Skip the tortillas and load up on veggies with a family-friendly recipe for Healthy Taco Zucchini Boats.

Step aside, tortillas! There’s a new edible conveyor belt for all that meaty, cheesy, guacamole goodness and it comes in the form of zucchini boats. And this particular recipe for Healthy Taco Zucchini Boats has appeared no less than half a dozen times on our dinner table since I dreamt it up a few weeks ago because it hits three major high notes:

• Fast
• Make-ahead optionality
• Filling

The “fast” requirement never really applied until I entered mommyhood and our nightly schedule went from leisurely dining to a dinner-bath-bed routine that is nothing short of a two-toddler tornado whirling around our house.

The “filling” requirement is because I, like all moms out there, consider life my gym. I spend the days chasing around my baby boys, which leads to quite the appetite. And if we can swing for the fences here and add a fourth element to the requirements, then “healthy” it is!

These taco zucchini boats carry a whole-lot-o-flavor into each protein- and veggie-packed bite. They’re also easy to customize with all of your favorite taco fillings. Make ’em spicy with sliced jalapeños. Pile on the guac (my fave recipe) for a cool, creamy condiment. Or skip the cheese for a dairy-free alternative.

I keep these zucchini boats extra-light by using lean ground turkey, but you can use ground beef for additional flavor. Prep the boats in advance then reheat them right before serving with guac, salsa and hot sauce for an added kick.

Craving more? Subscribe to Just a Taste to get new recipes, meal plans and a newsletter delivered straight to your inbox! And stay in touch on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.