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Zucchini-Meat Sauce

Zucchini-Meat Sauce recipe image
This Zucchini-Meat Sauce is a comforting twist on traditional bolognese, blending ground beef with finely diced zucchini for a lighter, nutrient-rich alternative. The sauce simmers slowly, allowing the zucchini to soften and absorb the rich flavors of garlic, onion, basil, and tomato. It offers a robust, savory taste with a pleasant texture that works beautifully over pasta, potatoes, or even as a filling for buns. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this dish delivers home-style warmth and versatility. It&# 226;ÂÂs an excellent way to sneak extra vegetables into a meal without sacrificing the satisfaction of a meaty sauce.
Cooking Method: ,
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6
Calories: 10.0
Dietary: Gluten-free
Description
This Zucchini-Meat Sauce is a comforting twist on traditional bolognese, blending ground beef with finely diced zucchini for a lighter, nutrient-rich alternative. The sauce simmers slowly, allowing the zucchini to soften and absorb the rich flavors of garlic, onion, basil, and tomato. It offers a robust, savory taste with a pleasant texture that works beautifully over pasta, potatoes, or even as a filling for buns. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this dish delivers home-style warmth and versatility. It&# 226;€™s an excellent way to sneak extra vegetables into a meal without sacrificing the satisfaction of a meaty sauce.
Ingredients
  • 1 lg Onion chopped
  • 3 tablespoon Parsley, fineiy
  • 2 cloves Garlic, crushed
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable oil (or less)
  • 1.5 pounds Zucchini, unpeeled and finely diced
  • 2 cups Tomato sauce
  • 2 teaspoons Basil
  • 1 piece Bay leaf
  • 1 lb Ground beef
Directions
  1. 1
    Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
  2. 2
    Add chopped onion, crushed garlic, and parsley. Sauté for about 10 minutes until onions are soft and translucent.
  3. 3
    Stir in the finely diced zucchini and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften.
  4. 4
    Add the tomato sauce, basil, and bay leaf. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. 5
    In a separate skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink and separated into crumbles. Drain excess fat if desired.
  6. 6
    Stir the browned ground beef into the zucchini and tomato mixture.
  7. 7
    Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow flavors to meld.
  8. 8
    Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 10.0kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.0g0%
Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 1.0mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 2.3g1%
Dietary Fiber 0.4g2%
Sugars 1.1g
Protein 0.3g1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Serve hot over pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or even in a bun for a hearty sandwich.

For a vegan version, omit the ground beef and increase the zucchini or add lentils for protein.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Use less oil if you prefer a lighter sauce; olive oil also works well for added flavor.

Ensure zucchini is finely diced so it melts into the sauce, providing a "meaty" texture without being chunky.

Keywords: zucchini, meat sauce, ground beef, pasta sauce, vegetable sauce, healthy dinner, italian style, basil, tomato sauce, garlic, onion, simmered, comfort food, meal prep, family dinner
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/zucchini-meat-sauce/