Zucchini Noodles Stir-Fry with Ground Beef and Sesame

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

A quick stir-fry combining tender zucchini noodles and flavorful ground beef with a savory sesame sauce, ideal for a low-carb keto meal. This asian fusion-inspired keto (keto, low-carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs (85% lean) ground beef, sesame oil, 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 450 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes, breaking up meat with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Remove beef and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 medium spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet along with 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until noodles soften but remain slightly crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return cooked ground beef to the skillet and toss everything together for 1 minute until heated through and coated in sauce.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Zucchini Noodles Stir-Fry 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-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 (85% lean) ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini Noodles 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 Noodles 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 Noodles Stir-Fry with Ground Beef and Sesame 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.

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