Veggie-Loaded Beef and Tomato Sauce with Grated Zucchini

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-27 · Updated 2026-05-27

A hearty tomato and beef sauce enriched with grated zucchini and carrots for a subtle vegetable boost, perfect over pasta or rice for a filling family dinner. This Italian-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs lean ground beef, olive oil, minced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, 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 lb lean ground beef
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup minced onion
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 cup grated zucchini
• 1 cup grated carrot
• 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup water
• to serve cooked spaghetti or preferred pasta

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 cup minced onion and 3 cloves minced garlic, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add 1 lb lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 7-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup grated zucchini and 1 cup grated carrot, cooking for 3 minutes until the vegetables soften and integrate with the beef.
4. Step 4: Add 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 cup water. Stir well to combine.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer the sauce for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.
6. Step 6: Serve the sauce hot over your choice of cooked spaghetti or pasta, spooning generously and garnishing with optional Parmesan cheese if desired.