Cumin-Scented Ground Beef & Zucchini Stir-Fry

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick, aromatic stir-fry featuring lean ground beef and zucchini ribbons, seasoned with cumin and garlic for a satisfying meal under 30 minutes. This asian ready in about 27 minutes pairs Ground beef (lean), Zucchini, Olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb lean ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking into small crumbles until no longer pink.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 spiralized zucchini noodles, 2 tbsp tamari, and 1 tbsp lime juice. Toss for 3-4 minutes until zucchini is tender-crisp and flavors are well combined.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cumin-Scented Ground Beef & Zucchini Stir-Fry take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Cumin-Scented Ground Beef & Zucchini Stir-Fry?

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 ground beef (lean) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cumin-Scented Ground Beef & Zucchini Stir-Fry?

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 Cumin-Scented Ground Beef & Zucchini Stir-Fry 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.

What goes well with Cumin-Scented Ground Beef & Zucchini Stir-Fry?

Asian asian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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