Sautéed Beef and Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and Basil

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

Tender strips of beef quickly sautéed with zucchini noodles, garlic, and fresh basil for a Whole30-friendly low-carb dinner. This whole30-inspired beef (whole30, low carb) ready in about 27 minutes pairs minced garlic cloves, roughly chopped fresh basil leaves, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Whole30 cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add 1 lb thinly sliced sirloin steak strips in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes without stirring to develop a sear.
  2. Step 2: Stir the beef and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil, then add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 6 cups spiralized zucchini noodles, 1 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using). Toss gently and cook for 3-4 minutes until noodles soften but are not mushy.
  5. Step 5: Return the cooked beef to the skillet and add 1/3 cup roughly chopped fresh basil leaves. Toss everything together for 1 minute until heated through and fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Beef and Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and Basil 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 Sautéed Beef and Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and Basil?

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 minced garlic cloves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Beef and Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and Basil?

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 Garlic and Basil 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 Garlic and Basil whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, low carb, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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