Description
Zucchini Meatballs are a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional meatballs, made with ground beef or turkey and grated zucchini.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated (about 2 cups)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini with a pinch of salt and let it sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. After 10 minutes, squeeze the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel to remove as much liquid as possible.
- In the same bowl, add the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix until well combined.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.
- While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Once the meatballs are done, add them to the marinara sauce and let them simmer for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg