Zucchini Noodles Stir-Fried with Ground Beef and Sesame

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick keto stir-fry featuring spiralized zucchini noodles tossed with savory ground beef and toasted sesame for a satisfying low-carb meal. This asian fusion-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs (85% lean) ground beef, sesame oil, soy sauce (or tamari) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 3, 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 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 12 oz ground beef and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, breaking meat apart with a spatula. Cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Add 6 cups spiralized zucchini noodles and 2 tbsp soy sauce to the pan. Toss gently and cook for 3-4 minutes until zucchini softens but is not mushy.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat, sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 thinly sliced green onions on top. Serve hot.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Zucchini Noodles Stir-Fried with Ground Beef and Sesame 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 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 (85% lean) ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini Noodles Stir-Fried 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 Noodles Stir-Fried with Ground Beef and Sesame for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 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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