Description
These Zucchini Meatballs with Ground Beef are a healthier twist on traditional meatballs, packed with tender zucchini and lean ground beef. Perfect for a low-carb dinner or to serve over pasta, zucchini noodles, or a simple salad!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
- 1 medium zucchini, grated
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free option)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- Optional: Marinara sauce for serving
Instructions
- Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated zucchini in a clean towel or cheesecloth, squeeze out excess moisture, and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated zucchini, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined (but avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender).
- Form the mixture into 12–15 meatballs, depending on your preferred size.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, turning carefully to ensure they cook evenly and brown nicely.
- Once cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F / 71°C), remove the meatballs from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- If desired, serve the meatballs with marinara sauce or over zucchini noodles, pasta, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Feel free to add extra seasonings like Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, or garlic powder for added flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- These meatballs can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Simply reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying or Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 meatballs
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg