Beef & Tomato Zucchini Noodles
A low-carb, veggie-packed meal featuring zucchini noodles and a savory beef and tomato sauce with hidden carrots, perfect for picky eaters. This italian-inspired pasta (low carb) ready in about 34 minutes pairs medium, spiralized (3 cups) zucchini, lean ground beef, tomato sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 medium, spiralized (3 cups) zucchini
- 1/2 lb, lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 medium, grated (1/4 cup) carrot
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup, grated (for topping) Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add 1/2 lb ground beef and cook for 5 minutes until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon.
- Step 2: Add 1/2 cup tomato sauce, 1/4 cup grated carrot, 1/2 cup beef broth, 1/4 tsp dried basil, 1/4 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; bring to a simmer and cook for 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 3: Add 3 cups spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss for 2 minutes until heated through and coated in the sauce.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Step 5: Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Beef & Tomato Zucchini Noodles take to make?
Total time is about 34 minutes (12 min prep + 22 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Beef & Tomato Zucchini Noodles?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep lean ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Beef & Tomato Zucchini Noodles?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Beef & Tomato Zucchini Noodles for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Beef & Tomato Zucchini Noodles low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
