Meatballs and zucchini noodles
Enjoy a healthy and delicious meal with this Meatballs and Zucchini Noodles recipe. Featuring juicy ground beef meatballs, fresh spiralized zucchini, and a rich pasta sauce, this dish is topped with grated parmesan cheese for a perfect blend of flavors. Ideal for a weeknight dinner, it's a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta that doesn't compromise on taste.
Cook time 10 min
Prep time 5 min
Ingredients:
18 oz ground beef (80/20%)1 onion
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cups pasta sauce
3 zucchini
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Welcome to a delightful recipe that combines the rich flavors of meatballs with the fresh and healthy twist of zucchini noodles. This dish offers a nourishing and delicious alternative to traditional pasta, making it a perfect meal for those looking for a low-carb option. Gather your ingredients and follow these simple steps to create a scrumptious meal that's sure to impress!
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and finely chopped onion. Mix well until evenly combined.
- Take small portions of the beef mixture and shape them into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. You should get approximately 18-20 meatballs.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the skillet. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and fully cooked through.
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, pour in the pasta sauce, scraping any browned bits from the meatballs off the bottom of the pan. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Add the cooked meatballs back into the skillet and let them simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together.
- While the meatballs are simmering, wash the zucchini and use a spiralizer to create zucchini noodles. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler to peel the zucchini into thin strips resembling noodles.
- In a separate skillet over medium heat, add a small amount of olive oil.
- Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, tossing frequently, until they are just tender but still a bit crisp. Be careful not to overcook them as they can become mushy.
- Divide the zucchini noodles among serving plates.
- Top each plate with a generous portion of meatballs and sauce.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious and healthy meatballs and zucchini noodles immediately while they are hot.
Tips:
- Choose high-quality ground beef with an 80/20 meat-to-fat ratio for juicy meatballs.
- Use a spiralizer to create evenly sized zucchini noodles.
- Grate the onion finely or use a food processor to ensure it incorporates well into the meat mixture.
- Cook the meatballs on medium heat to avoid them from becoming dry.
- Allow the sauce to simmer to enhance the flavors.
- For extra flavor, try adding minced garlic or Italian seasoning to the meatball mixture.
- Blot the zucchini noodles with a paper towel after spiralizing to remove excess moisture.
You've just made a delightful and nutritious meal that pairs hearty meatballs with light and refreshing zucchini noodles. This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers a healthier alternative to pasta without compromising on flavor. Enjoy your culinary creation and share this recipe with family and friends — it's sure to be a hit!
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 440kcal
Protein 27g
Carbohydrates 16g
Fiber 4.09g
Sugar 12g
Fat 33g
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