Zucchini Noodle Bowls with Beef & Herb Meatballs

Name: Zucchini Noodle Bowls with Beef & Herb Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1.5 pound ground beef (93% lean); 1 egg (large); 0.25 cup almond flour; 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 3 pound zucchini (spiralized); 1.5 cup marinara sauce (no added sugar); 2 tablespoon olive oil; 0.75 teaspoon salt; 0.5 teaspoon black pepper; 0.25 cup fresh basil (chopped)

Savory beef and herb meatballs, lightly seasoned and quickly pan-fried, served over fresh zucchini noodles with a simple, robust low-carb marinara on the side for a customizable and satisfying Italian-inspired meal.

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 15 min
Total: 30 min
Servings: 6
Cuisine: Italian
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: $3.53/serving

Dietary

Gluten-Free
Low-Carb
High-Protein

Ingredients

1.5 pound ground beef (93% lean)
1 egg (large)
0.25 cup almond flour
1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
3 pound zucchini (spiralized)
1.5 cup marinara sauce (no added sugar)
2 tablespoon olive oil
0.75 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
0.25 cup fresh basil (chopped)

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, large egg, gluten-free almond flour, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Form into approximately 18-20 small meatballs.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, for 10-12 minutes, until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
While meatballs cook, spiralize the zucchini into noodles if not using pre-spiralized. In a separate small saucepan, gently heat the low-carb marinara sauce over low heat.
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet (or a clean one if preferred). Add the zucchini noodles and sauté for 3-5 minutes, just until tender-crisp. Season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
To serve, place zucchini noodles in individual bowls. Top with the cooked beef and herb meatballs. Serve with the warm marinara sauce on the side for pouring over, and garnish with fresh basil if desired. This allows for individual assembly.

Notes

Be careful not to overcook zucchini noodles to avoid a slimy texture. Low-carb marinara is crucial here for carb control.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 435
Protein: 24.9 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fat: 31.8 g
Fiber: 4.3 g
Sodium: 635 mg
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Sugar: 8.7 g
Cholesterol: 108 mg