Zucchini-Meat Sauce

Zucchini-Meat Sauce Recipe with Ground Beef, Onion, and Garlic

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Zucchini-Meat Sauce is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the freshness of zucchini with the richness of ground beef in a flavorful tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for a comforting meal that the whole family will love.

History

Zucchini-Meat Sauce is a classic Italian dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a simple and versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. The combination of zucchini and ground beef creates a satisfying and filling meal that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

0.5 large onion, chopped
0.5 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, crushed
0.2 cup vegetable oil (or less)
0.25 lb (113 g) zucchini (about 6), unpeeled and finely diced
0.33 cup tomato sauce
0.33 tsp basil
1 bay leaf
0.5 lb (227 g) ground beef

How to prepare

Sauté the onion, parsley, and garlic in oil for about 10 minutes.
Stir in the zucchini and simmer for about five minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the tomato sauce, basil, and bay leaf. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, brown the ground beef until it is just browned and separated.
Stir the meat into the first mixture (remove the bay leaf) and serve it hot, with Parmesan cheese, over pasta, potatoes, rice, or even a bun.

Variations

For a vegetarian option, omit the ground beef and add extra zucchini or other vegetables.
Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar for a deeper flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to finely dice the zucchini to ensure that it cooks evenly and blends well with the other ingredients.

- Simmering the sauce for 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and flavorful dish.

- Serve the Zucchini-Meat Sauce hot over your favorite starch, such as pasta, potatoes, rice, or a bun, and top with Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Zucchini-Meat Sauce hot over pasta, potatoes, rice, or a bun, and top with Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the onion, parsley, and garlic before adding the zucchini helps to build layers of flavor in the sauce.

- Browning the ground beef separately ensures that it is cooked through and adds a rich, meaty flavor to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground turkey or chicken in place of ground beef for a lighter option.

- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to the sauce for added texture and flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

The Zucchini-Meat Sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Zucchini-Meat Sauce in a large bowl or on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or a glass of red wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300 per serving

Carbohydrates

10g per serving

Fats

15g per serving

Proteins

20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as iron and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (Parmesan cheese) and gluten (if served over pasta or a bun).

Summary

Zucchini-Meat Sauce is a well-rounded dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Zucchini-Meat Sauce is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. With a rich tomato sauce, tender zucchini, and flavorful ground beef, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it over pasta, potatoes, rice, or a bun for a hearty and delicious meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Zucchini-Meat Sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her quaint little village in Italy. Maria was known throughout the village for her delicious cooking, and she always had a new recipe to share with me whenever I visited.

On this particular day, Maria invited me into her kitchen and began gathering ingredients for a special dish she had been working on. As she chopped the zucchini and browned the ground meat, the aroma wafting through the kitchen was simply irresistible. I watched intently as she added tomatoes, herbs, and spices to the pot, creating a rich and flavorful sauce that simmered to perfection.

When Maria finally plated the dish and handed me a forkful to try, I was blown away by the delicious taste. The zucchini added a wonderful texture to the sauce, and the combination of flavors was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I knew right then and there that I needed to learn how to make this dish for myself.

Maria was more than happy to share her recipe with me, and she patiently walked me through each step, explaining the importance of using fresh ingredients and taking the time to let the flavors meld together. As I cooked alongside her, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment knowing that I was learning a recipe that had been passed down through generations.

After that day, I made Zucchini-Meat Sauce regularly for my family and friends, and it quickly became a favorite in our household. I would often experiment with different variations, adding in extra vegetables or switching up the seasonings to create new and exciting flavors. Each time I made the dish, I would think back to that sunny day in Maria's kitchen and the joy I felt discovering this wonderful recipe.

Over the years, I continued to perfect my version of Zucchini-Meat Sauce, adding my own personal touch to the dish while staying true to Maria's original recipe. I shared the recipe with anyone who asked, passing on the tradition of cooking and sharing delicious food with loved ones.

As I look back on that fateful day in Maria's kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of this recipe and the memories we created together. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and learning new recipes from friends and family has brought me so much joy and fulfillment over the years.

Now, as I pass on this recipe for Zucchini-Meat Sauce to future generations, I hope that it brings them as much happiness and deliciousness as it has brought me. Cooking is a way to connect with loved ones, create lasting memories, and savor the simple pleasures in life. And for that, I am forever grateful.