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Dinner

Juicy Beef and Zucchini Meatballs

These tender meatballs are packed with hidden veggies and extra protein for a wholesome dinner the whole family will love.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 American· July 14, 2026
Juicy Beef and Zucchini Meatballs
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
15 minutes
Cook
25 minutes
Total
40 minutes
Serves
4

If you are looking for a way to sneak more vegetables into your dinner, these beef and zucchini meatballs are the perfect solution. The grated zucchini keeps the beef incredibly moist, while the cottage cheese adds a nice protein boost without changing the flavor of the dish.

I love making a big batch of these to keep in the fridge for quick meals during the week. My best tip is to squeeze as much water as you can out of the grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel, which keeps the meatballs from getting soggy while they bake.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 medium zucchini, grated and squeezed dry
  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. 2

    Grate the zucchini and place it in a clean towel. Squeeze firmly to remove as much moisture as possible.

  3. 3

    In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, dried zucchini, cottage cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.

  4. 4

    Mix everything together gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.

  5. 5

    Roll the mixture into golf ball sized portions and arrange them on your prepared baking sheet.

  6. 6

    Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.

💡 Tips

Serve these over your favorite pasta with marinara sauce or tuck them into a toasted roll for a delicious meatball sub. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for up to two months.

#dinner#high protein#family friendly#beef

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