Stuffed Hidden Veggie Meatballs with Tomato Basil Sauce

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-21 · Updated 2026-06-21

Juicy beef meatballs packed with finely grated hidden vegetables, simmered in a vibrant tomato and fresh basil sauce. This Italian-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs ground beef, carrot, zucchini for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium, finely grated carrot
• 1 medium, finely grated zucchini
• 1/2 small, finely chopped onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 pound ground beef, 1 medium finely grated carrot, 1 medium finely grated zucchini, 1/2 small finely chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Step 2: Shape mixture into 20 golf ball-sized meatballs, pressing firmly to hold shape.
3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, browning on all sides for about 6 minutes total. Remove browned meatballs and set aside.
4. Step 4: Pour 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes into the skillet, add 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Bring sauce to a simmer.
5. Step 5: Return meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer gently for 20 minutes until cooked through and sauce thickens slightly.
6. Step 6: Serve meatballs hot with sauce spooned over pasta, rice, or crusty bread.