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.

  • 28 Apr 2024
  • Cook time 10 min
  • Prep time 5 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 6 Ingredients

Meatballs and zucchini noodles

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!

Ingredients:

18 oz ground beef (80/20%)
510g
1 onion
110g
1 tbsp olive oil
14g
2 cups pasta sauce
460g
3 zucchini
600g
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
20g

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:
- 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.
2. Cook the 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.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
- 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.
4. Spiralize the Zucchini:
- 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.
5. Cook the Zucchini 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.
6. Assemble the Dish:
- 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.
7. Serve:
- 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 Facts
Serving Size430 grams
Energy
Calories 440kcal18%
Protein
Protein 27g18%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 16g5%
Fiber 4.09g11%
Sugar 12g12%
Fat
Fat 33g38%
Saturated 11g38%
Cholesterol 100mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 70ug8%
Choline 100mg19%
Vitamin B1 0.16mg14%
Vitamin B2 0.43mg33%
Vitamin B3 11mg66%
Vitamin B6 0.89mg53%
Vitamin B9 63ug16%
Vitamin B12 2.80ug117%
Vitamin C 30mg35%
Vitamin E 3.19mg21%
Vitamin K 24ug21%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 130mg10%
Copper, Cu 0.26mg0%
Iron, Fe 4.03mg37%
Magnesium, Mg 77mg18%
Phosphorus, P 340mg27%
Potassium, K 1160mg34%
Selenium, Se 22ug41%
Sodium, Na 670mg44%
Zinc, Zn 6mg57%
Water
Water 350g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2500 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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