Zucchini Meat Sauce with Pasta

Transform your pasta nights with this hearty and flavorful Zucchini Meat Sauce with Pasta! This recipe combines tender cubes of zucchini, savory ground beef, and a rich, tomato-based sauce seasoned with aromatic garlic, onion, and Italian herbs. Perfectly balanced with a hint of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick, this comforting dish is paired with your pasta of choice, making it a versatile and family-friendly meal. With fresh basil and optional Parmesan cheese as the perfect finishing touches, this 45-minute recipe delivers a satisfying blend of protein and veggies all in one dish. It's a delicious way to enjoy zucchini while creating a wholesome, restaurant-quality dinner at home!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchini
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion
• 3 large garlic cloves
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 12 ounces pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Wash the zucchini and cut it into small cubes. Set aside.

Step 2

Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic cloves.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.

Step 5

Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 7

Stir in the diced zucchini and cook for 4-5 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 8

Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.

Step 9

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 10

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.

Step 11

If the sauce is too thick, stir in some of the reserved pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 12

Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as necessary.

Step 13

Toss the cooked pasta with the zucchini meat sauce, or serve the sauce ladled over individual portions of pasta.

Step 14

Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Step 15

Serve warm and enjoy your Zucchini Meat Sauce with Pasta!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2341.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2760.8

Total Fat 148.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 58.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.9g
Cholesterol 416.4mg	0%
Sodium 9221.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 215.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.0g	0%
Total Sugars 73.5g
Protein 160.3g	0%

Vitamin D 47.6IU	0%
Calcium 1733.9mg	0%
Iron 21.3mg	0%
Potassium 5526.1mg	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: 47.0%

Protein: 22.6%

Carbs: 30.4%