Low Carb Zucchini Meatball Casserole Recipe

Gluten Free
Lunch
Main Dishes
4/5
(33 reviews)
Low Carb Zucchini Meatball Casserole
Zylo Recipes

Description

Imagine a warm, comforting casserole, its aroma filling your kitchen with savory delight. This zucchini noodle casserole is a celebration of textures and flavors, perfect for a cozy night in or a potluck gathering. It begins with a foundation of tender, spiralized zucchini, offering a light and refreshing alternative to traditional pasta.

These delicate strands provide a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the richer elements of the dish. At the heart of the casserole lies a vibrant, homemade tomato sauce. Created with luscious olive oil, sun-ripened tomatoes, and a medley of aromatic herbs, the sauce simmers to a deep, concentrated flavor, clinging beautifully to the zucchini noodles.

Interspersed throughout are savory browned meatballs, each one a juicy morsel packed with seasoned ground meat. The meatballs add a satisfying heartiness and a delightful meaty counterpoint to the vegetable base. But the true magic happens when a blanket of melted mozzarella cheese is generously layered over the top.

As it bakes, the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly crust, its creamy richness melding with the tomato sauce and meatballs below. The contrasting textures of the soft zucchini noodles, the firm meatballs, and the gooey cheese create a symphony in every bite. Baked to perfection, this casserole emerges from the oven a vision of comforting goodness.

The edges are slightly caramelized, the cheese is beautifully browned, and the aroma is simply irresistible. It's a dish that satisfies both the palate and the soul. Whether enjoyed on its own as a complete meal or paired with a simple salad, this zucchini noodle casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

For optimal texture, using freshly spiralized zucchini noodles is recommended, ensuring that the casserole maintains its perfect balance of flavors and moisture. Every spoonful is a harmonious blend of fresh vegetables, savory meat, and creamy cheese, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

Preparation Time

Prep Time
25 min
Cook Time
35 min
Total Time
1 h 0 min

Nutrition Information

Per 1 bowls serving
C
Calories
500 Kcal

C
Carbs
10 g
Fi
Fiber
3 g
Sugar
5 g

P
Protein
45 g

C
Fats
35 g
Saturated Fats 15 g
Unsaturated Fats 18 g

Cholestrol 150 mg
Sodium 600 mg
Potassium 700 mg
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Ingredients

    1.
    Hamburger Or Ground Beef, 85% Lean
    Hamburger Or Ground Beef, 85% Lean
    2 pound
    2.
    Parmesan Cheese
    Parmesan Cheese
    ⅓ cup, grated
    3.
    Parsley
    Parsley
    2 tablespoon
    4.
    Kosher Salt
    Kosher Salt
    1-undefined tsp
    5.
    Garlic Powder
    Garlic Powder
    ½ teaspoon
    6.
    Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    4 tablespoon
    7.
    Garlic
    Garlic
    3 clove
    8.
    Petite Diced Tomatoes
    Petite Diced Tomatoes
    14 fl oz
    9.
    Kosher Salt
    Kosher Salt
    1-undefined tsp
    10.
    Zucchini, Raw
    Zucchini, Raw
    4 medium
    11.
    Mozzarella
    Mozzarella
    2 cup

Instructions

    1.
    Preheat an oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, shredded Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, 1 tsp kosher salt, and garlic powder. Mix well using a fork or your hands until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
    2.
    Use a 1 oz cookie scoop to portion about 24 meatballs. Roll each portion in your hands to form a round ball. Set them aside on a piece of parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add in 2 tbsp olive oil and tilt the pan to distribute the oil evenly.
    3.
    Add the meatballs into the hot pan and brown them on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side. Ensure even browning by turning the heat down to medium if they start browning too quickly. Note that the meatballs will not be fully cooked through at this stage.
    4.
    Spiralize the zucchini by cutting off the ends and using a spiralizer to create noodles. Arrange the zucchini noodles in the bottom of a 9" x 13" casserole dish, creating an even layer.
    5.
    To make the spaghetti sauce, heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add 2 tbsp olive oil to the saucepan along with the smashed garlic cloves. Allow the garlic to cook for about 30 seconds, infusing the oil with its flavor.
    6.
    Add the diced tomatoes to the saucepan and simmer for 10-12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with ½ tsp kosher salt to enhance the taste.
    7.
    Pour the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the zucchini noodles, ensuring they are well coated.
    8.
    Top the sauced zucchini noodles with the browned meatballs and a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
    9.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If refrigerating before baking, it may take up to an hour to heat through; cover with foil to prevent excessive browning. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.