Keto Zucchini Noodles with Ground Beef

Looking for a low-carb, high-flavor meal that’s easy to whip up and will leave you feeling satisfied? Keto Zucchini Noodles with Ground Beef is your new go-to dish. This recipe takes the classic comfort food combination of beef and pasta, but swaps out traditional noodles for zucchini noodles—making it not only keto-friendly but also fresh and light. The ground beef is simmered in a savory tomato sauce, seasoned to perfection, and served over a bed of tender zucchini noodles. It’s a meal that’s bursting with flavor and nutrition, without any of the carbs that usually come with pasta. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!

This dish is one of those meals that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for health. You get that hearty, rich beefiness combined with the crispness of zucchini, all coming together in a way that makes you forget you’re eating something so healthy. Whether you’re following a keto diet, trying to eat more vegetables, or just looking for something delicious, Keto Zucchini Noodles with Ground Beef is the perfect fit.

Why You’ll Love Keto Zucchini Noodles with Ground Beef

Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly
This dish is the perfect option for anyone following a keto or low-carb diet. The zucchini noodles are a fantastic alternative to pasta, keeping the dish light but still satisfying.

Quick and Easy
This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight dinner when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Minimal prep, quick cooking—just pure comfort.

Full of Flavor
The savory, well-seasoned ground beef is cooked in a rich tomato sauce with garlic and herbs, creating a flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the zucchini noodles. Each bite is packed with deliciousness!

Nutrient-Dense
Zucchini is a great source of vitamins A and C, plus fiber. Combined with the protein from the beef, this meal offers a healthy balance of nutrients.

Customizable
Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite spices or add-ins. Want more veggies? Add mushrooms or bell peppers. Like a little kick? Throw in some red pepper flakes for heat.

Ingredients in Keto Zucchini Noodles with Ground Beef

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this simple yet flavorful dish:

For the Zucchini Noodles:

• Zucchini: The star of the show! Zucchini is spiralized into noodles (aka “zoodles”) to give you that pasta-like texture with zero carbs.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the zucchini noodles, giving them a nice, slight crispness without making them soggy.
• Garlic: For that aromatic flavor that pairs so well with zucchini.

For the Ground Beef Sauce:

• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best for this dish. It’s rich, flavorful, and fills the dish with protein.
• Tomato Sauce: A low-carb option for creating the base of the sauce. It adds a savory depth to the dish.
• Onion: Sweet and slightly caramelized, onions provide the perfect base for the sauce.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds an extra layer of flavor to the beef sauce.
• Herbs: Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme) to give the sauce that delicious, savory flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional, but a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top takes this dish to a whole new level.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Prepare the Zucchini Noodles:

1. Spiralize the Zucchini: Use a spiralizer to create zucchini noodles. If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler to make thin strips or buy pre-made zucchini noodles from the store.
2. Sauté the Zoodles: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Cook the Zucchini Noodles: Add the zucchini noodles to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes, just until tender. Be careful not to overcook, as zucchini can release water and become soggy. Remove from heat and set aside.

Make the Ground Beef Sauce:

4. Cook the Beef: In the same skillet, add ground beef. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if needed.
5. Add Onion and Garlic: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
6. Add the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, then season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, and let it simmer on low for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7. Combine Zucchini and Beef: Gently toss the cooked zucchini noodles into the sauce, making sure the noodles are well-coated. Let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes to heat everything through.

Serve and Enjoy:

8. Top with Parmesan: Plate the zucchini noodles and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a savory finish. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 330
Total Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 500mg
Total Carbohydrates: 10g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 26g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Keto Zucchini Noodles with Ground Beef

• With a Side Salad: Pair with a light green salad or a Caesar salad to balance out the meal.
• With Garlic Bread: If you’re not strictly keto, serve with a slice of garlic bread for dipping into the sauce.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli or cauliflower is a great veggie side that complements the flavors of the dish.
• As a Meal Prep Option: Make a batch of this and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It reheats beautifully and makes for an easy grab-and-go lunch or dinner.

Additional Tips

• Don’t Overcook the Zucchini: Zucchini releases a lot of water when cooked, so be sure to cook the noodles quickly to avoid them becoming too soggy.
• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to bulk up the dish and add even more flavor.
• Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef sauce.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use a different type of meat?
A1: Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the meat.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare the beef sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply heat it up and cook the zucchini noodles fresh.

Q3: How can I prevent the zucchini noodles from getting watery?
A3: After spiralizing the zucchini, you can salt them and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Then, gently pat them dry before cooking.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: While the beef sauce freezes well, the zucchini noodles tend to become soggy when frozen. You may want to freeze the sauce separately and cook fresh zucchini noodles when you’re ready to serve.

Q5: How do I make this dish spicier?
A5: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a bit of hot sauce to the beef sauce for a spicy kick.

Q6: Can I make the zucchini noodles crispy?
A6: Yes! You can roast the zucchini noodles in the oven at 400°F for 10-15 minutes until slightly crisped, then add the sauce for a different texture.

Q7: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A7: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan on low heat to prevent the zucchini noodles from becoming too mushy.

Q8: Can I add cheese to the beef sauce?
A8: Yes! You can stir in shredded mozzarella or Parmesan to the sauce for extra creaminess and flavor.

Q9: Can I use a spiralizer to make zucchini noodles?
A9: Yes, a spiralizer is the best tool for making zucchini noodles, but you can also use a vegetable peeler to create thin ribbons of zucchini if you don’t have one.

Q10: Can I make this dish without tomato sauce?
A10: Yes! You can substitute the tomato sauce with a low-carb marinara sauce or even a homemade tomato paste with some water, herbs, and spices.

Conclusion

Keto Zucchini Noodles with Ground Beef is a simple yet delicious dish that makes eating low-carb feel indulgent. The tender zucchini noodles paired with the savory beef sauce are satisfying and full of flavor, and it’s the perfect meal when you’re craving comfort food without the carbs. Enjoy it on a weeknight, make it ahead for meal prep, or serve it at a family dinner—it’s always a hit!

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