Sautéed Beef and Zucchini Noodles with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Tender strips of beef cooked with garlic and herbs, served over zucchini noodles and roasted cherry tomatoes for a fresh and Whole30-compliant dinner. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs thinly sliced sirloin steak, halved cherry tomatoes, minced 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 3, 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
- 12 oz, thinly sliced sirloin steak
- 3 medium, spiralized into noodles (about 4 cups) zucchini
- 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp, divided sea salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
- Step 2: While tomatoes roast, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz thinly sliced sirloin steak, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 4 cups spiralized zucchini noodles and 1 tsp dried oregano. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until noodles are just tender but not mushy.
- Step 5: Return the cooked beef and roasted cherry tomatoes to the skillet with the zucchini noodles. Drizzle with 1 tbsp lemon juice and toss gently to combine and warm through for 1-2 minutes.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves on top before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Beef and Zucchini Noodles with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Roasted 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 thinly sliced sirloin steak from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Beef and Zucchini Noodles with Roasted 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 Roasted Cherry Tomatoes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Roasted Cherry Tomatoes whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.