Zucchini in Meat Sauce

Zucchini in Meat Sauce is a delicious way to enjoy zucchini season. The secret to this recipe is frying the zucchini separately before adding it to the sauce. This keeps the pieces tender but firm, with a beautiful golden color and plenty of texture.

The sauce starts with ground chicken, onions, carrot, garlic, and tomatoes. Together, they create a rich and comforting base. Add basil for a fresh herbal touch, or skip it if you prefer. You can also use ground turkey, pork, beef, or any combination of meats you like.

A sprinkle of Pecorino Romano or another aged cheese brings everything together. Serve this dish with crusty bread to enjoy every bit of the sauce, or enjoy it on its own for a satisfying seasonal meal. More zucchini recipes: Fried Zucchini Creamy Zucchini Pasta    
Servings: 1 yield(s)
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Ingredients
  • 2-3 zucchinis (About 1-1 1/2 lb.)
  • 2 medium onions (Diced small.)
  • 1 medium carrot (Shredded on the large holes of a box grater.)
  • 3 garlic cloves (Minced.)
  • 1 lb. ground chicken (Any gound meat can be used for this recipe.)
  • 1 can/800g/28oz diced tomatoes (4 large tomatoes can be used instead.)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil (Neautral vegetable oil can be used instead.)
  • dried or fresh basil (Optional.)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 tsp salt
  • black pepper (To taste.)
  • Pecorino Romano cheese (For serving.)
Instructions
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan. Add the diced onion, carrot, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
  2. Add the ground meat and stir well, breaking it apart as it cooks. Continue stirring until the meat is fully combined with the vegetables and no large pieces remain.
  3. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until the excess liquid evaporates and the meat is fully cooked through. Season with 1tsp of salt. Set aside.
    4. Zucchini
  4. While the meat sauce is cooking, prepare the zucchini. Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise, then cut each half in half again. Use a spoon to remove the seeds from the center. Cut the zucchini into thick sticks. Place the zucchini in a bowl, sprinkle with 1 tsp of salt, and toss to coat. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Transfer the zucchini to a colander and allow the excess water to drain.
  5. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a separate pan. Add the zucchini sticks and fry until golden on all sides. This step helps the zucchini keep its shape and gives it a delicious texture. Combine and finish. Add the fried zucchini to the meat sauce and gently stir to combine. Add basil if desired and finish with grated Pecorino Romano or another aged cheese before serving.