Healthy Bolognese with Zucchini Noodles

This Healthy Bolognese with Zucchini Noodles is a nourishing twist on a classic Italian comfort food dish! The meaty sauce is flavorful, protein-packed and filled with hidden veggies. Plus, you don't need any pork, pancetta or wine for this recipe. It's the best hearty yet healthy dinner that everyone will love!

Servings people

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 2 15

Total Time 2 20

Equipment

cutting board
knife
large pot with lid
spatula
spiralizer
large plate
paper towels

Ingredients

½ tbsp avocado oil
1 lb ground beef (I used 85% lean)*
½ large yellow onion finely diced
2 carrots peeled & finely diced
2 celery stalks finely diced
3 garlic cloves minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
24 oz crushed tomatoes
½ cup beef bone broth (or normal beef broth)
2 bay leaves (optional)
1 parmesan rind (optional, if you have it on hand!)
kosher salt & black pepper to taste
¼ cup whole milk
¼ cup heavy cream (or additional whole milk)

For Serving:

3-4 large zucchinis spiralized**
grated parmesan

Instructions

Bring a large pot or dutch-oven to medium heat. Once hot, add avocado oil. Then add onion, carrots and celery and season with salt & pepper. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 6 minutes or until the onion is turning translucent and veggies are getting tender.
½ tbsp avocado oil, ½ large yellow onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, kosher salt & black pepper
Add in the ground beef and use a spatula to break it into small pieces. Continue to cook until the beef is browned. Then, add in the garlic and season with more salt & pepper. Stir, and cook for 1 more minute.
1 lb ground beef, 3 garlic cloves, kosher salt & black pepper
Reduce heat to a simmer. Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, beef bone broth, bay leaves, and parmesan rind if using. Stir to incorporate, then cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 2 hours - the longer, the better! Every so often, open the lid, stir and make sure it's not bubbling too much - if so, turn down the heat.
2 tbsp tomato paste, 24 oz crushed tomatoes, ½ cup beef bone broth, 2 bay leaves, 1 parmesan rind
After the bolognese has simmered for at least 2 hours, remove the bay leaves and parmesan rind. Then, pour in the heavy cream and milk. Stir to combine and let it warm up. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking.
¼ cup whole milk, ¼ cup heavy cream
After spiralizing your zucchini, heavily salt them and place them onto a paper towel lined plate for at least 10 minutes. This will help draw excess moisture out. Then, ladle some of the bolognese sauce over the zucchini noodles and top with fresh grated parmesan. Enjoy!
3-4 large zucchinis, grated parmesan

Video

Notes

*NOTE: You're welcome to use ground turkey instead but I would recommend using 93% lean, NOT 99% lean.

**NOTE: You can often find zucchini noodles in the produce section and/or freezer section at Whole Foods if you don't own a spiralizer!

NUTRITION FACTS: Nutrition info listed below is only an estimate and does not include the zucchini noodles or additional parmesan that you may serve it with.

Calories: 408kcal

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Diet: Gluten Free

Keyword: Bolognese, Gluten Free, ground beef, Healthy Comfort Food, Healthy Dinner, Hidden Veggies, High Protein, Italian, Low Carb, Zoodles, Zucchini

Nutrition