Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Spiced Ground Beef

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

Tender zucchini noodles tossed with warmly spiced ground beef, garlic, and fresh herbs for a quick Whole30 dinner. This mexican-inspired whole30 (low carb, gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs ground beef (85% lean), minced garlic cloves, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 290 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 until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 spiralized medium zucchinis and toss with the beef mixture. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the zucchini noodles are just tender but still firm.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Spiced Ground Beef take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Zucchini Noodles with Spiced Ground Beef?

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 Zucchini Noodles with Spiced Ground Beef?

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 Zucchini Noodles with Spiced Ground Beef 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 Zucchini Noodles with Spiced Ground Beef low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged 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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