Tomatoes and Zucchini with Meatballs

Savor the comforting blend of flavors in this hearty "Tomatoes and Zucchini with Meatballs" recipe, a perfect one-pan meal that's both wholesome and satisfying. Juicy, tender meatballs made with seasoned ground beef and garlic are seared to golden perfection before simmering in a robust tomato and zucchini sauce infused with Italian seasoning. The rich, savory broth melds beautifully with the natural sweetness of fresh tomatoes and the mild, earthy notes of zucchini, creating a harmony of tastes that’s ideal for a family dinner. Ready in just 45 minutes, this dish can be served solo, paired with crusty bread, or spooned over a bed of rice. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for an irresistible, restaurant-quality presentation. Simple, flavorful, and brimming with hearty ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a new weeknight favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Ground beef
• 50 grams Breadcrumbs
• 1 large Egg
• 2 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 medium Zucchini, sliced into rounds
• 4 medium Tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 250 milliliters Chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended.

Step 2

Form the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter. Set aside.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Remove the meatballs and set aside on a plate.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add the zucchini slices and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.

Step 5

Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 6

Return the browned meatballs to the skillet and gently stir to coat them in the sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid and let everything simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through and the zucchini is tender.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 8

Serve the dish warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. Pair with crusty bread or serve over rice for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1879.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2078.1

Total Fat 143.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 51.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.6g
Cholesterol 591.4mg	0%
Sodium 5352.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 84.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.0g	0%
Total Sugars 29.5g
Protein 129.8g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 816.2mg	0%
Iron 16.8mg	0%
Potassium 3965.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 60.2%

Protein: 24.1%

Carbs: 15.7%