Spaghetti With Zucchini And Meat Sauce
Spaghetti with zucchini and meat sauce is a classic Italian dish that is both delicious and healthy. This recipe combines the flavors of fresh zucchini, ground beef, and classic Italian herbs and spices to create a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare spaghetti with zucchini and meat sauce:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Remove the meat from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the onion, garlic, and zucchini to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir to combine. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Divide the spaghetti among four plates and top each plate with a generous portion of the meat sauce. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, and serve immediately.
Health Benefits
Not only is spaghetti with zucchini and meat sauce delicious, it is also a healthy meal choice. Here are some health benefits of the ingredients in this dish:
- Zucchini is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a great choice for weight loss and digestive health.
- Ground beef is a good source of protein and iron, which are both essential for building and maintaining muscle mass.
- Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as lycopene, an antioxidant that may help to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.
- Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fats, which may help to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Spaghetti is a good source of complex carbohydrates, which provide energy and help to regulate blood sugar levels.
Variations
There are many ways to customize this recipe to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:
- Use whole wheat spaghetti instead of traditional spaghetti to add more fiber to the dish.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef to reduce the calorie and fat content of the dish.
- Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Top each plate of spaghetti with a dollop of ricotta cheese instead of Parmesan cheese for a creamy twist.
Conclusion
Spaghetti with zucchini and meat sauce is a delicious and healthy Italian dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its combination of fresh zucchini, ground beef, and classic Italian herbs and spices, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. So why not give it a try tonight?