Sautéed Ground Beef with Zucchini Noodles and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

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

Seasoned ground beef sautéed with aromatic herbs served over tender zucchini noodles and topped with burst roasted cherry tomatoes for a satisfying Whole30 dish. This beef (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground beef (85% lean), zucchini, cherry tomatoes 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 Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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: 20 min Serves 4 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes until tomatoes are softened and slightly blistered.
  2. Step 2: While tomatoes roast, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Stir in 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Remove beef from skillet and set aside. Wipe skillet clean.
  5. Step 5: Heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Add 6 cups spiralized zucchini noodles and sauté for 3-4 minutes until just tender but still slightly crisp. Season with a pinch of salt.
  6. Step 6: Plate zucchini noodles topped with ground beef and finish with roasted cherry tomatoes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Ground Beef with Zucchini Noodles and 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 Ground Beef with Zucchini Noodles and 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 ground beef (85% lean) from drying out.

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

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

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