Calabacitas Rellenas de Carne Molida (Stuffed Courgette Boats)
Roasted courgette halves filled with taco-spiced beef in ranchera sauce, topped with melted cheese until bubbling.
Made with Salsa ranchera and Taco seasoning mix. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time55 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £1.35 a head
- Oven200°C (180°C fan)
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Heat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Use a teaspoon to scoop the seeds from each courgette half to make a hollow boat, leaving a 1 cm wall. Chop the scooped flesh finely.
- 2
Lay the courgette halves cut side up in a large baking dish. Brush with a little oil and roast for 15 minutes until just starting to soften.
15 min - 3
Meanwhile, heat the remaining oil in a frying pan over a medium-high heat. Cook the onion and chopped courgette flesh for 5 minutes, then add the garlic.
5 min - 4
Add the beef and brown for 6 minutes, breaking it up. Stir in the taco seasoning mix and half the salsa ranchera and simmer for 5 minutes until thick.
11 min - 5
Spoon the filling into the courgette boats, pour the rest of your ready made salsa ranchera (see the base recipe) around them and top with the cheese. Bake for 18 minutes until bubbling and golden, and finish with the coriander.
18 min
Tips
- Choose evenly sized courgettes that sit flat. Trim a thin slice from the base if they rock.
- Pre roasting the shells stops them watering down the filling.
- Scoop with a teaspoon or a melon baller for a clean hollow.
- Use the filling for stuffed peppers or aubergines too.
Storing and freezing
Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days once cooled within 1 to 2 hours. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through. Freeze the cooked filling for up to 3 months, but not the courgettes.
Questions
Is this recipe low carb?
Yes, it is made from courgette, beef, tomato sauce and cheese with no flour, rice or potato. Check your salsa ranchera for any added sugar if you are watching it.
Can I make it dairy free?
Yes. Leave the cheese off, or use a dairy free melting cheese, and the dish is otherwise dairy free.
What else can I use instead of beef?
Turkey mince, chicken mince or a mix of mushrooms and lentils all work. Use the same amount.
More made with salsa ranchera
Tortas Ahogadas de Carnitas (Drowned Pork Sandwiches)
DFEFNFAlbóndigas Rancheras (Meatballs in Ranchera Sauce)
GFNFEnchiladas Rancheras de Queso (Cheese Enchiladas with Ranchera Sauce)
GFEFNFChiles Rellenos de Pastor (Baked Poblanos Stuffed with Pastor Pork)
GFEFNFDouble check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.