Sautéed Beef and Zucchini Noodles with Basil and Cherry Tomatoes
Tender strips of beef quickly sautéed with zucchini noodles, fresh basil, and cherry tomatoes for a light and flavorful Whole30 dish. This italian-inspired whole30 (gluten free, dairy free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs sirloin steak, thinly sliced, cherry tomatoes, halved, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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
- 1 lb sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 3 (about 4 cups) medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb thinly sliced sirloin steak seasoned with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until browned but still tender. Remove beef and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook over medium heat for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 4 cups spiralized zucchini noodles and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes. Season with 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes if using. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until zucchini is just tender but not mushy.
- Step 4: Return the cooked beef to the skillet and toss gently with the noodles and tomatoes for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Beef and Zucchini Noodles with Basil and Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Sautéed Beef and Zucchini Noodles with Basil and Cherry Tomatoes?
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 sirloin steak, thinly sliced from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Beef and Zucchini Noodles with Basil and Cherry Tomatoes?
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 Sautéed Beef and Zucchini Noodles with Basil and Cherry Tomatoes 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 Sautéed Beef and Zucchini Noodles with Basil and Cherry Tomatoes gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, dairy free, paleo, whole30, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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