Zucchini Noodles Stir-Fried with Garlic and Ground Beef
A quick keto stir fry combining tender zucchini noodles with savory garlic and ground beef for a low-carb, satisfying meal. This asian-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs zucchini, ground beef, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 3 medium, spiralized into noodles zucchini
- 1 lb, 85% lean ground beef
- 3, finely minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 stalks, sliced thin green onions
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef and 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 3 spiralized medium zucchinis and toss with 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp sesame oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes until zucchini noodles soften but remain slightly firm.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle 2 sliced green onions on top, and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Zucchini Noodles Stir-Fried with Garlic and 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 Zucchini Noodles Stir-Fried with Garlic and 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 zucchini from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini Noodles Stir-Fried with Garlic and 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 Zucchini Noodles Stir-Fried with Garlic and 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 Zucchini Noodles Stir-Fried with Garlic and Ground Beef 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a lifesaver for keto dinners. The stir-fry was quick and the garlic aroma filled the kitchen. Will make again!
- ★★★★★
My family devoured this! The zucchini noodles held up perfectly and the garlic beef was so flavorful. A new weeknight staple.
- ★★★★☆
Simple and delicious! The ground beef and garlic complemented the zucchini noodles beautifully. A solid keto dinner.
