Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Ground Beef and Sesame

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

A quick stir-fry featuring tender zucchini noodles and savory ground beef, tossed with sesame and ginger for an easy keto dinner. This asian-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 22 minutes pairs ground beef, medium zucchini, sesame oil 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 low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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: 12 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, for 5-6 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 spiralized medium zucchinis noodles and 3 tbsp soy sauce, tossing quickly to combine; cook for 3-4 minutes until zucchini is tender but still slightly crisp.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 3 thinly sliced green onions.
  6. Step 6: Drizzle remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil over the stir-fry and toss once more before serving hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Ground Beef and Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Sesame?

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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Ground Beef and Sesame?

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 Sesame 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 Sesame keto?

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

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