Cheesy Meatballs and Zucchini Skillet

Craving a quick, easy, and healthy dinner to use up that garden zucchini? This cheesy meatballs and zucchini skillet is a one-pan wonder packed with flavor that the whole family will love! Even your picky eaters will love it!

We’re always finding ways to sneak extra veggies into dinner, and zucchini is one of our favorite go-tos. Have you tried our Mexican zucchini boats or creamy zucchini sausage casserole? Zucchini is incredibly versatile! It pairs well with so many flavors. You can even bake with it (yes, really). Our chocolate zucchini cake and zucchini bread recipe is proof that it actually tastes amazing.

Now, let’s talk about this skillet. It’s one of my all-time favorite zucchini recipes and a must-make during summer squash season. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this on repeat until you’ve used up every last zucchini in the garden. I know most of us have made zoodles by now, but I’ve got a tip to help you nail the perfect texture: not mushy, not raw. Keep reading for all the secrets to making the best zucchini noodles ever.

What are Zoodles?

Zoodles are “noodles” made out of zucchini. Using a spiralizer, you create thin, spaghetti-like strips of zucchini, and then they are cooked like noodles in a dish. They are healthier and lower in carbs than regular pasta.

Ingredients for Meatballs and Zucchini Skillet

You only need a few ingredients to get this tasty zucchini spaghetti on the table! Here is your grocery list:

• Zucchinis: Fresh from the garden if you have them! You can also swap the zoodles for regular pasta like angel hair or spaghetti, or use yellow squash instead.
• Meatballs: We love the pre-cooked frozen turkey meatballs from Trader Joe’s, but you can use any meatballs you love. For a healthier twist on the meatballs, try using lean turkey meatballs, though beef, sausage, chicken, or a mix all work well.
• Marinara Sauce: The absolute best store-bought sauce is Rao’s! It’s so good!
• Mozzarella + Mild Cheddar Cheese: shredded and mixed together! We always use Tillamook cheese. The cheese mixture is flexible, too! Parmesan makes a great addition.
• Garlic Salt: adds flavor
• Salt and Pepper: adds flavor
• Basil: Fresh is best!

The measurements for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post. Each ingredient can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

How to Make This Skillet Recipe

You’ll love this dish because you cook everything in one skillet! It’s ridiculously easy. I even use pre-cooked frozen turkey meatballs from Trader Joe’s and use my favorite jar of maYou’ll love this dish because you cook everything in one skillet! It’s ridiculously easy. I even use pre-cooked frozen turkey meatballs from Trader Joe’s and use my favorite jar of marinara sauce (hello, Rao’s!). If you’ve got time to make the meatballs and sauce from scratch, by all means, do it! And then tell me all about your time management skillzzzz, mmmkay?! But if you’re like me and just need dinner on the table quickly, then here are the steps:

1. Preheat: Set the oven to 400°F.
2. Spiralize: Spiralize the zucchini, sprinkle with salt, and let the zoodles sit for 10–15 minutes to draw out moisture.
3. Cook: While the zoodles sit, cook the meatballs in a skillet according to the package directions.
4. Simmer: Once the meatballs are mostly cooked, add the marinara sauce and let them simmer in the sauce.
5. Squeeze: Place the zoodles in a dish towel and squeeze out as much water as possible.
6. Toss: Add the zoodles to the skillet and toss everything together.
7. Bake: Sprinkle the top with the cheese mixture, then place the skillet in the oven and bake for 5–10 minutes.
8. Broil: Switch the oven to broil and cook for another couple of minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Serve: Finish with fresh basil and serve hot.

All of these instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.

What to Eat with Zucchini Meatballs

You all know I love sopping up a sauce with a piece of yummy bread, and another fresh vegetable side dish would be a perfect pairing. Here are a few ideas:

• Garlic Bread
• Strawberry Feta Spinach Salad
• Our BEST Broccoli Salad [+ Video]
• Sautéed Green Beans and Cherry Tomatoes
• Easy No-Knead Artisan Bread

Storing and Reheating

Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container. They will keep for up to 4-5 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop.

I wouldn’t recommend freezing this dish after it has been cooked. You could freeze the meatballs, marinara, and zoodles before adding the cheese. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. The zucchini noodles can lose some of their texture when they thaw

Now get zoodlin’ people! This delicious and easy cheesy zucchini and meatballs skillet recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner option. Packed with protein and vegetables, it’s a healthy and flavorful meal the whole family will love.

More Easy One Pot Meals:

• Asian Shrimp and Noodles
• Zuppa Toscana
• Ground Beef Taco Spaghetti
• Sausage and Penne Penne
• One Pan Sausage and Potatoes
• Smoky Steak and Potatoes