– You can also use yellow squash.
• Vegetables– Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell Pepper, Cremini Mushrooms, and Yellow Onion
• Shredded Mozzarella– Gives the zucchini boats a nice cheesy pull.
• Spices and Herbs– Garlic Powder, Dried Parsley, Dried Oregano, Pink Salt, Black Pepper
• Coconut Aminos– Gives the steak a umami taste that elevates the flavor.
• Fresh Parsley– For garnish.

Equipment needed to make Philly Cheesesteak Zucchini Boats:

• Baking Dish– A 9×13 inch is perfect.
• Large Cast Iron Skillet– To sauté steak abd veggies.
• Small Mixing Bowl– To make the marinade.
• Whisk– For whisking marinade.

How to make Philly Cheesesteak Zucchini Boats:

• Step 1– Preheat oven at 350 degrees F.
• Step 2– Slice zucchinis in half lengthwise and remove insides. Place zucchini in oven safe casserole dish with the insides facing up. They should look like boats. Set to the side.
• Step 3– In a small mixing bowl make marinade by combining dried oregano, dried parsley, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and coconut aminos. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined. Place shaved steak in a large mixing bowl and pour marinade over it. Give it a good stir making sure steak is well covered with marinade. Set aside and let it sit. 
• Step 4– Thinly slice onion and mushrooms and julienne bell peppers. Place a large cast iron skillet on stovetop on medium-high heat. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over skillet and bring to a heat. Toss in onion and saute for 2 minutes until it starts to translucent. 
• Step 5– Toss in steak along with juices and saute for 3-4 minutes. Once steak starts to brown, stir in prepped bell peppers and mushrooms. Continue sautéing for another 3-5 minutes until steak is browned and veggies are softened. 
• Step 6– Evenly drizzle additional tablespoon olive oil over zucchini and rub over the insides. Use a spoon to evenly scoop the cooked steak and veggies into the zucchini boats. Sprinkle boats with shredded mozzarella.
• Step 7– Place zucchini boats in oven and bake for 20 minutes.
• Step 8– Remove baked zucchini boats from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Top with mayo if desired. Enjoy!

Tips and Substitutions:

1. Use any kind of shaved steak- Shaved steak is usually made with flank or skirt steak. You can use any other cut if you prefer like flat iron, rib-eye, or sirloin.
2. Use other veggies in substitution for zucchini- Summer squash, fairy tale eggplant, Delicata squash, etc. are all great substitutes.
3. Don’t discard the insides of the zucchinis- You can use them in other recipes like zucchini bread, a veggie soup or stew. I always like to freeze them along with other leftover parts or scraps of veggies. This is perfect to make homemade veggie broth.
4. Allow for steak to marinade for longer if possible- If this is a quick meal you’re making, it’s ok to allow steak to marinade while you prep the rest of the ingredients. However, if you are planning on making this meal ahead of time, marinade your steak for longer. It will build up more flavor.
5. Top zucchini boats with mayo- This will give the boats more flavor and taste even more like a classic cheesesteak sandwich. I like to use an avocado oil based mayo.

How to serve Philly Cheesesteak Zucchini Boats:

These Philly Cheesesteak Zucchini Boats make for a great stand-alone, low-carb meal. I usually serve them as is and top them with some mayonnaise. You can always serve them with a side of sweet potato fries or onion rings.

Philly Cheesesteak Zucchini Boats FAQ’s:

Which is the best cheese for Philly Cheesesteak Zucchini Boats?

The best cheese to use for these Philly Cheesesteak Zucchini Boats is any cheese that melts well. I like using shredded mozzarella as it melts well and it is easy to sprinkle over the zucchini boats. Other good cheeses to use are provolone, cheddar, gruyere, and gouda.

What is the best steak for Philly Cheesesteak Zucchini Boats?

Philly Cheesesteak traditionally calls for using Ribeye steak. You can use that, or you can also use strip, skirt or flank steaks. If you are getting your steak directly from a butcher, you can ask them to cut it thinly for you. If you are getting it from the grocery store, I like to get a good piece of steak and thinly cut it myself.

What can I do with the left over zucchini flesh?

Don’t throw away the insides of the zucchini you scoop out. You can use the leftover zucchini flesh in other recipes like zucchini bread, a veggie soup or stew. I always like to freeze them along with other leftover parts or scraps of veggies. This is perfect to make homemade veggie broth.

Can I make a vegetarian option?

Yes. You can easily turn these Philly Cheesesteak Zucchini Boats into a vegetarian option. Simply switch the steak for tofu for a vegetarian version. You can also just omit the protein altogether and just use more mushrooms.

Meal Prepping it:

These Philly Cheesesteak Zucchini Boats make for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. They’re also great to make ahead as part of your meal prep. Pack them for a delicious and satisfying lunch. Prep your zucchinis and other veggies ahead of time to save time when you’re ready to make these for dinner.

Storing and Reheating:

Keep any leftover Philly Cheesesteak Zucchini Boats in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep them refrigerated for up to 4-5 days. Reheat by placing them back in the oven or in the microwave.

Did you like this Philly Cheesesteak Zucchini Boats recipe? You may also like these other stuffed veggies recipes:

• BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Pepper
• Spaghetti Squash Boats (With Veggie Turkey Meat Sauce)
• Turkey Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

Check out these other zucchini recipes:

• Chocolate Zucchini Bread
• Eggplant Zucchini Fritters
• Zucchini Quinoa Egg Bites

5 from 1 vote

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Philly Cheesesteak Zucchini Boats

These Philly Cheesesteak Zucchini Boats are more than just a healthy twist on a classic. They're loaded with veggies and delicious flavors. Made with perfectly seasoned steak, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Served in zucchini boats for a low-carb option then topped with shredded mozzarella cheese. This is a great dinner to make any day of the week as they come together in less than 10 minutes and are ready in 20. 

Course Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword Philly Cheesesteak Zucchini Boats, Zucchini Boats

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Servings 8 boats

Calories 226 kcal

Author Angelica Arias

Ingredients

• 4 zucchinis
• 1 lb shaved steak
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp pink salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 tbsp coconut aminos
• 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
• 1 yellow onion
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 cup crimini mushrooms
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven at 350 degrees F.

2. Slice zucchinis in half lengthwise and remove insides. Place zucchini in oven safe casserole dish with the insides facing up. They should look like boats. Set to the side.

3. In a small mixing bowl make marinade by combining dried oregano, dried parsley, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and coconut aminos. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined. Place shaved steak in a large mixing bowl and pour marinade over it. Give it a good stir making sure steak is well covered with marinade. Set aside and let it sit.

4. Thinly slice onion and mushrooms and julienne bell peppers. Place a large cast iron skillet on stovetop on medium-high heat. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over skillet and bring to a heat. Toss in onion and saute for 2 minutes until it starts to translucent.

5. Toss in steak along with juices and saute for 3-4 minutes. Once steak starts to brown, stir in prepped bell peppers and mushrooms. Continue sautéing for another 3-5 minutes until steak is browned and veggies are softened.

6. Evenly drizzle additional tablespoon olive oil over zucchini and rub over the insides. Use a spoon to evenly scoop the cooked steak and veggies into the zucchini boats. Sprinkle boats with shredded mozzarella.

7. Place zucchini boats in oven and bake for 20 minutes.

8. Remove baked zucchini boats from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Top with mayo if desired. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Tips and Substitutions:

1. Use any kind of shaved steak- Shaved steak is usually made with flank or skirt steak. You can use any other cut if you prefer like flat iron, rib-eye, or sirloin.
2. Use other veggies in substitution for zucchini- Summer squash, fairy tale eggplant, Delicata squash, etc. are all great substitutes.
3. Allow for steak to marinade for longer if possible- If this is a quick meal you’re making, it’s ok to allow steak to marinade while you prep the rest of the ingredients. However, if you are planning on making this meal ahead of time, marinade your steak for longer. It will build up more flavor.
4. Top zucchini boats with mayo- This will give the boats more flavor and taste even more like a classic cheesesteak sandwich. I like to use an avocado oil based mayo.

Nutrition Facts

Philly Cheesesteak Zucchini Boats

Amount per Serving

Calories

226

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

15

g

23

%

Saturated Fat

 

6

g

38

%

Polyunsaturated Fat

 

1

g

Monounsaturated Fat

 

7

g

Cholesterol

 

46

mg

15

%

Sodium

 

315

mg

14

%

Potassium

 

545

mg

16

%

Carbohydrates

 

7

g

2

%

Fiber

 

2

g

8

%

Sugar

 

4

g

4

%

Protein

 

16

g

32

%

Vitamin A

 

825

IU

17

%

Vitamin C

 

50

mg

61

%

Calcium

 

102

mg

10

%

Iron

 

2

mg

11

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

*Number of total servings in estimated. Actual number of servings may vary depending on your own personal preference in portion sizes.

**Nutritional values shown are general guidelines for 1 serving using the ingredients listed above. These numbers do not reflect and may vary depending on substitutions, additions and/or different brands and/or other ingredients that may be used. 

**Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and sponsored content. All the opinions are my own and I only recommend products I use in my own home with my own family.

*Recipe, Post, and Pictures updated as of 8/17/19