Low Carb Pasta with Meat Sauce and Cheese
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this irresistible Low Carb Pasta with Meat Sauce and Cheese—a hearty and satisfying dish that's perfect for those watching their carb intake. This recipe swaps traditional pasta for zucchini noodles, offering a nutritious and gluten-free alternative without sacrificing flavor. Tender zucchini noodles are paired with a rich, savory meat sauce made with lean ground beef, garlic, onions, and a blend of aromatic herbs, then topped with a luscious layer of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese for the ultimate comfort meal. Ready in just 50 minutes, this low-carb delight is ideal for busy nights and delivers all the cozy flavors of a classic Italian dish without the carb overload. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a beautiful, flavorful finishing touch and serve up a healthy, indulgent meal that will wow your family and friends.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces zucchini (medium-sized, about 8 inches each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably lean)
- 1 medium yellow onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic cloves (minced)
- 14 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Start by preparing zucchini noodles: Wash zucchinis and trim both ends. Use a spiralizer to create noodles. If you do not have a spiralizer, a julienne peeler can be used as well.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the zucchini noodles and sauté for about 5 minutes until just tender. Transfer the noodles to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess moisture.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes transparent.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 7 minutes. Remove excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to thicken the sauce.
Preheat your oven broiler to high heat.
Return the zucchini noodles to the skillet and gently toss them in the meat sauce until well coated.
Sprinkle the parmesan and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the pasta and sauce.
Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Be careful not to burn the cheese.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired before serving.
Serve immediately and enjoy your Low Carb Pasta with Meat Sauce and Cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2431 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 157.3 g | 202% | |
| Saturated Fat | 68.4 g | 342% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 484 mg | 161% | |
| Sodium | 4573 mg | 199% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 80.2 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.8 g | 78% | |
| Total Sugars | 44.9 g | ||
| Protein | 174.6 g | 349% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2319 mg | 178% | |
| Iron | 21.1 mg | 117% | |
| Potassium | 5364 mg | 114% | |
*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.
