tomato sauce

08.07.19

Zucchini Spaghetti with Homemade Meat Sauce

Posted on by Lexi , Views: 29566

This Zucchini Spaghetti with Homemade Meat Sauce is a delicious and hearty meal your family will LOVE! It’s low carb, grain-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free if you omit the cheese. The meat sauce is cooked up quickly and is served over lightened up zucchini noodles making for a healthy weeknight dinner!

meat sauce over zucchini spaghetti noodlesZucchini Spaghetti Recipe

This Zucchini Spaghetti is ultimate comfort food, but lightened up of course! Zucchini noodles are especially delicious during those summer months when they are abundant and you are looking for clever ways to use them up. Serving them with this quick meat sauce is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner when you are looking for something comforting, flavorful and simple! 

What I love about this dish is that these days it is easily to find zucchini noodles pre-made in the store, so you can skip the step of spiralizing your zucchinis if you buy them. Additionally this meat sauce is super quick. While yes, traditional meat sauce is simmered for hours, this meat sauce is made specifically for an easy weeknight dinner thanks to the addition of tomato sauce. Look for a good quality brand with no strange ingredients or added sugar.

homemade zucchini pasta sauceTips for Using and Cooking Zucchini Noodles

Zucchini noodles are a great healthy and nutrient-dense substitute for regular pasta. Do they taste exactly the same? No, they’re zucchini. But most people who make this swap are happily satisfied to eat the zoodles, as they are known, topped with whatever sauce you are using. Below are some tips on how to best enjoy zucchini noodles!

  1. You can eat them raw! Eating the zucchini noodles while raw will make for the firmest (and not soggy) zucchini noodles. Just toss with a touch of olive oil and salt and pepper before serving with your sauce.
  2. If you are cooking them, don’t overcook them! The longer you cook zucchini noodles the softer and soggy they become! Cook for just a few minutes and stop cooking them before they actually looked cook. The zucchini will continue to cook a bit once they are off heat.
  3. You can drain the noodles a bit before you serve them. Once cooked, set over a colander for a few minutes.
  4. Sauce the noodles after they are cooked!

zucchini noodles spaghetti with meat

If you like this classic comfort food lightened up, check out these recipes:

If you like this zucchini recipe, check out these others:

Zucchini Linguine with Meat Sauce

Print shopping list
Prep Time 00:00 Cook Time 00:00 Total Time 0:00

Ingredients

    Zucchini Linguine

    Meat Sauce

    • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
    • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
    • 1 onion, chopped
    • 3 large organic carrot stalks, chopped
    • 1 lb. organic grass-fed beef (or ground turkey)
    • 1 15 oz. can organic diced tomatoes
    • 1 15 oz. can organic tomato sauce
    • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
    • 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt, more to taste
    • 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, more to taste
    • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, more for garnish
    • Optional: Serve with fresh parmesan
    • Optional: Garnish with fresh Basil

    Directions

    1. In a medium sized saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
    2. Add onion, carrots, and peppers to saucepan. Let cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until onions are translucent and the carrots begin to soften.
    3. Add meat to saucepan and let cook until brown and no pink remains.
    4. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, spices, and 1 tablespoon fresh basil to the pan and mix well.
    5. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 15 minutes. Taste and remove from heat.
    6. In a large skillet, heat remaining tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add in zucchini noodles and red pepper flakes and let cook for 2-3 minutes.
    7. Transfer zucchini noodles to a plate, and top with meat sauce, fresh basil, and parmesan if using. Serve hot.
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    There may be affiliate links in this post! By clicking on them, or purchasing recommended items I may receive a small compensation, at no cost to you! However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use in my own home! Thank you for supporting Lexi's Clean Kitchen when you shop! See my privacy policy for more information about this, the information we save, and more!
    01.10.18

    Chicken Enchilada Spaghetti Squash Casserole

    Posted on by Lexi , Views: 40899

    This Chicken Enchilada Spaghetti Squash Casserole is comfort food lightened up! All the classic flavors of your favorite chicken enchiladas, including refried beans, made healthier with spaghetti squash as its base. This gluten-free and dairy-free meal is the ultimate family favorite meal that is great for meal prep, too. Made in partnership with Tuttorosso Tomatoes!

    Spaghetti Squash Enchilada Casserole close upChicken Enchilada Spaghetti Squash Casserole

    This Enchilada casserole is the ultimate gluten-free casserole! This healthy and hearty enchilada casserole made with spaghetti squash has all the Mexican flavor you love that is a definite crowd favorite. This recipe has loads of veggies, shredded chicken, homemade refried beans, spaghetti squash and is so comforting.

    Here’s what you need to make it:

    • 5 cups cooked spaghetti squash
    • 2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken or make it)
    • 1 green bell pepper
    • 1 red pepper
    • 1 yellow onion
    • 2 cups spinach
    • 1 batch refried beans (or buy it)
    • arrowroot flour
    • enchilada spices
    • tomato Sauce
    • chicken broth
    • herbs for garnish

    Spaghetti Squash Enchilada Casserole

    This recipe is made in partnership with my friends at Tuttorosso Tomatoes, my favorite tomatoes that I trust time and time again in my kitchen. Other Tuttorosso favorites include my Lasagna Soup, Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore, Pizza Stuffed Peppers, and One Pan Indian Spiced Chicken and Cauliflower!

    Ingredients for enchilada casserole

    How to Make this Enchilada Casserole

    1. Roast or cook the squash in an Instant Pot. Check out this article for more info.
    2. Pre-cook and veggies that go with it.
    3. Make the refried beans and sauce.
    4. Assemble and bake!

    Cheesy top of casserole with avocado slices

    Watch the video:

    If you like this recipe, try these other Spaghetti Squash Recipes:

    Scoop of enchilada casserole from the oven

    Spaghetti Squash Enchilada Casserole (with Chicken)

    Print shopping list
    Prep Time 10 minutes Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes Total Time 1:20 Serves 6

    Ingredients

    • 5 cups spaghetti squash, cooked
    • 2 cups shredded chicken
    • 1 14.5 ounce can black beans
    • 1 green pepper, diced
    • 1 red pepper, diced
    • 1 onion, diced
    • 2 cups spinach, loosely packed
    • 5 ounces refried beans, about 1/2 cup
    • 1/2 lime, juiced
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
    • Red pepper flakes, to taste
    • Chopped cilantro, for garnish
    • Chopped scallions, for garnish
    • Optional: 1/4 cup Mexican blend cheese, more for topping

    1 batch Enchilada Sauce from page XXX in My Cookbook (Makes about 2 cups)

    Refried Beans (makes 8 ounces)

    Directions

    1. Cook The Spaghetti Squash:  Preheat oven to 375ºF and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Cut spaghetti squash in half, lengthwise. Scoop out seeds. Brush inside with oil. Place facedown on baking sheet and add 1 tablespoon or so of water to the baking sheet. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until you can pierce with a fork. Once done, scrape out squash into spaghetti stands and set aside. 
    2. While cooking, sauté the veggies: 
    3. Make the enchilada sauce: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, heat the oil. Add the arrowroot flour and stir constantly for 1 minute.  Stir in the chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and salt. Then add the tomato sauce and gradually add the chicken broth, whisking to remove any clumps. Lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until the sauce is reduced by about half and can coat the back of a spoon. 
    4. Make the Refried Beans: Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add in garlic and spices and let cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Drain the liquid from the beans and rinse well, then add the beans to the saucepan. Turn down heat and stir well. Add in lime juice and water. Simmer for 1-2 minutes. Take off heat and mash well using a potato masher or fork. Set aside until ready to serve.
    5. Assemble and bake:

    Recipe Notes

     

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    There may be affiliate links in this post! By clicking on them, or purchasing recommended items I may receive a small compensation, at no cost to you! However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use in my own home! Thank you for supporting Lexi's Clean Kitchen when you shop! See my privacy policy for more information about this, the information we save, and more!

    This post is sponsored by Tuttorosso Tomatoes. All thoughts and opinions are always 100% my own! I love the integrity of their products and think you’ll love them too. Thank you for continuing to support LCK and the brands I work with!

    09.11.17

    How To Make Fresh Tomato Sauce With Summer Tomatoes

    Posted on by Lexi , Views: 59252
    How To Make Tomato Sauce [low-carb, whole30 compliant, grain-free, paleo-friendly, no added sugar] | Lexi's Clean Kitchen

    Have an abundance of tomatoes right now? The perfect way to use them up is to make Tomato Sauce from Fresh Tomatoes! This Freezer Friendly Tomato Sauce is a labor of love, but so so worth it! The perfect way to make use of all of these fresh tomatoes during tomato season!

    How To Make Fresh Tomato Sauce With Summer TomatoesTomato Sauce From Fresh Tomatoes Recipe

    This time of year is one of my favorites. Tomatoes on EVERYTHING. A few years ago I visited tomato farms and really gained an appreciation for them. So many variations, so many flavor profiles. I can eat the little grape tomatoes like candy, no joke. Plus, they are gorgeous, too!

    How To Make Fresh Tomato Sauce With Summer Tomatoes

    How to Make Homemade Tomato Sauce

    1. First you’ll want to process the fresh tomatoes, if using! You’ll need to take the skin off, core them and puree or mash them down.
    2. Then you’ll sauté your aromatics, or the onion and garlic.
    3. Add in your spices and toast them until they are fragrant and have released there oils.
    4. Then add in those fresh tomatoes and cook low and slow for at least two hours!
    5. You can use the sauce immediately or storage for later!

    How To Make Fresh Tomato Sauce With Summer Tomatoes

    How to Take the Skins off of Fresh Tomatoes

    Probably the trickiest part of making fresh tomato sauce from fresh tomatoes is taking off the skin! It isn’t a hard process, but it does add an extra step.

    To take the skin off of fresh tomatoes you’ll need to blanch the tomatoes in boiling water. Once that is down the skin will peel right off! To blanch them: Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Working in batches, drop the tomatoes in the water for 1 minute. Carefully take tomatoes out and place in a large bowl. Let tomatoes cool. Once cool, carefully peel off skins.

    How To Make Fresh Tomato Sauce With Summer Tomatoes

    SO, while it’s a little bit of a process, it’s for sure worth it. It’ll be some of the best tomato sauce you’ve ever had. Plus, you’ll feel good knowing you didn’t waste those farm fresh tomatoes! Can it if you’d like, or if you’re lazy like me… go for the freezer option!

    How To Make Fresh Tomato Sauce With Summer Tomatoes

    If you like this tomato recipe, check out these others:

    How To Make Tomato Sauce

    Print shopping list
    Prep Time 15 minutes Cook Time 2 hours Total Time 2:15 Yields 5 cups

    Ingredients

    • 10-11 pounds fresh heirloom tomatoes, or any tomatoes of choice
    • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
    • 1 onion, diced
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • 2 teaspoons sea salt, more to taste
    • 2 teaspoons black pepper, more to taste
    • 1 teaspoon dried basil, more to taste
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano, more to taste
    • Optional: 1 4.5-ounce can tomato paste
    • Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/4 cup lemon juice if canning!

    Directions

    1. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Working in batches, drop the tomatoes in the water for 1 minute. Carefully take tomatoes out and place in a large bowl. Let tomatoes cool. Once cool, carefully peel off skins.
    2. Core the tomatoes and place in a food processor or blender. Puree until smooth, or pulse until desired consistency is reached if you want a chunkier sauce. Set aside.
    3. In a large pot, heat extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent.
    4. Add in dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Pour in tomato puree and stir well.
    5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 2 hours, or until thickened and reduced. Add lemon juice if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
    6. Take sauce off heat and cool down to room temperature. Pour into freezer friendly plastic containers and freezer!

    Recipe Notes

    *Tomato sauce will last in the freezer for 4-6 months.

    *Feel free to can this tomato sauce instead of freezing it! If you do so, make sure to take out the extra-virgin olive oil from this recipe. Oil is known to higher the probability of potential strains of botulism when canning. Also, make sure to up the amount of lemon juice to 1/4 cup! The lemon juice will increase the acidity in this sauce to safe levels for canning.

    Here is a great go-to recipe when wanting to can your tomato sauce:

    • 10-11 pounds tomato, skinned and pureed
    • 2 teaspoons sea salt, more to taste
    • 2 teaspoons black pepper, more to taste
    • 1 teaspoon dried basil, more to taste
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano, more to taste
    • 1/4 cup lemon juice

    Place all ingredients into a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Lower heat to medium-low and simmer until thick. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed! Let cool.

    Pour into sterilized canning jars and twist on sterilized lids until very secure. Place jars in a pot of boiling water for 30 minutes. Let cool completely on the counter. Make sure that the lids have sealed completely. If the lid pops up when pressed, the canning process did not work properly. Store in your pantry for up to one year!

     

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    There may be affiliate links in this post! By clicking on them, or purchasing recommended items I may receive a small compensation, at no cost to you! However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use in my own home! Thank you for supporting Lexi's Clean Kitchen when you shop! See my privacy policy for more information about this, the information we save, and more!