This ground beef and zucchini noodles stir fry is a truly delicious meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family and contains only 3 net carbs!
Zucchini (also known as courgette) is a versatile squash that can be eaten in so many different ways.
Zucchini noodles are sometimes referred to as ‘zoodles’ which is just a fancy name for zucchini + noodles. This is one of those meals that you can just eat until you can eat no more. I mean, you are mostly eating veggies and protein, so what’s not to love?
We are big zucchini fans at my house. My daughter will literally stand next to me while I prepare the zucchini and will ask to help or just scoop handfuls into her mouth till I’m done. One of these days, she’ll be done eating everything before I even start cooking…ha!
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Ingredients used in making ground beef zucchini noodles
- Zucchini: I use two zucchinis for this recipe.
- Ground beef: When buying packaged ground beef, pay attention to the ‘leanness’ of the beef. You’ll see things like 90% lean/10% fat content or 80% lean/20% fat. For a low carb diet, we don’t need our meat to be that lean since fats help with satiety. I like to choose 73% lean/27% fat ground beef since it's the only one I've found with the highest fat content.
- Vegetables: red bell peppers and onions.
- Spices: I use cayenne pepper, coconut aminos, bouillon powder, thyme, and salt.
How to spiralize zucchini
For this recipe, I use a spiralizer to cut the zucchini into spirals to mimic noodles.
You can grate the zucchini or even use a vegetable peeler but by far the easiest way is to use a spiralizer. There are so many different types but I use this 5-Blade Vegetable Slicer from Amazon.
It's really very easy to use. Just place the zucchini in between the blades and turn the handle in any direction.
How to make ground beef zucchini noodles
To start, slice off the top and bottom of your zucchini and then get spiralizing! It’s actually fun to watch and my daughter often helps with this.
Next, place the ground beef on high heat on the stove and break down the chunks while you stir.
No need to add water or any liquid, the ground beef has plenty enough. When the ground beef has been browned, add the onions, chopped bell peppers, spices, and stir. You can substitute with any of your favorite spices.
After about 5 minutes, add the spiralized zucchini and stir. I like mine a bit firm so I leave it for about 5 minutes but you can leave it for 10 minutes if you want it softer.
Dish out and serve. This keeps for several days in the fridge.
Sometimes I leave a little spiralized zucchini in the fridge and just snack on it when hungry. It makes a really good quick snack!
Here are some other really great ground beef keto recipes
African Cabbage Stew with Ground Beef
Enjoy these other low carb pasta/noodle recipes
Shirataki Noodles Vegetable Stir Fry
Check out this post on the best noodle replacements on keto!
Ground Beef Zucchini Noodles
Ingredients
- 2 zucchini medium
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ red bell pepper chopped
- ½ onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon coconut aminos can substitute with ground crayfish
- 1 tablespoon bouillon powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
Instructions
- Slice off the top and bottom of your zucchini and spiralize.
- Place the ground beef on high heat on the stove, break down the chunks and stir till the meat is done.
- Add the red bell pepper, onions, and spices.
- After 5 mins, add zucchini noodles and stir.
- Leave for 5-10 mins till it reaches your desired firmness.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Looking for more? Try these other delicious recipes!
Great recipe. I've never used crayfish in a recipe before. Is it a powder or some actual cray fish?
Thanks Emily! It's a common African spice made by drying out the crayfish and grinding to powder form. I added the link to the recipe.
I love zoodles and love expanding my recipes with them!! This is up next to try 🙂
Hope you enjoy it!
Delicious. Zucchini is a great sub for pasta.
Thanks, Luci!
Zucchini has never looked so beautiful! Thanks for sharing the recipe, can't wait to give it a go 🙂
Thanks Chris! I hope you enjoy it.
Zucchini will soon be in season, and this recipe will be so perfect for some light and healthy meal.
Thanks Anita!
Made this for dinner last night and my kids absolutely loved it! And I loved sneaking in some healthy dinner options too! Win for everyone!
Awesome! Glad it turned out great 🙂
This looks so yummy, can’t wait to try it. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
You should be able to substitute though I haven't tried it. Ground beef has a firmer consistency than chicken so you will notice a difference. Let me know how it turns out. Thanks!