Fall is in the air, the grill is on the outs and the oven is back as the main cooking star. These Stuffed Zucchini Boats combine the fresh summery taste of zucchini with the heartier flavors and texture of ground meat (with a little creamy cheese thrown in for good measure).

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground meat of your choice – I used bison, but have used turkey in the past, ground beef would the kitchen staple go-to for most kitchens.
• 2 large zucchini
• 2 oz of cream cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• chipotle seasoning
• red pepper flakes
• ground black pepper

Preheat your oven to 400. Cut the ends off your zucchinis, and cut in half lengthwise. Using a spoon carve out the middle section of the zucchini, reserving the fillings – this will go into your stuffing.

Place your boats on a foil lined cookies sheet and sprinkle with black pepper.

In a large skillet over medium heat saute your peppers, onions, garlic and zucchini centers. Season with chipotle, red pepper flakes and black pepper to your liking.

The zucchini gives off a lot of liquid, when the liquid is mostly gone add your ground meat and cook through ensuring all the liquid is cooked off. (We added more seasoning – we prefer a little kick :-))

Transfer your filling into a large bowl, add cream cheese and mix.

Spoon the stuffing mixture into your boats.

Place in your preheated oven for 30 minutes until the zucchini is cooked through. Serve and enjoy!