If you’re looking for a fresh twist on classic comfort food, these zoodles with garlic butter meatballs might just hit the spot. This dish combines the lightness of zucchini noodles with the rich, savory flavor of tender meatballs. It’s a delightful meal that balances indulgence and health, perfect for any dinner table. Whether you’re trying to cut carbs or just love a good noodle swap, this recipe offers a deliciously satisfying experience.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, thoroughly mix ground beef with chopped onion, garlic salt, salt, and pepper. Shape the mixture into balls approximately 1.5 inches in diameter and place them in a glass baking dish.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven until they are browned, which should take about 20 minutes.
- Use a spiralizer to create noodle shapes from the zucchini.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the tomato sauce and add the baked meatballs. Lower the heat, cover the pan, and let it cook until everything is heated through, roughly 5 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and keep it covered.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the spiralized zucchini, season with salt and pepper, and cook while stirring until the zucchini is tender but still firm, about 5 minutes. Serve the zucchini on a plate and top with the warm meatballs and sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of ground beef
- ¼ cup of chopped white onion
- 1 ½ teaspoons of garlic salt
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 2 zucchini
- 1 (15 ounce) can of tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oil, or as needed
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1188 | Total Fat: 80g | Saturated Fat: 28g | Cholesterol: 272mg | Sodium: 5300mg | Total Carbohydrate: 36g | Dietary Fiber: 12g | Total Sugars: 24g | Protein: 84g | Vitamin C: 96mg | Calcium: 148mg | Iron: 12mg | Potassium: 3124mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?
- Yes, you can substitute ground beef with other meats such as turkey, chicken, or pork to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- What can I use if I don’t have a spiralizer for the zucchini?
- If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler to create thin strips of zucchini or slice them thinly with a knife.
- How do I store leftover meatballs and zoodles?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be consumed within 3 to 4 days for best quality.
- Can I use store-bought tomato sauce instead of making my own?
- Absolutely, you can use store-bought pasta or marinara sauce as a convenient alternative to homemade tomato sauce.
- Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
- This recipe is naturally dairy-free, so no modifications are needed for a dairy-free diet. Just ensure any additional ingredients or sauces used are also dairy-free.
Tips
- Use Grass-Fed Beef: Opt for grass-fed beef for a richer flavor and potentially healthier option, as noted in the cook’s notes.
- Spiralize Zucchini Ahead of Time: Spiralize the zucchini in advance to save time when preparing the meal, especially if you’re cooking for a group.
- Customize the Sauce: Feel free to swap the tomato sauce with your favorite pasta sauce for a different flavor profile, as suggested in the recipe.
- Monitor Zoodles’ Cooking Time: Cook the zucchini noodles until they’re tender but still firm to ensure they don’t become mushy, maintaining a pleasant texture.
Equipment
- Spiralizer – to cut zucchini into noodle shapes.
- Glass baking pan – to arrange and bake the meatballs.
