Keto Zucchini Noodles Bolognese Recipe

Keto zucchini noodles bolognese replaces traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini, topped with a rich, meaty Italian meat sauce. The slow-cooked bolognese is deeply savory with ground beef, tomatoes, and aromatic vegetables that create a deeply satisfying dinner. With just 8g net carbs and 26g of protein per serving, this Italian-inspired keto dinner satisfies pasta cravings without kicking you out of ketosis.

Ingredients

Zoodles

• 4 medium zucchinis (about 700g total), spiralized
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt

Bolognese Sauce

• 500g ground beef (80/20)
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 stalk celery, finely diced
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/4 cup dry red wine (or beef broth)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion, celery, and carrot. Cook for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Increase heat to medium-high. Add ground beef and cook for 6-7 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned.
5. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
6. Pour in red wine and let it reduce for 2 minutes.
7. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
8. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. While sauce simmers, toss spiralized zucchini with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1/2 tsp salt.
10. Heat a large non-stick pan over high heat. Add zoodles and cook for 2-3 minutes only, tossing constantly, until just tender but still firm.
11. Divide zoodles among plates and top with bolognese sauce. Serve with parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Do not overcook zoodles; 2-3 minutes is all they need. Overcooked zoodles release water and become soggy.
• Pat zucchini dry with paper towels after spiralizing to reduce excess moisture.
• The bolognese sauce improves the next day; make it ahead and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer, creamier bolognese.
• Substitute ground pork or Italian sausage for half the beef for deeper flavor.

Nutrition Breakdown

Calories: 515 kcal

Protein: 25.9g

Fat: 35.9g

Carbs: 20.7g

Net Carbs: 16g

Fiber: 5.2g

Check your daily keto carb budget with the Keto Calculator on Nutrify to keep your macros on track.

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