Embrace the flavors of Italy with this healthy and hearty dish. Combining the subtle sweetness of zucchini noodles with savory turkey meatballs, this recipe is a fantastic way to satisfy your pasta cravings without the carbs. Easy to whip up on a weeknight, yet fancy enough for guests, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common household items, like garlic, red onions, and olive oil. However, you might need to specifically buy zucchinis and turkey meatballs. Zucchinis can be found in any supermarket in the fresh produce section. You can either make your own turkey meatballs or buy them pre-made. Both options are usually available in the meat section of most grocery stores.
Zucchini Noodles and Turkey Meatballs Ingredients
Turkey meatballs: These are the star of the dish. Choose high-quality, lean turkey meatballs for a healthier option. You can also make your own if you prefer.
Extra virgin olive oil: Used to sauté the onions and garlic. It adds a rich depth of flavor to the dish.
Red onion: Adds a bit of crunch and a hint of sweetness to the dish.
Garlic: Gives the dish a strong, aromatic and flavorful base.
Zucchinis: Used as the 'noodles' in this dish. They are a great low-carb replacement for regular pasta.
Salt and fresh cracked pepper: Used to season the dish. Adjust according to your taste.
One reader, Jeri Jett says:
This zucchini noodles with turkey meatballs recipe is a game-changer! The zoodles are a healthy alternative to pasta, and the turkey meatballs are so flavorful. It's a guilt-free and delicious meal that's become a staple in my household. Highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques for Preparing Zucchini Noodles With Turkey Meatballs
How to make turkey meatballs: Combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, grated onion, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Form the mixture into meatballs and bake in the oven until cooked through.
How to cook zucchini noodles: Use a spiralizer to create zucchini noodles. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add a little oil, and cook the zucchini noodles for 1-2 minutes until tender but still firm.
How to sauté onions and garlic: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, then sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
How to season with salt and pepper: Sprinkle salt and pepper over the zucchini noodles to taste, ensuring even distribution.
How to assemble the dish: Divide the zucchini noodles into bowls, top with turkey meatballs and sauce, and finish with a sprinkle of grated cheese before serving.
How To Make Zucchini Noodles and Turkey Meatballs Recipe
A low-carb version of spaghetti paired with a more flavorful and meaty turkey meatballs. Just the right recipe if you’re watching out for the calories!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 12turkey meatballs,leftover crock pot and sauce
- 1tbspextra virgin olive oil
- ¼cupred onion,diced
- 3clovesgarlic,minced
- 3zucchinis,8oz each, cut into long julienne strips with a mandolin or spiralizer
- salt and fresh cracked pepper,to taste
Instructions
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Make the meatballs in the crock pot according to directions here.
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Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
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When hot add the oil, onions and garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes.
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Increase heat to medium-high and add the zucchini, season with salt and pepper to taste and cook about 1 minute.
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Give it a stir to mix everything around and cook another 1 to 1½ minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked through yet firm.
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Quickly remove from skillet to prevent them from further cooking.
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Divide the zucchini between 3 bowls and top with 4 meatballs and sauce, add some grated cheese and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 1531.53kcal
- Fat: 118.83g
- Saturated Fat: 43.89g
- Trans Fat: 6.70g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 53.58g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.64g
- Carbohydrates: 9.84g
- Fiber: 2.85g
- Sugar: 5.51g
- Protein: 100.48g
- Cholesterol: 403.28mg
- Sodium: 1830.59mg
- Calcium: 153.46mg
- Potassium: 2108.29mg
- Iron: 12.09mg
- Vitamin A: 42.96µg
- Vitamin C: 37.01mg
Helpful Technique for Making Zucchini Noodles With Turkey Meatballs
When preparing your zucchini noodles, it's important to not overcook them. Zucchini releases water as it cooks, which can make your dish soggy if cooked for too long. To avoid this, sauté the zucchini on medium-high heat for just a couple of minutes until it's cooked but still firm. This will give your noodles a nice al dente texture, similar to traditional pasta.
Time-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the turkey meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freezer for quick use when needed.
Use a food processor: Use a spiralizer or a food processor to quickly and easily create zucchini noodles, saving time on slicing and chopping.
One-pan cooking: Consider using a large skillet to cook both the zucchini noodles and turkey meatballs simultaneously, saving time on cleaning and multitasking.
Batch cooking: Make a large batch of zucchini noodles and turkey meatballs, then portion and store them for quick and convenient meals throughout the week.
Pre-cut ingredients: Purchase pre-cut zucchini noodles and pre-made turkey meatballs from the store to save time on preparation.
Substitute Ingredients For Zucchini Noodles and Turkey Meatballs Recipe
turkey meatballs - Substitute with chicken meatballs: Chicken meatballs can be used as a lean and flavorful alternative to turkey meatballs, providing a similar texture and taste to the dish.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for extra virgin olive oil in this recipe.
red onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions can be used as a substitute for red onions, providing a slightly milder flavor while still adding a nice depth to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a convenient option while still imparting a delicious garlic flavor to the dish.
zucchinis - Substitute with spiralized carrots: Spiralized carrots can be used as a colorful and crunchy alternative to zucchini noodles, adding a slightly sweet and vibrant element to the dish.
Presenting Zucchini Noodles With Turkey Meatballs
Elevate the plating: When presenting the zucchini noodles with turkey meatballs, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing plate. Use fresh herbs and microgreens to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Focus on symmetry: Arrange the zucchini noodles and turkey meatballs in a visually pleasing and symmetrical manner on the plate. This attention to detail will demonstrate precision and care in the presentation.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Consider adding a crunchy element, such as toasted breadcrumbs or crispy shallots, to provide a textural contrast to the dish, adding depth and complexity to each bite.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the vibrant colors of the zucchini noodles and turkey meatballs to stand out, creating a visually striking presentation.
Garnish with edible flowers: Incorporate delicate and colorful edible flowers as a garnish to bring a touch of elegance and sophistication to the dish, elevating its overall aesthetic appeal.
Essential Tools for Making Zucchini Noodles and Meatballs
- Crock pot: A crock pot is a slow cooker that is perfect for making tender and juicy turkey meatballs. It allows for long, slow cooking, which helps to infuse the meatballs with flavor and keep them moist.
- Large nonstick skillet: A large nonstick skillet is essential for sautéing the onions, garlic, and zucchini without them sticking to the pan. The nonstick surface ensures easy cooking and cleanup.
- Grater: A grater is used to grate cheese, which adds a delicious finishing touch to the zucchini noodles and turkey meatballs. Freshly grated cheese enhances the flavors of the dish.
- Knife: A sharp knife is necessary for chopping the red onion and garlic. It allows for precise and efficient cutting, ensuring that the aromatics are finely diced for even cooking.
- Mixing spoon: A mixing spoon is used to stir the zucchini noodles and meatballs while cooking. It helps to evenly distribute the ingredients and prevent them from sticking to the skillet.
- Bowls: Bowls are essential for serving the zucchini noodles with turkey meatballs. They provide a convenient and attractive way to present the dish for serving.
Storing and Freezing Instructions for This Recipe
- To store leftover zucchini noodles and turkey meatballs, allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- When ready to reheat, warm the zucchini noodles and meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.
- For longer storage, freeze the meatballs and sauce separately from the zucchini noodles:
- Place the cooled meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible. Label and date the container, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Spiralized zucchini noodles do not freeze well due to their high water content, which can cause them to become mushy upon thawing. It's best to make fresh zucchini noodles when ready to serve.
- To reheat frozen meatballs and sauce, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Serve over freshly spiralized zucchini noodles.
- If you have excess zucchini, you can spiralize them and store the noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This way, you can quickly prepare fresh zucchini noodles when needed.
Reheating Leftover Zucchini Noodles and Turkey Meatballs
- Reheat the turkey meatballs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through. This method helps to retain their moisture and prevent them from drying out.
- For the zucchini noodles, it's best to reheat them separately from the meatballs to avoid overcooking. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil or butter.
- Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss them gently for 1-2 minutes, just until they are warmed through. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can quickly become mushy.
- If you prefer, you can also reheat the zucchini noodles in the microwave. Place them in a microwave-safe dish and heat them on high for 30-60 seconds, or until they are warm.
- Once the meatballs and zucchini noodles are heated, combine them in a serving dish and top with your favorite sauce or grated cheese.
- If the dish seems a bit dry after reheating, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to help moisten it up.
- To add extra flavor, consider garnishing the reheated dish with fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano.
Interesting Fact About Zucchini Noodles and Turkey Meatballs
Zucchini noodles with turkey meatballs is a healthy and low-carb alternative to traditional pasta dishes. Zucchini is a great source of antioxidants and vitamins, making it a nutritious choice for a meal. This dish is also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, as zucchini noodles are a delicious and satisfying substitute for regular pasta. Additionally, turkey meatballs are a lean protein option, providing essential nutrients without excess fat. This recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredient swaps can make a dish healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Budget-Friendly Zucchini Noodle and Meatball Recipe
This zucchini noodles with turkey meatballs recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Zucchinis are affordable and readily available, while turkey meat is a budget-friendly alternative to beef. The use of simple ingredients like olive oil and basic seasonings keeps the cost low. The overall verdict for this recipe is 8 out of 10, considering its affordability and nutritional value. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it a budget-friendly and healthy meal option.
Is This Zucchini Noodle Dish Healthy?
The zucchini noodles with turkey meatballs recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering a balance of lean protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. The use of zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta significantly reduces the carbohydrate content, making it a great option for those following a low-carb or gluten-free diet. Turkey meatballs provide a lean source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. The inclusion of onions and garlic adds flavor and provides some antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the recipe lacks specific details about the meatball ingredients and sauce, which could impact the overall nutritional value.
To further enhance the healthiness of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Use whole grain breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of regular breadcrumbs in the meatballs to increase fiber content
- Add more vegetables to the dish, such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or spinach, to boost the nutrient profile
- Opt for a homemade tomato sauce with no added sugars or preservatives, or choose a low-sodium store-bought variety
- Include a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added flavor and antioxidants
- Use a moderate amount of cheese, or choose a low-fat variety to reduce the saturated fat content
Editor's Opinion on Zucchini Noodles With Turkey Meatballs
This zucchini noodles with turkey meatballs recipe is a delightful and healthy option for a satisfying meal. The combination of tender turkey meatballs and flavorful zucchini noodles creates a well-balanced dish. The use of fresh ingredients like red onion and garlic adds depth to the flavors, while the cooking method ensures the vegetables maintain their crispness. The dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients. It's a perfect choice for those looking for a lighter, yet still delicious, alternative to traditional pasta dishes.
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Why trust this Zucchini Noodles and Turkey Meatballs Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, ensuring a satisfying and wholesome meal. The turkey meatballs are tender and succulent, complemented by the aromatic blend of red onion and garlic. The use of zucchinis as noodles provides a healthy twist, while the extra virgin olive oil enhances the dish with its rich and robust notes. With the perfect seasoning of salt and fresh cracked pepper, this recipe promises a delightful culinary experience that's both nutritious and delicious.
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