Looking for a comforting yet healthy dinner that’s low-carb, full of flavor, and easy to whip up? This Keto Zucchini Noodles with Ground Beef recipe has got you covered! It’s the perfect balance of savory, satisfying, and light all at once. Imagine tender zucchini noodles topped with a flavorful, juicy ground beef sauce that’s just bursting with rich tomato and garlic goodness. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked! It’s the ultimate guilt-free comfort food for any keto lover.
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Why You’ll Love Keto Zucchini Noodles with Ground Beef
This dish is a game-changer, and here’s why:
Low-Carb Delight: Say goodbye to heavy pasta and hello to zucchini noodles! These low-carb noodles are light and fresh but still provide that satisfying “noodle” texture.
Packed with Flavor: The ground beef is simmered in a savory blend of tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Every bite is bursting with bold, hearty flavors—it’s impossible to not go for seconds.
Quick and Easy: This recipe is quick to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a tasty, wholesome dinner in a flash. Plus, no complicated steps here—just simple, delicious cooking.
Kid-Friendly: The flavors are so good that even picky eaters will love it. If you’ve got little ones or anyone new to keto, this recipe is sure to please.
Healthy Comfort Food: Who says comfort food has to be heavy and high-carb? This dish is full of nutritious veggies and lean protein, so you can enjoy a cozy meal without feeling weighed down.
Ingredients
Let’s take a look at the simple yet delicious ingredients that make this dish come to life. No fancy ingredients required—just fresh, wholesome staples.
- Zucchini: The star of the dish! Zucchini noodles (or zoodles) are the perfect low-carb substitute for regular pasta.
- Ground Beef: A lean and flavorful protein base. It’s juicy and hearty and soaks up all the delicious seasonings.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the beef and garlic—helps bring all the flavors together.
- Garlic: Adds a punch of aromatic flavor that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing.
- Crushed Tomatoes: For the rich, savory sauce that pulls everything together.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Italian Seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs that brings that Italian flavor to the dish.
- Parmesan Cheese (optional): For that final sprinkle of salty, nutty goodness.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for perfect seasoning.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into these easy steps to create a flavorful keto dinner.
Prepare the Zucchini: Begin by spiralizing the zucchini into noodles using a spiralizer or julienne peeler. Set the zoodles aside to drain off any excess moisture. If you want to remove some of the water, you can lightly salt them and let them sit for a few minutes.
Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
Add the Garlic and Onion: Toss in the garlic and onion, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing right about now.
Simmer the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning to the skillet with the beef. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Cook the Zucchini Noodles: While the beef mixture simmers, heat a separate pan over medium heat. Add a little olive oil and sauté the zucchini noodles for about 3-4 minutes, just until they are tender but still al dente. You don’t want to overcook them—just a quick sauté to get them warm.
Assemble and Serve: Serve the cooked zucchini noodles on plates, then top them with the rich, savory ground beef mixture. Sprinkle with a little Parmesan cheese if you’d like, and enjoy your keto comfort meal!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 300
Carbs per serving: 6g net carbs
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Keto Zucchini Noodles with Ground Beef
This dish is hearty enough on its own, but here are a few ideas to make your meal complete:
- A Side Salad: Pair it with a light mixed green salad tossed in olive oil and lemon for a refreshing contrast to the rich beef sauce.
- Garlic Bread: If you’re craving some bread, try making keto-friendly garlic bread on the side. You’ll get that classic “pasta dinner” experience without the carbs.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts or cauliflower make a wonderful side dish and add even more low-carb goodness.
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: You can spiralize the zucchini and cook the ground beef mixture ahead of time. Store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge, and when you’re ready to serve, just heat them up and assemble!
- Customize the Sauce: Feel free to add in other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef sauce for extra texture and flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat or stir in some fresh basil for an extra layer of flavor.
- Use Turkey or Chicken: If you prefer a leaner option, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use store-bought zucchini noodles?
A1: Yes, store-bought zucchini noodles work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to drain them well before using.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, both the zucchini noodles and the ground beef mixture can be made ahead. Simply store them in separate airtight containers and reheat when ready to serve.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, and enjoy again!
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! The beef mixture freezes beautifully. Just let it cool and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat.
Q5: Can I use something other than ground beef?
A5: Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork are great substitutes for ground beef. Just make sure to adjust the seasonings to your taste.
Q6: How do I prevent the zucchini noodles from being soggy?
A6: Make sure to sauté the zucchini noodles briefly and not overcook them. You can also pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before cooking.
Q7: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A7: Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! Just chop them up and simmer them down until they reach a sauce-like consistency.
Q8: Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
A8: Yes, this recipe makes for excellent meal prep. Just store the ground beef mixture and zucchini noodles separately, then combine them when ready to eat.
Q9: Can I add cheese to the beef mixture?
A9: Yes, adding some shredded cheese to the beef mixture during the last few minutes of cooking is a great idea. It’ll melt into the sauce and make it even more creamy and delicious!
Q10: Can I use a different vegetable instead of zucchini noodles?
A10: You could try using spaghetti squash or even shirataki noodles for a different low-carb twist. Both options will work great in this dish!
Conclusion
Keto Zucchini Noodles with Ground Beef is the ultimate low-carb, high-flavor dinner that’ll leave you feeling full and satisfied without the carb overload. It’s quick, easy, and customizable—perfect for a healthy weeknight meal. So grab your zucchini and ground beef, and get ready to enjoy this delicious, guilt-free dish!
Print
Keto Zucchini Noodles with Ground Beef
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: undefined
- Cuisine: American
Description
Keto Zucchini Noodles with Ground Beef is a flavorful, low-carb meal perfect for keto diets, containing only 3 net carbs per serving! This dish is quick to prepare and is packed with protein and veggies, making it a great choice for family dinners. The zucchini noodles are paired with seasoned ground beef, bell pepper, and onion for a savory and satisfying meal. #keto #zucchininoodles #groundbeef #lowcarbrecipes #ketodinner #glutenfree #healthyrecipes #familymeal #quickdinner
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, spiralized
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
- 1 tbsp bouillon powder
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
Instructions
- Spiralize the zucchini: Slice off the top and bottom of the zucchini. Using a spiralizer, place the zucchini between the blades and turn the handle in any direction to create the noodles.
- Cook the ground beef: Heat a pan over high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until fully browned.
- Add the vegetables and spices: Add the red bell pepper, onion, coconut aminos, bouillon powder, thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt to the beef. Stir and cook for 5 minutes to soften the vegetables.
- Add the zucchini noodles: Stir in the zucchini noodles and cook for 5-10 minutes, depending on your desired firmness. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Serve: Once the noodles have reached your desired texture, serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Omit the cayenne pepper for a milder version if you don’t enjoy spicy food.
- For best results, use thawed ground meat rather than frozen.
- Adjust the thickness of the zucchini noodles by changing the blade on your spiralizer.
- Add fresh produce or herbs like tomatoes or broccoli to customize the dish.
- Feel free to use a favorite pasta sauce and Italian seasoning to make this a delicious Italian-style dish.
- Ground chicken, turkey, pork, or Italian sausage can be used instead of ground beef.
- Customize the seasoning as needed. Garlic powder or onion powder would be great additions.
- For a Mexican twist, use taco seasoning instead of the recommended spices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 301 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg