Zoodles with Meatballs: A Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal
If you haven’t had zoodles (zucchini noodles) yet, let me tell you they are a game changer. This is a simple recipe for zoodles with meatballs that you can whip up in a few minutes and the whole family will love it!
A Great Alternative to Pasta
I have never been very big on pasta. I know I am alone on this, but I find it kind of slimy and bland. Tomato sauce and meatballs with a bit of Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top? Now that I can get behind. But the pasta part seems like a boring delivery system. UNTIL… I discovered zucchini noodles, or zoodles. To me, zucchini has so much more flavour than pasta and I found that I enjoy zoodles with meatballs much more than I ever enjoyed spaghetti. And Scott gets his “pasta” fix. This is one of our go-to weeknight meals because it comes together quite quickly.
The easiest way to make zucchini noodles is with an inexpensive spiralizer. It will be the best $30 you ever spend. If you don’t have one of those and you want to make this recipe tonight and can’t wait for the Amazon guy, you can cut your zucchini into quarters, lengthwise so you have 4 long narrow pieces, and then use a vegetable peeler to make ribbons out of each quarter.
The Secret Ingredient: Nutritional Yeast
Have you guys tried nutritional yeast yet? It is a delicious spice that tastes cheesy and nutty and will remind you of Doritos. But in a good way.
Nutritional yeast is high in B6, folates, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, selenium and zinc, making it a great superfood! It’s delicious sprinkled on sweet potatoes or roasted cauliflower or added to soup. I add some to my meatballs to give them a subtle but delicious cheesy flavour. Try it!
Zoodles with Meatballs: Recipe Tips and Variations
The secret to zoodles is not to cook them too much. That is when they release their water and you are left with limp, soggy zoodles. Just cook them for a minute or two to warm them but keep the water inside. It’s like al dente pasta!
This recipe for Zoodles and Meatballs is delicious with my Homemade Roasted Garlic Tomato Sauce.
Please Comment Below
What are some of your favourite quick and easy weeknight meals? Have you gotten on board the zoodle train yet? What is your go-to zoodle recipe? Have you tried nutritional yeast before? What do you like sprinkling nutritional yeast on? I love hearing from you guys!
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Zoodles with Meatballs: A Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 10 ounces extra lean ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp fennel seeds
For the Zoodles:
- 4-5 zucchini
- 2 cups of tomato sauce
Instructions
For the Meatballs:
- Combine all ingredients and form into small (golf-ball sized) balls.
- In a sauce pan over medium heat, brown the meatballs for a couple minutes on all sides.
- Pour the tomato sauce over the meatballs and cover with a lid. Simmer for 20 minutes.
Instant Pot Method:
- Put the browned meatballs in the Instant Pot, cover with sauce and cook at high pressure for 10 minutes.
For the Zoodles:
- Using a spiralizer, make your zucchini noodles (zoodles).
- Add them to your cooked meatballs and sauce and cook briefly, just enough to warm them.
If you’re looking for another delicious weeknight dinner recipe from My Flourless Kitchen, you might enjoy:
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