Transform your favorite Italian classic into a wholesome, guilt-free delight with this **Whole30 Penne Bolognese**! Featuring tender zucchini noodles in place of traditional pasta, this recipe is a flavorful, low-carb twist perfect for those following Whole30 or paleo diets. A robust sauce made with sautΓ©ed aromatics, hearty ground beef, and a rich blend of tomatoes, herbs, and spices comes together in just under an hour. The zucchini noodles soak up the vibrant, savory bolognese, creating a satisfying meal thatβs entirely grain-free, dairy-free, and packed with nutrients. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prep, this dish is as wholesome as it is indulgent. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food made clean.
Using a spiralizer, create zucchini noodles from the 4 medium zucchinis. Set aside.
Finely chop the onion, carrots, celery stalk, and garlic cloves.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the skillet. SautΓ© for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Break the meat apart with a spatula and cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes.
Stir in the 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of salt, 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper, and a bay leaf.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
During the last 5 minutes, add the zucchini noodles to the sauce, mixing well to ensure the noodles are coated and heated through.
Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve hot, garnished with 0.25 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
Calories |
1876 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 113.4 g | 145% | |
| Saturated Fat | 37.2 g | 186% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 321 mg | 107% | |
| Sodium | 10342 mg | 450% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 135.4 g | 49% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.5 g | 91% | |
| Total Sugars | 95.7 g | ||
| Protein | 97.0 g | 194% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 459 mg | 35% | |
| Iron | 18.4 mg | 102% | |
| Potassium | 5742 mg | 122% | |
*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.