Sautéed Ground Beef with Zucchini Noodles and Tomato-Basil Sauce

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

A quick Whole30 dinner featuring seasoned ground beef savory with garlic and herbs, served over fresh zucchini noodles tossed in a bright tomato and basil sauce. This italian-inspired beef (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes blends ground beef (85% lean), canned diced tomatoes, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and 3 minced garlic cloves, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Season with 1 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes (with juices) and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  3. Step 3: While the sauce simmers, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in another large skillet over medium heat. Add 6 cups spiralized zucchini noodles and sauté for 3-4 minutes until just tender but still firm.
  4. Step 4: Toss the zucchini noodles with the tomato-basil sauce mixture and fold in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Step 5: Serve the ground beef and zucchini noodles hot, garnished with extra fresh basil if desired.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Ground Beef with Zucchini Noodles and Tomato-Basil Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Ground Beef with Zucchini Noodles and Tomato-Basil Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Ground Beef with Zucchini Noodles and Tomato-Basil Sauce?

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 Tomato-Basil Sauce 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 Tomato-Basil Sauce whole30?

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

Related recipes