Veggie-Loaded Beef and Tomato Sauce with Grated Zucchini
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 ready in about 50 minutes blends lean ground beef, olive oil, minced onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer the sauce for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.
- Step 6: Serve the sauce hot over your choice of cooked spaghetti or pasta, spooning generously and garnishing with optional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Veggie-Loaded Beef and Tomato Sauce with Grated Zucchini take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Veggie-Loaded Beef and Tomato Sauce with Grated Zucchini?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Veggie-Loaded Beef and Tomato Sauce with Grated Zucchini?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Veggie-Loaded Beef and Tomato Sauce with Grated Zucchini for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Veggie-Loaded Beef and Tomato Sauce with Grated Zucchini?
Italian beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
