Keto Zucchini Noodles with Ground Beef

Craving a hearty, comforting meal but want to keep things low-carb? Look no further than this Keto Zucchini Noodles with Ground Beef dish! It’s the perfect combination of juicy ground beef and tender zucchini noodles, all smothered in a rich, flavorful sauce. This dish is satisfying, guilt-free, and will leave you feeling full without compromising on taste. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Keto Zucchini Noodles with Ground Beef

Let’s break down why this meal will quickly become one of your go-to keto recipes:

Versatile: You can make this dish as simple or as elaborate as you want by adding extra veggies or tweaking the seasonings. It’s a great canvas for your favorite keto-friendly toppings.

Budget-Friendly: With just a few basic ingredients, you can make a filling meal that’s light on the wallet but big on flavor.

Quick and Easy: You don’t need hours in the kitchen to whip up this dish. It comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Customizable: Adjust the level of spiciness, add your favorite herbs, or top it with grated cheese or avocado for extra richness—this recipe can be as unique as you want.

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle or just looking for a healthy alternative to pasta, this dish is a winner. The flavors are bold, and the texture of the zucchini noodles mimics the comfort of traditional pasta, making it a crowd-pleaser even for non-keto eaters.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Keto Zucchini Noodles with Ground Beef:

For the Zucchini Noodles:

• Zucchini: Fresh zucchini, spiralized into noodles, is the perfect low-carb substitute for pasta. It’s light but still satisfying.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the zucchini noodles and adding a touch of richness.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the zucchini noodles and bring out their flavor.

For the Ground Beef:

• Ground Beef: The star of the dish! Opt for lean ground beef for a healthier choice, or go for fattier cuts if you want a richer flavor.
• Onion: Adds a savory base to the beef.
• Garlic: For a pop of aromatic flavor that complements the richness of the beef.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds tanginess and depth to the dish. You can use sugar-free or low-carb tomato sauce for a truly keto-friendly version.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme that brings everything together with an Italian flair.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A pinch of these adds a bit of heat, giving the dish a slight kick.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the beef and sauce to perfection.

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

Instructions

Ready to dig in? Let’s get cooking!

1. Prepare the Zucchini Noodles: Start by spiralizing your zucchini into noodles. If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use a julienne peeler or simply slice the zucchini into thin strips. Set the noodles aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
4. Add the Tomato Sauce and Seasoning: Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer together for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Cook the Zucchini Noodles: While the beef mixture is simmering, heat a separate pan over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Toss in the zucchini noodles and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, just until they soften slightly but still retain their bite. Be careful not to overcook the zucchini, as it can release too much water.
6. Combine and Serve: Once the zucchini noodles are ready, add them to the skillet with the ground beef mixture. Toss everything together until the noodles are coated in the savory sauce. Serve immediately, and enjoy your keto-friendly comfort food!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories (depending on the type of ground beef used)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Keto Zucchini Noodles with Ground Beef

This dish is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with a few extra touches:

• Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
• Add a side of avocado slices for a creamy texture and added healthy fats.
• Serve with a light salad of mixed greens for a refreshing contrast to the rich beef sauce.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to make your meal even better:

• For a more filling dish, try adding a handful of sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the beef mixture for extra veggies.
• You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of this dish.
• If you want to make the zucchini noodles ahead of time, spiralize and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• To add some richness, consider stirring in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the beef sauce at the end.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use store-bought zucchini noodles?
   Yes, you can use pre-spiralized zucchini noodles to save time, but fresh zucchini gives the best texture.
2. Can I freeze this dish?
   Yes, you can freeze the beef mixture, but I recommend freezing the zucchini noodles separately since they don’t freeze as well.
3. Can I use another type of pasta for this dish?
   If you’re not on a keto diet, feel free to swap the zucchini noodles with regular pasta or even gluten-free pasta.
4. How can I make the sauce thicker?
   You can thicken the sauce by simmering it longer or adding a little bit of tomato paste for extra richness.
5. Can I add cheese to the dish?
   Yes, you can top the finished dish with mozzarella or Parmesan cheese. For extra indulgence, melt the cheese on top of the beef and noodles.
6. Can I make this dish spicy?
   Absolutely! Add more red pepper flakes or even some diced chili peppers to the beef sauce for a spicy kick.
7. Can I use other vegetables in place of zucchini?
   While zucchini is the most common low-carb pasta substitute, you can also try using spaghetti squash or even shirataki noodles for a different texture.
8. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes! You can cook the ground beef and tomato sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just cook the zucchini noodles fresh before serving.
9. Can I use ground pork or lamb instead of beef?
   Yes, ground pork or lamb would work wonderfully in this recipe for a different flavor profile.
10. How do I keep the zucchini noodles from getting soggy?
    To avoid watery noodles, make sure to sauté them briefly and don’t overcook them. You can also pat them dry with paper towels before cooking to remove excess moisture.

Conclusion

Keto Zucchini Noodles with Ground Beef is the perfect low-carb dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor. It’s satisfying, filling, and oh-so-tasty, with a rich beef sauce that perfectly complements the tender zucchini noodles. Whether you’re on a keto diet or just looking for a healthier pasta alternative, this dish is a must-try! Enjoy every bite of this simple yet delicious meal.

Keto Zucchini Noodles with Ground Beef

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Keto Zucchini Noodles with Ground Beef is a low-carb, gluten-free dish that replaces traditional pasta with zucchini noodles, paired with a savory ground beef sauce. This meal is packed with flavor while keeping your carb intake low, perfect for a keto or low-carb diet.

• Author: Grace Sullivan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Keto, Low-Carb

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• For the Zucchini Noodles:
• 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Ground Beef Sauce:
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce (sugar-free)
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Zucchini Noodles: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the zucchini noodles and sauté for 2–3 minutes, until tender but still firm. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef Sauce: In the same pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook for another 3–4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
4. Stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
5. Combine the Noodles and Sauce: Add the zucchini noodles back to the pan and toss them with the beef sauce until evenly coated. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to heat everything through.
6. Serve the keto zucchini noodles with ground beef topped with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

• If you prefer firmer zucchini noodles, you can sauté them for less time or leave them raw.
• This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• For added richness, you can sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 90mg