One Pot Meatballs and Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles)

Use left-over or store-bought meatballs to make this quick, easy, and super-yummy 3-ingredient One-Pot Meatballs and Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles). Gluten-free and healthy!

Last weekend we attended the fair at Durham here in Connecticut. I believe it is the biggest in the state, much anticipated and certainly well-attended.

There was so much to see and check out that you can honestly spend an entire day during the fair without getting bored at all. My kids and I had a lovely time checking out the rides, games, and exhibits and the animal shows.

I have honestly never attended a fair this huge so it was something new and exciting for me.

At the end of the day what actually got me excited was a little gadget that I purchased from one of the booths there. Can you guess?

A julienne peeler! Perhaps not everyone can relate to my excitement but if you’re a food blogger or someone who just loves to cook then certainly you can totally agree with my unabashed enthusiasm! 🙂

You see I have always wanted to buy a spiralizer so I can make those lovely and fascinating zoodles but I get turned off by the pricing.

So, when the vendor offered a special price for this little gadget and another peeler (with a buy one get one free offer to boot) I didn’t have any second thoughts about buying this! For sure, it was a good and solid purchase!

So I finally decided to put this little peeler to the test and decided to make some zoodles and meatballs for dinner. It is such a simple recipe with just 3 ingredients – storebought or homemade left-over meatballs, your favorite pasta sauce, and the zoodles!

All done in about 12 minutes with the only prep that you’ll do is making the zoodles and since it’s quite fun to do it – it is not a chore at all.

 

My kids even wanted to help me make it – that’s how fun it was. I told them I will let them make the zoodles next time as Mommy was in a hurry (or perhaps I was too selfish to share the fun of peeling these zucchinis – you be the judge!).

Anyway, without further ado, here’s a tasty and easy dinner idea for you that adds some healthy vegetables to your family dinner! Enjoy!

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FOR FULL RECIPE & INSTRUCTIONS and to PRINT, SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW.

What are the INGREDIENTS for  One Pot Meatballs and Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles)?

  • Meatballs – storebought or homemade and left-overs are perfect for this. Use regular or gluten-free meatballs.
  • Pasta Sauce – of your choice. It worked well with marinara or red pasta sauce.
  • Zucchinis – use all that fresh summer produce.
  • Salt and Pepper – adjust to taste.

How do you make One-Pot Meatballs and Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles)?

In a large pot, simmer the meatballs in the pasta sauce for about 10 minutes. Use low to medium heat.

While the meatballs are simmering, prepare the zoodles. Rinse and dry the zucchinis then chop off the ends. You can either use a spiralizer or a julienne peeler to make the zoodles.

Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions on whichever gadget you are using. For a julienne peeler, place the side with the sharp teeth on the zucchini and drag it down the entire length of the vegetable.

Remove the zoodles you just made and transfer to a plate. Repeat the process until you just about reach the seeded part in the middle.

When done, add the zoodles to the simmering meatballs and stir. Don’t worry if the sauce seems dry because the zoodles will release some liquid as it cooks.

Cook for about 3-5 minutes or until the zoodles are cooked but still retain some crunch and not mushy. Season to taste with a little salt and pepper, if needed. Serve with some parmesan on the side, if desired. Enjoy!

Yield: 6 Servings 
Prep Time: 10 Minutes 
Cooking Time: 12 Minutes (which includes prep time) 
Total Time: 12 Minutes 

One Pot Meatballs and Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles)

Manila Spoon
Use left-over or store-bought meatballs to make this quick, easy and super-yummy 3-ingredient One-Pot Meatballs and Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles). Gluten-free and healthy!
4.56 from 9 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 254 kcal

Equipment

  • Spiralizer or peelers that can make zoodles

Ingredients
 

  • 1 lb storebought or homemade meatballs, left-overs are perfect for this or use fresh or frozen ones, too.
  • 24 oz pasta sauce of your choice, (increase or lessen the amount depending on how much meatballs you have – if less or more than 1 pound)
  • 5 large zucchinis, peeled (or unpeeled, if preferred) and turned into zoodles
  • salt and pepper, adjust to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, simmer the meatballs in the pasta sauce for about 10 minutes. Use low to medium heat.
  • While the meatballs are simmering, prepare the zoodles. Rinse and dry the zucchinis then chop off the ends. You can either use a spiralizer or a julienne peeler to make the zoodles.
  • Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions on whichever gadget you are using. For a julienne peeler, place the side with the sharp teeth on the zucchini and drag it down the entire length of the vegetable.
  • Remove the zoodles you just made and transfer to a plate. Repeat the process until you just about reach the seeded part in the middle.
  • When done, add the zoodles to the simmering meatballs and stir. Don’t worry if the sauce seems dry because the zoodles will release some liquid as it cooks.
  • Cook for about 3-5 minutes or until the zoodles are cooked but still retain some crunch and not mushy. Season to taste with a little salt and pepper, if needed. Serve with some parmesan on the side, if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

 
TIPS & TRICKS
Use gluten-free, low-carb or keto-friendly meatballs if that is preferred. Left-over meatballs are perfect for this, too or simply use fresh or frozen ones, too.
Increase or lessen the amount of pasta sauce depending on how much meatballs you have – (if less or more than 1 pound).

Nutrition

Calories: 254kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 16gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 54mgSodium: 593mgPotassium: 980mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 823IUVitamin C: 38mgCalcium: 53mgIron: 2mg
Keyword easy recipe for zucchini noodles, how to make Zucchini Noodles, keto meatballs with zoodles, One Pot Meatballs and Zoodles
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Last updated on April 12th, 2022 at 10:07 pm

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31 Comments

  1. September 29, 2015 / 9:15 am

    I so understand your excitement – I was the same way when I first bought my julienne peeler. As much as I would love a spiralizer, I just don't like the price as much. Plus – the peeler is so much easier to store. These zoodles sound great – can't go wrong with a classic marinara and meatballs

    • September 29, 2015 / 5:22 pm

      I am totally in love with this peeler and so glad you can relate Sarah! Thanks!

  2. September 29, 2015 / 10:51 am

    Dear Abigail, It has been on my list for a long time to get a spiralizer. One day I'll get around to it!! These zoodles and meatballs look wonderful dear. xo, Catherine

    • September 29, 2015 / 5:23 pm

      Thanks, Catherine! Just get the julienne peeler – it's cheaper and does exactly what a spiralizer can. 🙂

  3. September 29, 2015 / 11:41 am

    I got a spiralizer for Christmas a few years ago and have only used it twice! I should get my julienne peeler out instead. This looks divine.

    • September 29, 2015 / 5:24 pm

      I am glad I got this peeler and I am enjoying using it. Thanks, Christie!

  4. September 29, 2015 / 4:08 pm

    What a delicious grain-free meal idea Abby! And I can't believe how much those zucchini shreds look like "regular" noodles!

    • September 29, 2015 / 5:25 pm

      Same here, Alisa! It really looks like spaghetti with a crunch but it's really good and absorbs the flavor of the sauce well. Thanks!

  5. September 29, 2015 / 5:54 pm

    I love one pot meals, this looks so good, perfect for fall! And I love your julienne peeler, what a great gadget to find at a fair, I want one too!

  6. September 29, 2015 / 8:42 pm

    I use my julienne peeler all the time. Zucchini noodles are so easy to deal with!

  7. September 29, 2015 / 10:01 pm

    I simply love one pot/one skillet meals! This dish looks wonderful! It's what I want for supper tonight! Looks so yummy!

  8. September 29, 2015 / 10:08 pm

    How fantastic that the zoodles cook in the tomato sauce. Both get the flavor and no messing with boiling water. Awesome recipe.

  9. September 29, 2015 / 10:51 pm

    Abby, we love zoodles so I'm super-excited to have found your quickie meatball recipe which will be perfect to have on time-crunched nights!

  10. September 29, 2015 / 11:13 pm

    Wow, that is making my mouth water, how delicious!

  11. September 30, 2015 / 12:58 am

    I love fairs. The vendors there have things I never seem to find anywhere else. I love the idea of a one pot "spaghetti." Less dishes and more veggies sounds great!

  12. September 30, 2015 / 1:07 am

    Mmmmm….I'm a sucker for meatballs and these are perfect with your spiralized zucchini! Such a delicious meal. Congrats on your new tools 🙂

  13. September 30, 2015 / 1:23 am

    I'm loving this idea. Love that you paired a light zoodle with a filling meatball. Awesome combo!

  14. September 30, 2015 / 2:08 am

    I have been meaning to try zoodles 🙂 This sounds amazing. And lucky for me, I have some meatballs in the freezer!

  15. September 30, 2015 / 2:40 am

    You know I have some homemade pasta sauce and meatballs in my freezer, I'm totally going to have to try this out. Great idea!

  16. September 30, 2015 / 2:45 am

    I just recently splurged on a spiralizer. It's so fun to make veggies into noodles. What a great way to use up a load of large zucchini and enjoy a tasty dish. This meal looks so yummy!

  17. September 30, 2015 / 7:16 am

    My gosh I want to dig right in – plus I got a spiralizer about 3 weeks back although it only makes smaller zoodles.

  18. September 30, 2015 / 7:19 am

    These meatballs sound super delicious! I've been wanting to try zoodles as well so this is definitely the recipe for me! 🙂

  19. September 30, 2015 / 1:53 pm

    I love zoodles and this recipe sounds amazing!

  20. September 30, 2015 / 2:15 pm

    This is so easy for a busy school night. I love it.

  21. September 30, 2015 / 3:57 pm

    I can totally understand your excitement using the julienne peeler.. 🙂
    This zoodles with meatballs looks so delicious.

  22. September 30, 2015 / 4:57 pm

    I love zoodles and I honestly can't taste the difference once all the spaghetti sauce is on top anyway.

  23. September 30, 2015 / 5:01 pm

    These meatballs look super juicy and that sauce makes the irresistible!

  24. September 30, 2015 / 6:41 pm

    These meatballs looks so good; my only concern is they would not last long in our kitchen! Great job with this one.

  25. September 30, 2015 / 7:52 pm

    I love how easy this is!! I could use frozen veggie "meat"balls for this. It'd be great! Thanks!

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