Day 3 Dinner: Meatballs + Marinara Sauce & Zucchini Noodles
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
25 minutes
Serves:
1
Level:
Beginner
About the Recipe
Juicy, flavorful meatballs made with a mix of ground beef and pork, simmered in a rich marinara sauce, and served over tender zucchini noodles. This comforting and nutrient-rich meal is kid-approved and perfect for the whole family.
Ingredients
Meatballs:
4 oz ground beef (80/20 preferred for extra flavor)
4 oz ground pork
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon pork rinds, crushed (for binding)
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon olive oil or lard (for searing)
Marinara Sauce:
½ cup marinara sauce (sugar-free, keto-friendly, or homemade)
¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
¼ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
Zucchini Noodles:
1 medium zucchini, spiralized
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
Pinch of sea salt
Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Preparation
Prepare the Meatballs:
Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, crushed pork rinds, sea salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil.
Mix gently with your hands until all ingredients are well combined.
Form the Meatballs:
Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
You should get about 6-8 meatballs.
Sear the Meatballs:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or lard.
Add the meatballs and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Cook the Marinara Sauce:
Simmer the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the marinara sauce.
Stir in garlic powder and onion powder if using for added flavor.
Add Meatballs to Sauce:
Return the seared meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
Simmer over low heat for 10-12 minutes, turning the meatballs occasionally to ensure they cook through.
Prepare the Zucchini Noodles:
Spiralize the Zucchini:
Using a spiralizer, create zucchini noodles (zoodles).
Pat the zoodles dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Sauté the Zoodles:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the zucchini noodles and sauté for 2-3 minutes until just tender.
Season with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper.
Avoid Overcooking:
Remove the zoodles from heat as soon as they soften to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Assemble and Serve:
Plate the Zoodles and Meatballs:
Place the sautéed zucchini noodles on a plate or in a bowl.
Top with the meatballs and marinara sauce.
Optional Garnish:
Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or fresh basil for added flavor.
Ways to Get Kids Involved:
Mix the Meatball Ingredients: Let the kids mix the ground meat and seasonings with their hands.
Roll the Meatballs: Have them roll the meatballs into fun shapes or different sizes.
Spiralize the Zucchini: Supervised older kids can help spiralize the zucchini, making it a fun and interactive step.
Stir the Sauce: Allow them to stir the sauce while it simmers and add extra herbs if they like.
Name the Dish: Encourage them to give the dish a fun name like “Zoodle Surprise” or “Meatball Magic.”
Quick Flavor Boost Options (Optional):
Add Fresh Basil and Garlic: Stir fresh basil and minced garlic into the marinara sauce for a more aromatic sauce.
Top with Mozzarella Cheese: Add shredded mozzarella on top of the meatballs and let it melt for a cheesy twist.
Drizzle with Garlic Butter: Pour a small amount of garlic butter over the zucchini noodles for extra richness.
Sprinkle with Crushed Red Pepper: Add a dash of crushed red pepper for a bit of heat.
Lemon Zest for Brightness: Grate fresh lemon zest over the zoodles for a citrusy zing.
Parmesan and Italian Herb Blend: Top with a mix of grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of Italian herbs for added depth.
Recipes Created by BloodSugarChef.com
Meal Plan by American Diabetes Society