Ever wonder how to enjoy a comfort-food classic without straying from your Paleo goals? Enter zucchini noodles with meat sauce. This recipe gives you all the cozy vibes of a hearty pasta dish, but with a light and veggie-friendly twist. You’ll be twirling forkfuls of savory goodness in no time, and your taste buds (and body) will thank you later.
Just imagine a plate loaded with tender, spiralized zucchini, smothered in a flavorful meat sauce. You get protein, healthy fats, and a dash of extra nutrients, all coming together for a mouthwatering meal that won’t leave you feeling heavy.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably grass-fed)
- 2 cups tomato sauce (or marinara with no added sugar)
- 3 medium zucchinis (spiralized into “noodles”)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to toss in extras like chopped mushrooms, chopped spinach, or fresh basil if you want to mix things up.
Directions
- Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion turns translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Stir in the ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle in the dried oregano, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Let everything simmer for 5 to 10 minutes so the flavors meld.
- While the sauce simmers, arrange your spiralized zucchini noodles. You can either serve them raw for extra crunch or sauté them in a separate pan with a tiny drizzle of oil for 2 minutes.
- Plate the zucchini noodles, then ladle the meat sauce on top. Add extra salt, pepper, or herbs to fit your taste.
Nutrition facts
Below is an approximate breakdown per serving (serves 4). Your actual numbers may vary depending on portion sizes and specific ingredients:
| Nutrient | Approx. Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~300 |
| Protein | ~25g |
| Carbs | ~10g |
| Fat | ~15g |
This dish is lower in carbs, packs a decent amount of protein, and fits right into most Paleo meal plans.
Final thoughts
Zucchini noodles with meat sauce prove that going Paleo doesn’t mean giving up on warmth and flavor. You’ll love how the zucchini noodles soak up that rich, meaty sauce. It all comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or lazy weekend brunches.
So go ahead, switch on that stove and give this recipe a try. Once you see how simple it is, you might never go back to traditional pasta.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
-
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead?
Absolutely. Feel free to swap in any ground meat you prefer. Just note that turkey or chicken may cook faster, so keep an eye on your skillet. -
How do I store leftover zucchini noodles?
If you’ve already combined them with the sauce, store everything together in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Need them to last longer? Keep the sauce and zucchini noodles separate, so the noodles don’t get too soft. -
Is this dish strictly Paleo?
Yes, as long as your tomato sauce is free of added sugar and other non-Paleo ingredients. Double-check labels, and you’re good to go.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound ground beef (preferably grass-fed)
2 cups tomato sauce (or marinara with no added sugar)
3 medium zucchinis (spiralized into “noodles”)
1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion turns translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Stir in the ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle in the dried oregano, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Let everything simmer for 5 to 10 minutes so the flavors meld.
- While the sauce simmers, arrange your spiralized zucchini noodles. You can either serve them raw for extra crunch or sauté them in a separate pan with a tiny drizzle of oil for 2 minutes.
- Plate the zucchini noodles, then ladle the meat sauce on top. Add extra salt, pepper, or herbs to fit your taste.
