Zucchini Bolognese
This Zucchini Bolognese is fresh, flavorful, and wholesome! A delicious twist on classic comfort food with tender zucchini and savory ground meat in a rich tomato sauce.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis diced
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey choose lean for a healthier option
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Start by washing the zucchinis thoroughly and dicing them into small, bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves. These fresh ingredients will form the flavorful base of your sauce.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, making sure it doesn’t burn.
- Add the ground beef or turkey to the pan with the onions and garlic. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s thoroughly browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Once the meat is browned, stir in the diced zucchini, dried oregano, and dried basil. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the zucchinis to soften slightly and absorb the flavors.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and mix everything well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors and thicken the sauce.
- Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove it from heat. Serve your Zucchini Bolognese over cooked pasta, zoodles, or rice. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired for an extra layer of flavor.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
Notes
- Use fresh zucchini and avoid letting it sit too long after dicing to keep the texture crisp yet tender.
- Allow the sauce to simmer longer, up to 30 minutes, for richer flavor.
- Lightly mash some zucchini pieces during simmering for a smoother sauce texture.
