Beef-Zucchini Meatballs

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Quick to make, these healthy meatballs are also tender, juicy, and totally delicious.

Prep Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
Servings:
4

Made with half ground beef and half shredded zucchini, these healthy beef meatballs are an easy dinner the whole family will love. Not only do they use less meat and more vegetables, these meatballs are gluten-free. We replaced the usual breadcrumbs and used cooked millet or quinoa as a binder (along with an egg). They’re fluffy and tender and cook quickly under the broiler, caramelizing deliciously—no stovetop browning needed. Pair them with marinara sauce and spaghetti squash for a colorful and tasty meal in less than 30 minutes.

bowls of spaghetti squash and zucchini noodles with zucchini meatballs
Credit: Kate Mathis

Directions

  1. Mix zucchini with other meatball ingredients :

    Squeeze zucchini in a potato ricer or clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture. Transfer to a bowl; add beef, millet, garlic, parsley, egg, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Gently combine using 2 forks.

  2. Form meatballs:

    Roll mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls and arrange on a rimmed baking sheet.

  3. Preheat broiler; toss meatballs with oil:

    Preheat broiler with a rack in upper third. Drizzle meatballs with oil; toss to coat.

  4. Broil and serve:

    Broil, rotating sheet once, until golden on top and cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes. Serve over squash, with marinara sauce, cheese, and basil.

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