Baked albondigas with courgette

Wholesome baked albondigas with courgette supporting gentle digestion.

Protein Rich High Protein Easy Recipe
82%

General Gut Health Match

This score is based on all ingredients included in the food recipe and provides a match score for the general population which is not personalized to your personal profile or gut microbiome test.

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Recipe description

These baked albondigas with courgette bring comforting flavor to a simple, weeknight meal. Courgette adds fiber and moisture, while the meatballs deliver protein for balanced nutrition. The dish highlights plant diversity in a gentle way, with herbs and olive oil contributing subtle polyphenols and healthy fats. Baking keeps prep straightforward and results in tender, kid-friendly meatballs. Enjoy alongside whole grains or greens for a varied meal that supports everyday gut-friendly eating without rules or fuss.

July 20, 2026
Baked albondigas with courgette
Prep 15 min Cook 25 min Easy

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Why this recipe fits you

  • Rich in fiber from courgette and vegetables.
  • Includes olive oil and herbs providing polyphenols.
  • Balanced with protein, healthy fats, and gentle carbs for blood sugar stability.

Gut Health Score

🌿 Fiber diversity
45
🍇 Polyphenol density
68
🧬 Diversity support
65
🛡️ Inflammation support
72
🫧 Fermentation support
10
⚖️ Blood sugar stability
75

Ingredients

Beef, mince
250 gram
Beef, mince
Zucchini
1 piece
Zucchini
Onion
1 piece
Onion
Garlic
2 clove
Garlic
Fresh herbs
2 tablespoon
Fresh herbs
Oil, olive
2 tablespoon
Oil, olive
Egg
1 piece
Egg
Bread-crumbs
4 tablespoon
Bread-crumbs
Salt
0.5 teaspoon
Salt
Black pepper
0.25 teaspoon
Black pepper

Instructions

1

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2

Grate the courgette and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel.

3

Finely chop the onion and garlic cloves.

4

In a large bowl, combine beef mince, grated courgette, chopped onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper.

5

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.

6

Shape the mixture into 12-14 small meatballs and place them on the prepared baking tray.

7

Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

8

Serve warm with your choice of whole grains or greens.

Nutrition

460 kcal Calories
28 g Protein
24 g Carbohydrates
4 g Fiber
6 g Sugar
26 g Fat
5 g Saturated fat
1.5 g Salt

FAQ

Can I substitute the beef mince with turkey or chicken?
Yes, you can substitute with turkey or chicken mince; cook until fully cooked (check with a thermometer).
Do I need to squeeze moisture from the courgette?
Yes, grate the courgette and squeeze out the excess moisture.
Are gluten-free breadcrumbs okay to use?
Yes, gluten-free breadcrumbs or crumbs work.
How do I know when the meatballs are cooked?
Bake until golden and the center reaches at least 70°C (158°F).
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes. Raw meatballs can be frozen for 1–2 months; bake after thawing. You can also freeze baked meatballs.
Can I prepare these ahead and refrigerate?
Yes; mix the ingredients ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before shaping and baking.
What should I serve them with?
Serve with whole grains or greens, such as quinoa, brown rice, or a salad.
Can I adjust the spices?
Yes; adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to taste.
What if the mixture is too wet or too dry?
If too wet, add more breadcrumbs; if too dry, add a splash of olive oil or an extra egg.

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