These Tomato Basil Zoodles and Meatballs makes a simple, fresh, and easy weeknight meal. Filled with fresh zucchini noodles, a tomato basil marinara sauce, and hearty meatballs, this dish comes together in minutes and is bursting with flavor!
Since it’s summer, I’ve been taking advantage of all of the fresh produce that I can. You can often find me at my local farmer’s market on Friday afternoons, scouring the fresh fruits and veggies.
Produce is my favorite all year long, but it tastes even better in the summer. There’s just nothing like creating a meal that bursting with fresh vegetables and tons of flavor.
These Tomato Basil Zucchini Noodles and Meatballs makes a simple, fresh, and easy weeknight meal. Filled with fresh zucchini noodles, a tomato basil marinara sauce, and hearty meatballs, this dish comes together less than an hour and is bursting with flavor!
How about that for a simple, yet zesty weeknight meal? If you’ve never tried zucchini noodles before, now is the time to start!
Even the hubster liked them, and he is pretty picky about certain foods. The fresh zucchini, flavorful marinara sauce, and meatballs combine for a match made in heaven.
Now, I actually stole the meatball recipe from the hubster! One of the very first meals that he ever made me back when we were dating was spaghetti and meatballs. And over the years, it’s become a staple in our house.
So, naturally, when I thought of this zoodles and meatballs recipe, I grabbed our favorite one. The meatballs are easy to prepare and can even be made ahead of time and cooked for when it’s time to start dinner.
And then there’s the zoodles. Simply grab your spiralizer and spiralize away! Trust me, you’ll be amazed at how “un-zucchini-ish” it tastes once it’s cooked!
Ingredients for Zoodles and Meatballs
To make the zucchini noodles and meatballs, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Italian breadcrumbs
- Water
- Ground sirloin
- Eggs
- Garlic powder and onion powder
- Parmesan cheese
- Zucchini
- Olive oil
- Tomato basil sauce
How to Make Zoodles
To make the best zucchini noodles, I recommend using a spiralizer. You can buy handheld versions at most grocery stores these days, or you can order a larger spiralizer with multiple attachments online.
Alternately, you can use a vegetable peeler to create thin slices of zucchini. From there, you can use a knife to cut the sliced zucchini into spaghetti-shaped pieces.
How to Make Zoodles and Meatballs
Cooking zoodles is much easier than you might think. They require just a few minutes in a hot skillet, and then you can add the sauce and meatballs.
- Prepare the meatballs: Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease a large baking pan with non-stick cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
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In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and water until it resembles a crumbly mixture.
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In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumb mixture, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine.
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Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to scoop the meat mixture and then roll into balls. Place onto prepared baking pan.
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Bake until the meatballs are no longer pink in the middle.
- Make the zoodles: I used the Prego® Farmers’ Market Tomato & Basil sauce for the base of these Tomato Basil Zoodles with Meatballs. Pour it into a skillet or medium pot, heat over medium heat, and then add in the zoodles.
- Cook for several minutes, add in the meatballs, and let everything heat up. And that’s it!
Grab those fresh veggies, a jar of your favorite Prego® Farmers’ Market sauce, and whip up this simple Tomato Basil Zoodles with Meatballs for dinner. It’ll be a summertime dish that your family will love!
How long do you cook zoodles?
The zucchini noodles need to be sautéed in an oiled skillet over medium heat for just 3 to 4 minutes.
Can you freeze zoodles?
Yes! Spiralize the zucchini, then pat dry and seal in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to use, add the frozen zoodles straight to the skillet and cook for just a minute or two.
Tips for Making Zucchini Noodles and Meatballs
- The meatballs can be made up to 4 days in advance. Store them in the fridge and reheat them throughout the week with the zoodles.
- You can also spiralize the zoodles in advance. Wait to sauté them until you’re ready to eat!
- Be careful not to over cook the zucchini noodles, as you don’t want them to be mushy.
Looking for more quick dinner recipes?
30-minute meals are my specialty! Here are some of my favorites:
- Garlic Parmesan Zoodles and Shrimp
- One-Pan Pizza Pasta
- Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
- Tomato Basil Pasta with Italian Sausage
- Cheesy Beef Tortellini Skillet
Tomato Basil Zoodles and Meatballs
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ½ cup water
- 1½ pounds ground sirloin
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Zoodles
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 medium zucchini spiralized
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping if desired
- 1 jar (23.5 ounce) jar tomato basil sauce or other marinara sauce of choice
Instructions
Make the meatballs:
- Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease a large baking pan with non-stick cooking spray or line with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and water until resembles a crumbly mixture.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground sirloin, breadcrumb mixture, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine, making sure eggs are completely mixed in.
- Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to scoop meat mixture and then roll into balls. Place onto prepared baking pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until meatballs are no longer pink in the middle.
Make the zoodles:
- While meatballs are baking, prepare zoodles. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add zoodles, garlic powder, salt and pepper, Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until tender.
- Add marinara sauce into skillet and stir to combine. Add cooked meatballs to skillet and heat until warmed through.
- Remove pot from heat. Top with Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition
cakespy says
I was all like “I have no freaking idea what zoodles are but I want them” upon opening this page. Now that I have discovered what zoodles are I crave them even more!
Gayle says
Haha don’t they sound good? This was my first time making them, but definitely not the last!
Mir says
Zucchini and I are at peace, but I think it’s cool that you have veggies you prefer. After all, we’re all different, and that’s cool. And you make a pretty mean-looking zoodle. Those meatballs are heaven!
Gayle says
Thank you, Mir! I must say that I do love zoodles, I’ve made them a few times and I’m hooked!
Dawn @ Girl Heart Food says
Every single time I see a spiralizer, I think I need to get one ASAP! This looks delicious, Gayle! As you probably know, recently I had a bad experience with zucchini bread so me and zucchini weren’t friends, lol. But, I did have one zucchini left and I just roasted it this week with some other veg and it was delicious! Now, we are ok again 🙂 Those meatballs look supper yummy and who doesn’t love a good meatball?! Pinning 🙂
Gayle says
So glad you and zucchini are back on good terms! 🙂 I think you will love a spiralizer! Thanks for the kind words and pin, friend!
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
Spaghetti and meatballs will always be my go to comfort food, and it’s awesome that I can have a healthier version of it now with zoodles. Love them!
Gayle says
Thanks, Dannii!
annie@ciaochowbambina.com says
I need to get on that zoodle wagon! This dish looks divine…and I love the name of the sauce! Pinned!!
Gayle says
You would love zoodles, Annie! Thanks for the kind words and pin!
Blair @ The Seasoned Mom says
Sounds perfect! We just had zoodles with dinner last night! Love it! This meal looks like a great way to get kids to eat their veggies!
Gayle says
Thanks, Blair! I’m hooked on zoodles!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Giiiirl, your forgiven for not being the biggest fan of zucchini. I’ll eat all your raw zucchini, no problem! 😉 Zoodles are the best (I mean just the word alone is fun), and these zoodles with meatballs look crazy delicious! Love that you paired something hearty (meatballs) with something light (zucchini). Totally perfect for a satisfying summer dinner! Pinned! Cheers, Gayle!
Gayle says
Thanks for the kind words and pin, Cheyanne! I am totally hooked on zoodles…I wish I would’ve made them a long time ago!
mira says
Love zucchini noodles and make them all the time! This healthier pasta looks so good! Pinned!
Gayle says
Thanks for the zoodle love and pin, friend!
Manali@CookWithManali says
This sounds like the perfect meal, full of flavors! Zoodles are awesome, I should be using them more often!
Gayle says
Zoodles are SO good! Thanks, Manali!
Carolyn West says
This looks so unbelievably good. I guess I need to give in and buy one of those spiral things. #client
Gayle says
Thanks, Carolyn!
Kelly says
Yay for zoodles! So glad you love them now too! This is the perfect comforting t dish to sneak in more veggies! I love how fresh and flavorful the Prego sauce is too! It sounds amazing with the meatballs and zoodles!
Gayle says
Thanks, Kelly! I’m hooked on zoodles and wish I would’ve tried them earlier!
Medha says
Loving the looks and sounds of this low carb meal! Is there seriously anything better than basil in the summer?
Gayle says
Thanks, Medha!
Danielle says
I’m the exact same way when it comes to zucchini, Gayle. I really need to buy a spiralizer because I feel like I would totally love this dish and I love that it’s healthier too!
Gayle says
Thanks, Danielle! I think you would love having a sppiralizer! Now I just want to spiralize everything! 🙂
Michelle | A Latte Food says
I’ve never had zucchini noodles, but this recipe looks so good! I’m going to have to give them a try soon!
Gayle says
Thank you, Michelle! I was surprised at how much I liked zucchini noodles…I’ve been making them all the time now!
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
Zoodles are my LOVE language! I’m seriously digging the Italian spin you put on these noodles—pretty sure I would love these even better than classic spaghetti and meatballs! Just gimme the whole pan!!
Gayle says
Thanks, Sarah! This dish definitely gives regular spaghetti and meatballs a run for their money! 🙂
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
Oh Gayle, I know exactly what you mean with zucchini! It’s definitely a very specific taste not suited to all palates. But you make zoodles and suddenly it’s like an entirely different thing! So yummy, so fresh and delish. And your Friday trips to the farmer’s market has me all exciting about doing so myself. Love that you found a sauce that reflects that wonderful experience. Have a wonderful weekend, friend! xo
Gayle says
Thanks, Demeter! Yes, I feel like zoodles fall into a class of its own. I’m now hooked on them!
Annie says
Gayle this looks AMAZING! I haven’t seen this sauce yet but I will have to look for it! Those meatballs are calling my name!
Gayle says
Thanks, Annie!
aimee @shugarysweets says
I love this healthy pasta dish. Or zoodle dish 🙂 YUM!
Gayle says
Thank you, Aimee!
Jen | Baked by an Introvert says
I’m a huge pasta fan but I also love my veggies. These zoodles look delicious and sound like the perfect meal. I haven’t had meatballs in ages!!
Gayle says
Thanks, Jen! The meatballs and zoodles go so well together!
Kate @ Framed Cooks says
I bought a zoodler last summer when I went on the Whole 30 and haven’t gotten it out for a while – thanks for the delicious reminder! Gotta try it with this recipe!
Gayle says
Thanks, Kate! I think you would love it!
Ashley@CookNourishBliss says
Oh my gosh too funny! I am obsessed with zucchini! I haven’t made meatballs in the longest time – these sound amazing!
Gayle says
Thanks, Ashley!
Keri @ Fashionable Foods says
I’m obsessed with zucchini in all forms, but my hubs isn’t the biggest fan. You’re not alone! Haha. I love that you stole the meatball recipe from your husband – they look fab!
Gayle says
Haha thank you, Keri! My husband sure knows how to make a mean meatball! 🙂
marcie says
I love zucchini noodles more than pasta, and with meatballs, even better! This dish is so perfect for summer because who wants heavy pasta in bikini season? haha
Gayle says
Thanks, Marcie!
Kristine | Kristine's Kitchen says
I love my spiralizer! So glad you tried yours out, and made this delicious zucchini noodle dish! That tomato sauce sounds delicious, and I bet it was perfect with these meatballs and zoodles!
Gayle says
Thanks, Kristine! I’m so happy I finally spiralized, too! 🙂
ami@naivecookcooks says
I love this idea to use zoodles!! Healthy hearty meal!!
Gayle says
Thanks, Ami!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Hi Gayle! Well, I’m glad spiralized zucchini noodles finally got you liking zucchini!!! 🙂 this looks amazing and perfect for summer when all that lovely zucchini is in season. . love the Prego® Farmers’ Market Tomato & Basil Sauce!! wow, totally different packaging and label! I’ll look for it!
Gayle says
Thank you, Alice! I am loving spiralized zucchini noodles…I wish it didn’t take me so long to try them! 🙂