Dinner
Zucchini Noodles with Homemade Tomato Sauce and Ground Turkey
Indulge in Italian-inspired flavors without the guilt with this lighter take on spaghetti and meatballs.
Spiralized zucchini noodles provide a fresh, low-carb alternative to pasta, while lean turkey meatballs offer a protein-packed punch.
The homemade tomato sauce, simmered to perfection, ties everything together with its rich, aromatic flavors.
This dish is a testament to the fact that healthy eating can be both delicious and satisfying, perfect for those looking to reduce their carb intake without giving up their favorite comfort foods.
Zucchini Noodles with Homemade Tomato Sauce and Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the sauce:
- 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the noodles:
- 4 large zucchini
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Mix meatball ingredients and form into small balls. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
- In a saucepan, combine sauce ingredients and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Spiralize zucchini into noodles.
- In a large pan, sauté zucchini noodles in olive oil for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Serve zucchini noodles topped with sauce and meatballs.
Notes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
Cooking Tips:
- Don’t overcook the zucchini noodles; they should be al dente to avoid becoming mushy.
- For juicier meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture.
Equipment Needed:
- Spiralizer or vegetable peeler
- Baking sheet for meatballs
- Large skillet
Substitutions:
- Use chicken or plant-based ground meat instead of turkey.
- Swap zucchini noodles for spaghetti squash or whole grain pasta.
- For a quicker version, use store-bought marinara sauce.
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