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Zucchini Meatballs with Ground Beef Recipe

Zucchini Meatballs with Ground Beef Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 13 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

These zucchini meatballs with ground beef are a delicious twist on classic meatballs, incorporating the goodness of zucchini for added flavor and nutrition. Perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal!


Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium zucchini, grated and squeezed dry
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Cooking:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
  • 2 cups marinara sauce

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated zucchini, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until well combined.
  2. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides, about 6 to 8 minutes.
  4. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate.
  5. Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet and return the meatballs to the pan. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
  6. Serve warm with pasta, rice, or bread.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano.
  • To make them lighter, use ground turkey instead of beef.
  • These meatballs can also be baked at 400°F for 18 to 20 minutes instead of pan-frying.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 to 5 meatballs with sauce
  • Calories: 365
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 690 mg
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 105 mg