Looking for a nutritious and satisfying meal that doesn’t involve a lot of fuss? This high-protein zucchini noodles with meat sauce is a perfect solution. Made in a crock pot, it allows the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. Whether you’re busy with work or family, this dish is here to make your life easier and tastier.
Imagine coming home to a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen, signaling dinner is ready. This dish features tender zucchini noodles topped with a rich and hearty meat sauce that packs a protein punch, making it a great choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize the meat sauce by adding your favorite vegetables or spices, making it a fantastic meal prep option for the week ahead. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak more veggies into your diet!
Table of Contents
Introduction to Zucchini Noodles
Zucchini noodles, or zoodles, offer a fresh and light alternative to traditional pasta. These spiralized vegetables provide a satisfying texture while being low in carbohydrates. Perfect for anyone seeking a healthier meal option, they can be paired with a variety of sauces and toppings.
Rich and Hearty Meat Sauce
The meat sauce is where the flavors truly shine.
A mix of ground beef or turkey combined with crushed tomatoes and aromatic spices creates a savory base that pairs beautifully with the zucchini noodles.
This combination not only enhances the taste but also boosts the protein content, making it a filling dish.
The Cooking Process
Using a crock pot simplifies the cooking process.
By browning the meat and allowing it to simmer with the sauce, the flavors develop nicely without constant attention.
This method is perfect for busy days, giving you a hearty meal with minimal effort.
Health Benefits
This dish provides a healthy balance of nutrients.
Zucchini is low in calories while being rich in vitamins and minerals.
The meat sauce contributes protein, making it suitable for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.
Delicious and Nutritious Zucchini Noodles with Meat Sauce
This high-protein zucchini noodles dish is a flavorful blend of ground meat, tomatoes, and spices, served over spiralized zucchini for a satisfying yet low-carb meal. The sauce is rich, savory, and aromatic, perfectly complementing the noodles’ fresh taste.
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté until soft.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the meat mixture to the crock pot. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Prepare Zucchini Noodles: About 15 minutes before serving, spiralize the zucchinis and add them to the crock pot. Stir gently to combine and allow to cook for the remaining time.
- Serve: Ladle the meat sauce over the zucchini noodles and top with shredded cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
Looking for more nutritious meal ideas? Check out our collection of 50 high-protein Crock-Pot meals for healthy eating! Perfect for busy families.