Hearty meat sauce over spiralized zucchini noodles
Zoodle Bolognese
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4
4 bowls
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Zoodle Bolognese
Hearty meat sauce over spiralized zucchini noodles
★4.8(16)
A classic Bolognese sauce served over zucchini noodles for a low-carb, veggie-packed dinner. All the comfort of pasta night without the heavy carbs.
15m
Prep Time
30m
Cook Time
45m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Spiralized zucchini noodles are the perfect vehicle for a rich, slow-simmered Bolognese sauce. A quick sauté keeps them al dente so they don't turn watery under the sauce.
Italian cooking is built on a foundation of simplicity and quality ingredients. This recipe honors that tradition while being approachable for home cooks of any skill level.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet and brown ground beef, breaking it apart, for 6-7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- 2
In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic in remaining oil for 3 minutes until softened.
- 3
Add crushed tomatoes, return beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Simmer 20 minutes.
- 4
In a separate pan, sauté zoodles over high heat for 2-3 minutes until just tender.
- 5
Divide zoodles among bowls and top with Bolognese sauce. Garnish with fresh basil.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping
Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette
Substitutions
Zucchini noodlesSpaghetti squash strands
Slightly sweeter but equally low-carb
Ground beefGround turkey or chicken
Lower fat option with similar texture
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Salt zoodles and let them drain for 10 minutes before cooking to remove excess water.
Use a spiralizer for the best noodle shape—a julienne peeler works in a pinch.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Store sauce and zoodles separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat sauce on the stovetop and quickly sauté fresh zoodles to serve.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (75mg) · 4 servings
Calories310
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein24g
Carbohydrates18g
Fat12g
Fiber420mg
Sugar3g
Sodium6g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use turkey instead of beef?
- Yes, ground turkey works great for a leaner version.
- Do zoodles taste like pasta?
- They have a lighter texture but absorb sauce flavors beautifully.
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About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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