Easy Low Carb Goulash with Ground Beef and Zucchini
Hearty low carb goulash made with seasoned ground beef, tender zucchini, rich marinara sauce, and Italian herbs. This comforting one-pot dinner is ready in about 40 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
24 ounces Rao’s Marinara sauce
1 cup beef broth
3 medium zucchini, chopped
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
Shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
1. Brown ground beef, onion, and garlic in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
2. Add marinara, beef broth, zucchini, soy sauce, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, and seasoned salt.
3. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cover.
4. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until zucchini is tender.
5. Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and serve with cheese if desired.
Notes
Use 85/15 or 90/10 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and texture.
Choose a marinara sauce without added sugar to help keep carbohydrates lower.
For firmer zucchini, begin checking after 12–15 minutes.
Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for 3–4 days.
Freeze for up to 2–3 months for best quality. Zucchini may soften after thawing.
Reheat leftovers to 165°F.
Substitute ground turkey for beef if desired, cooking turkey to 165°F.
Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free variation.
Nutrition varies depending on the ingredients and brands used.