Sautéed Beef and Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes

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

Tender strips of beef quickly sautéed with garlic, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini noodles for a light yet satisfying Whole30 compliant dish. This american-inspired whole30 (whole30, low carb) ready in about 27 minutes pairs thinly sliced into strips sirloin steak, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced garlic cloves 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb thinly sliced sirloin steak strips seasoned with 3/4 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until browned and just cooked through; remove from skillet and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 3/4 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 spiralized medium zucchinis (zoodles) to the skillet and toss gently. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the zoodles are just tender but still have some bite.
  5. Step 5: Return the cooked beef strips to the skillet and toss everything together with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves. Cook for an additional minute to combine flavors and serve hot.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Beef and Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes 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 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 halved cherry tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Beef and Zucchini Noodles with Garlic 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 Garlic 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 Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged 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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