Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Ground Beef and Garlic
A quick and flavorful low-carb stir-fry featuring tender zucchini noodles and savory ground beef infused with garlic and soy sauce. This asian fusion-inspired beef (keto, low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs 85% lean ground beef, minced garlic cloves, soy sauce (tamari for gluten-free) 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
- 3 medium, spiralized into noodles zucchini
- 1 lb, 85% lean ground beef
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2, sliced thinly green onions
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 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 for 5-6 minutes, breaking apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant and golden, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Step 3: Add 3 spiralized medium zucchinis (zoodles), 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet. Toss gently and cook for 3-4 minutes until the zoodles are just tender but still slightly crisp.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions. Serve immediately for a fresh, low-carb meal.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Ground Beef and Garlic 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 Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Ground Beef and Garlic?
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 Garlic?
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 Garlic 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 Garlic keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
