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!
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Recipe Information
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)
Instructions
Wash the zucchini and cut it into small cubes. Set aside.
Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic cloves.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
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.
Stir in the diced zucchini and cook for 4-5 minutes until slightly softened.
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
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.
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.
If the sauce is too thick, stir in some of the reserved pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as necessary.
Toss the cooked pasta with the zucchini meat sauce, or serve the sauce ladled over individual portions of pasta.
Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy your Zucchini Meat Sauce with Pasta!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
709 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 39.9 g | 51% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.8 g | 79% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 102 mg | 34% | |
| Sodium | 1296 mg | 56% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 48.1 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.5 g | 23% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.3 g | ||
| Protein | 39.9 g | 80% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 446 mg | 34% | |
| Iron | 5.3 mg | 29% | |
| Potassium | 1101 mg | 23% | |
*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.
