Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Ground Beef and Bell Peppers
A colorful, Whole30-compliant stir-fry featuring tender ground beef and crisp bell peppers tossed with zucchini noodles in a savory garlic-ginger sauce. This asian fusion-inspired whole30 (whole30, low carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs (85% lean) ground beef, thinly sliced red bell pepper, thinly sliced yellow bell pepper 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (85% lean) ground beef
- 3, spiralized into noodles (about 4 cups) medium zucchini
- 1, thinly sliced red bell pepper
- 1, thinly sliced yellow bell pepper
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, finely grated fresh ginger
- 3 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 stalks, sliced (green parts only) green onions
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking apart with a spoon, for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Season with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Push beef to one side of the skillet and add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger to the empty side; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper and 1 thinly sliced yellow bell pepper to the skillet; stir-fry with beef and aromatics for 3-4 minutes until peppers soften but retain some crunch.
- Step 4: Add 4 cups spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet along with 3 tbsp coconut aminos and 1 tsp sesame oil. Toss everything together and cook for 2-3 minutes until noodles are just tender and coated in sauce.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle 2 sliced green onion tops and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using) over the stir-fry, and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Ground Beef and Bell Peppers take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Ground Beef and Bell Peppers?
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 (85% lean) ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Ground Beef and Bell Peppers?
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 Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Ground Beef and Bell Peppers 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 Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Ground Beef and Bell Peppers whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, low carb, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.