Ground Beef Over Zoodles

The blend of savory ground beef, aromatic garlic, and herbs in a rich tomato sauce served over crisp, spiralized zucchini noodles makes this dish a perfect low-carb, nutrient-rich alternative to traditional pasta. It’s hearty enough to satisfy meat lovers and light enough for anyone watching carbs or gluten.

Ideal for quick weeknight dinners, meal prep, or when you’re craving comfort food with a healthy spin, this dish brings simplicity and flavor together in a beautiful way. It’s also easy to adjust, swap beef for turkey, add extra veggies, or go dairy-free. The flexibility and taste will keep this in your regular dinner rotation.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 1/2 cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

• 1/4 cup tomato paste

• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp dried basil

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized

• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

2. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Stir in the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.

4. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.

5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10–12 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

6. Meanwhile, in another skillet, sauté zucchini noodles in a small amount of olive oil for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened but still firm (al dente).

7. Divide the zoodles among serving plates and top with the savory ground beef mixture.

8. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and optional Parmesan cheese before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Ground Beef Over Zoodles – A Wholesome Low-Carb Classic for Any Night of the Week

When it comes to healthy weeknight dinners, it’s hard to beat the combination of ease, flavor, and nutrition found in this Ground Beef Over Zoodles dish. It’s a perfect solution for anyone looking to cut down on carbs without compromising on flavor or satisfaction. Whether you’re on a low-carb diet like keto, trying to add more vegetables into your daily meals, or simply want a lighter alternative to pasta, this dish offers a delicious and practical option that can be whipped up in just 30 minutes.

This recipe takes inspiration from the classic spaghetti bolognese, but instead of using traditional pasta, we’re using zoodles, or zucchini noodles. These light, spiralized veggies provide a tender-crisp texture and act as the perfect vehicle for a robust, herb-infused tomato and beef sauce. The result is a meal that feels indulgent but is actually clean, balanced, and naturally gluten-free.

Why Choose Zoodles Over Pasta?

Zucchini noodles (aka “zoodles”) have skyrocketed in popularity over the past decade, and it’s no surprise why. They’re low in calories, low in carbohydrates, and high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Unlike traditional wheat-based pasta, zoodles won’t cause blood sugar spikes and are naturally gluten-free, making them ideal for those with gluten intolerance, celiac disease, or anyone following Whole30, Paleo, or Keto eating plans.

Besides the nutritional benefits, zoodles offer a great texture and soak up sauces well without becoming soggy if cooked properly. They’re also fun to make using a spiralizer but can be found pre-spiralized at many grocery stores for extra convenience.

The Star Ingredient: Ground Beef

The richness of ground beef makes this dish deeply satisfying. Using lean ground beef keeps it on the healthier side while still packing in protein and flavor. Ground beef is also incredibly versatile and takes on the herbs and spices beautifully. For those looking to switch it up, ground turkey or chicken can easily be substituted.

In this recipe, ground beef is browned with onion and garlic, then simmered in a simple tomato-based sauce seasoned with oregano, basil, and a touch of chili flakes for a bit of warmth. The simplicity of the seasoning allows the beef to shine, while still providing a burst of savory, umami-packed flavor in every bite.

Nutritional Profile and Dietary Benefits

This Ground Beef Over Zoodles recipe fits beautifully into many dietary lifestyles. Here’s a closer look at the benefits:

• Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: Thanks to the zucchini base, this dish contains a fraction of the carbohydrates found in traditional pasta dishes.

• High in Protein: Ground beef is a fantastic source of protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety.

• Gluten-Free: Both zoodles and the homemade sauce are naturally gluten-free, avoiding the need for substitutions or specialty ingredients.

• Whole30 & Paleo Approved: With no dairy or processed ingredients, this meal can be made fully compliant with Whole30 or Paleo programs.

• Dairy Optional: Garnish with Parmesan cheese if desired or leave it off to keep it dairy-free.

Time-Saving and Meal Prep Friendly

Busy weeknights call for meals that come together fast, and this recipe is perfect for that. With a total cook time of just 30 minutes, it can be made in a single skillet (plus a pan for the zoodles). Even better, it’s great for meal prep. The beef sauce stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully. Spiralized zucchini can be prepped ahead of time, or you can use store-bought to save even more time.

To meal prep, simply store the sauce and zoodles separately to avoid sogginess. When you’re ready to eat, sauté the zoodles for a couple of minutes and reheat the sauce on the stove or in the microwave.

Customization Ideas

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can tweak it in countless ways to suit your preferences, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas:

• Add more veggies: Toss in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or shredded carrots for extra nutrition.

• Change the meat: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, pork, or a plant-based alternative.

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce if you like more heat.

• Make it cheesy: Stir in a bit of ricotta or top with mozzarella for a more indulgent experience.

• Use marinara sauce: In a pinch, a clean jar of low-sugar marinara works great.

Zoodle Cooking Tips

Cooking zoodles properly is key to avoiding soggy noodles or a watery plate. Here are a few pro tips:

• Do not overcook: Zoodles only need 2-3 minutes in a hot pan to become tender-crisp. Any longer and they’ll become mushy.

• Avoid salt while cooking: Salt draws out moisture. Add salt after cooking to maintain texture.

• Drain if needed: If your zucchini noodles release too much liquid, drain them on a paper towel or give them a gentle squeeze before plating.

Pairing Suggestions

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance it with a few complementary sides or additions:

• A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli

• Garlic sautéed mushrooms for added umami

• A glass of dry red wine for a cozy dinner

Family Friendly and Kid-Approved

Even picky eaters will enjoy this dish, especially when the beef sauce is the star of the plate. If you’re feeding kids or those not quite ready to switch completely to zoodles, try doing a half-and-half mix of zoodles and regular pasta. It’s a great way to ease into healthier eating without resistance.

Environmentally Friendly Choice

Choosing zucchini noodles and lean ground beef can also contribute to a more sustainable eating approach. Zucchini is widely available, easy to grow, and has a lower environmental footprint than grain-based pasta. Opting for grass-fed beef or locally sourced meat can also be a more eco-conscious decision.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Over Zoodles is a prime example of how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create a dish that’s flavorful, nourishing, and aligned with healthy eating goals. It proves that eating well doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or spending hours in the kitchen. With minimal prep time, a short list of ingredients, and room for customization, this dish is bound to become a staple in your home.

Whether you’re following a specific diet or just want a cleaner dinner option, this meal delivers satisfaction in every bite. It’s comforting without being heavy, and the perfect example of how real food can fuel your body and delight your tastebuds at the same time.