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Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs

Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs is a Dinner international recipe with 511 calories per serving, nutrition details, and step-by-step preparation guidance.

Calories

511 kcal

Total Time

30 min

Servings

1

Protein

58 g

About This Recipe

The story behind Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs

Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs is a dinner recipe with broad, cross-cultural appeal rather than roots in a single national cuisine. Dishes like this travel easily between kitchens and regions, picking up local ingredients and techniques along the way, which is why you will find so many variations built around zucchini, ground beef, and thyme.

Like most enduring dinner recipes, this one is less about a rigid formula and more about balance. The version on this page is written for 1 serving and lands at roughly 511 calories each, so you can see exactly how it fits your day before you start cooking.

Plan for about 30 minutes from start to finish. The steps below keep the method approachable for a home cook while staying close to the flavors that make Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs worth coming back to.

Ingredients

  • Zucchini3/4 count (150 g)
  • Ground Beef200 g
  • Thyme1 pinch (1 g)
  • Oil1 tablespoon (10 ml)
  • Tomato1 count (130 g)
  • Onion1/4 count (38 g)
  • Bay Leaves1 count (1 g)
  • Garlic1/2 clove (2 g)
  • Olives5 count (25 g)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Step 1

    For this recipe you need a vegetable spiralizer.

  2. 2

    Step 2

    Place a pot filled with water over high heat until boiling.

  3. 3

    Step 3

    Make a cross-shaped cut in the upper part of the tomato. Separately, chop the onion and garlic.

  4. 4

    Step 4

    Once the water is boiling, add the tomato and boil for 5 minutes. Remove from the water and blend. Set aside.

  5. 5

    Step 5

    Separately, heat half of the oil in a pot. Once heated, add the chopped vegetables and stir-fry for 7 minutes over medium-low heat.

  6. 6

    Step 6

    Meanwhile, in a bowl place the ground beef and the salt and pepper. Mix and shape the meatballs.

  7. 7

    Step 7

    Add the blended tomato, bay leaf, thyme and salt and pepper to the sauce. If you wish, you can add a sweetener.

  8. 8

    Step 8

    Cook over low heat for 10 minutes.

  9. 9

    Step 9

    Meanwhile, heat the remaining oil in a pan and brown the meatballs for approximately 4 minutes per side.

  10. 10

    Step 10

    Next, blend the sauce and add to the pot.

  11. 11

    Step 11

    Add the meatballs to the pot, and if required, add a little water to cover them. Cook for 8 more minutes.

  12. 12

    Step 12

    Wash the zucchini and spin it through the spiralizer.

  13. 13

    Step 13

    Place the zucchini on a plate. Serve with the meatballs and olives.

Nutrition Snapshot

Macros and micros at a glance

47/ 100

Forkd Score · Limited

This recipe scores well for protein density relative to its per-serving calories.

Calories

511

Protein

58g

Carbs

15.6g

Fat

46.9g

Fiber

4.5g

Micronutrients

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Diet and Allergen Guide

Vegetarian

No

Vegan

No

Gluten Free

Yes

Dairy Free

No

Allergens

Tree NutGluten

Meal Prep and Storage

Make it easier to prep ahead

Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs can usually be portioned into airtight containers and refrigerated for 2 to 4 days depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs

How many calories are in Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs?

Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs has about 511 calories per serving based on the current ingredient list and serving size on this page.

How long does Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs take to make?

Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. That is roughly about 30 minutes of prep. Actual times vary with your equipment and how much you prep in advance.

What ingredients can I substitute in Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs?

Most ingredients in Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs can be swapped for what you have on hand. Keep substitutions in the same role, trade one vegetable for another, one starch for another, or a protein for a similar protein, so cooking times and texture stay close. Larger swaps will shift the calories and macros shown on this page.

How should I store leftover Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs?

Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs can usually be portioned into airtight containers and refrigerated for 2 to 4 days depending on the ingredients used. Let it cool before sealing, and keep it refrigerated rather than at room temperature.

Can I freeze Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs?

Yes, Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs generally freezes well. Cool it completely, portion it into airtight freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How do I reheat Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs?

Reheat Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs gently until it is piping hot throughout. The microwave is quickest for single portions, while the stovetop or oven keeps the texture closer to fresh. Add a splash of water or oil if it looks dry.

Can I scale Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs up or down?

Yes. Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs is written for 1 serving, and you can multiply or divide every ingredient by the same factor to scale it. Keep the ratios identical and check for doneness rather than watching the clock, since cooking times change only slightly. The calories and macros above are per serving, so they stay the same when you scale evenly.

What pan or dish should I use for Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs?

A large skillet, saucepan, or sheet pan works well for Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs. Pick one big enough to hold the ingredients in a single layer so everything cooks evenly instead of steaming.

How do I know when Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs is cooked properly?

Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs is ready when the ground beef is fully cooked through, no pink in the center for meat, opaque and flaky for fish, and set for eggs. Checking the thickest part with a thermometer or a clean cut is the most reliable test.

Is Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs suitable for vegetarians?

No. Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs is not vegetarian as written because it includes Ground Beef.

Is Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs gluten-free?

Yes. Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs is gluten-free as written, but always double-check packaged ingredients if cross-contact matters to you.

Are there any allergen ingredients in Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs?

Yes. This recipe includes Tree Nut and Gluten. Always review ingredient labels if you are cooking for an allergy-sensitive household.

Can I make Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs ahead of time?

Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs can usually be portioned into airtight containers and refrigerated for 2 to 4 days depending on the ingredients used.

How can I adjust Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs for my calorie or macro goals?

Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs already lands in a fairly high-protein range at about 58 grams per serving. To push it further, add a lean protein side or slightly increase the main protein portion.

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