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    Home » Recipes » Gluten-Free Beef and Pork Recipes

    Published: Dec 19, 2020 · Modified: Jun 2, 2022 by Jen Wooster

    Carrot Noodles with Harissa Beef

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    harissa beef recipe for pinterest

    Harissa spiced ground beef over healthy carrot noodles is a spicy low-carb (ish) dinner ready in less than 30 minutes. Perfect one pot recipe for a weeknight dinner that is anything but ordinary.

    We love this gluten-free recipe because it is healthy and over the top on flavor thanks to the harissa paste. It is budget-friendly clocking in at under $3 a serving. Plus, it great for meal prep. both the harissa beef and the carrot noodles hold up well to reheating making it great for lunches.

    harissa beef and tomato over carrot noodles in a white bowl
    Spicy Harissa Beef over Carrot Noodles

    Please read the entire post for tips and tricks to ensure a perfect recipe every time. And don't forget to tag @peelwithzeal on Instagram so we can admire your creation!

    This post may include affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to:
    • 🧾Ingredients and Substitutions
    • ⏲️Instructions
    • 🥘One-Pot Instructions
    • 🥡Storing Leftovers
    • 🥗 More 30 Minute Meals
    • 📖 Recipe
    • ⭐Reviews

    I created this harissa beef recipe years ago when I was doing a 30-day clean eating challenge, think Whole30 or paleo. But we liked it so much it that it became a staple go-to weeknight dinner with enough leftovers for lunch.

    With just a few ingredients it makes for an ideal dinner.

    🧾Ingredients and Substitutions

    • Ground Beef- We prefer grass-fed ground beef from Butcher Box.
    • Harissa Paste- Homemade harissa paste is by far our favorite. But store bought paste works just fine as well. Use as much as you like to get your desired spiciness level.
    • Onion- We use white onions, but a yellow, sweet, or red onions work fine. You can even use shallots or leeks.
    • Tomato Paste- The tomato paste adds just a hint of sweetness to counterbalance the heat of the harissa.
    • Carrot Noodles- Not gonna lie... I don't own a spiralizer. I buy all my veggies pre-noodled if you will. Trader Joe's has frozen carrot noodles that I always have on hand. But carrot noodles are also available at our local grocery change, both fresh and frozen. You can also substitute zucchini, squash, or sweet potato noodles.
    • Fresh Parsley- This recipe needs a little green, it is rather, umm, orange. You can also use scallions or cilantro for a pop of color.
    • Optional Add Ons- Fresh spinach or kale, chopped tomatoes, canned artichokes, sliced olives, or red kidney beans.

    ⏲️Instructions

    This recipe starts with browning the ground beef in a saute pan. If your ground beef is less than 15% fat I recommend adding oil or bacon fat to the pan to prevent excessive sticking.

    Break the meat up with a wooden spoon and cook it, stirring from time to time, until it becomes brown and crispy. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. The total cook time for the browning and the onions should be about 8 minutes.

    Stir in the harissa paste, tomato paste, and ¼ cup of water. If adding certain optional ingredients like olives or artichokes, you can add them now. Hold off on any leafy greens.

    While the beef is cooking we are going to start on the carrot noodles. In a saute pan add oil, carrot noodles, and ¼ cup of water. If they are frozen just break them as best you can, no worries if it is a giant brick of carrots.

    Cover the carrots and cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Uncover and stir, cook an additional 3-4 minutes until the water is evaporated and the carrots are soft. Season with salt and pepper.

    Stir in any optional ingredients like spinach or kale into your beef now. Heat until just wilted.

    Divide carrot noodles into 4 bowls. Top with harissa beef and garnish with parsley.

    serving dish with harissa beef and individual boal of harissa beef over carrot noodles

    🥘One-Pot Instructions

    To make this meal a one-pot dish add the carrot noodles after stirring in the harissa paste. Increase the water to a half cup. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.

    Uncover and stir, cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Add the parsley and serve.

    When making this for dinner I prefer the two pot method, it looks a bit nicer and the carrots have a better texture.

    When making as meal prep lunches I prefer the one-pot method because it makes reheating easier.

    🥡Storing Leftovers

    Whether you are making this for your weekly meal prep or just have a bit leftover harissa beef holds up well to reheating.

    Store leftovers in a an airtight container for 3 to 5 days. Reheat in a saute pan over medium heat.

    Ir reheat in the microwave with a paper towel covering the bowl. The harissa paste can get a bit splattery.

    close up of harissa beef recipe on a fork

    🥗 More 30 Minute Meals

    Thanks for checking out this paleo 30-minute meal. If you enjoyed this recipe be sure to check out more of our low-carb and paleo dinners. All ready in less than 30 minutes!

    • Vegetarian Thai Green Curry
    • Gluten-Free Chicken Piccata
    • Barbecue Chicken Zucchini Boats
    • Charred Cauliflower Steaks with Curry Sauce

    If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave us a rating or a comment. It helps other wonderful people connect with our food.

    📖 Recipe

    carrot noodles with harissa beef topping

    Harissa Beef and Carrot Noodles

    Recipe Created By: Jen Wooster
    Spicy low-carb dinner ready in less than 30 minutes. Perfect one pot recipe for a weeknight dinner that is anything but ordinary.
    5 from 10 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 25 mins
    Course Dinner, Main Course
    Cuisine African, American
    Servings 4
    Calories 389 kcal

    Equipment

    • Large saute pan

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 lb ground beef
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 medium onion, diced
    • 2 tablespoon harissa paste
    • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
    • 16 oz carrot noodles
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • ¼ cup parsley, garnish

    Instructions
     

    • Place saute pan over medium heat. Add ground beef (plus 1 tablespoon of olive oil if your beef is less than 15% fat) and salt Break the meat up with a wooden spoon and cook it, stirring from time to time, until it becomes brown and crispy about 8 minutes.
    • Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the harissa paste, tomato paste, and ¼ cup of water. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
    • While the beef is cooking, add olive oil, carrot noodles, and ¼ cup of water to a large saute pan. Cover and place over medium heat. Cook 4 to 5 minutes. Uncover and stir, cook an additional 3-4 minutes until the water is evaporated and the carrots are soft. Season with salt and pepper.
    • Divide carrot noodles into 4 bowls. Top with harissa beef and garnish with parsley.

    Video

    Notes

    1. This makes a great meal prep lunch. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. 
    2. Adjust the amount of harissa paste to your preferred level of spiciness. You can use store bought or homemade harissa paste. 
    One-Pot Instructions
    Add the carrot noodles after stirring in the harissa paste. Increase the water to a half cup. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Uncover and stir, cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Add the parsley and serve. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 389kcal | Carbs: 16g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 27g | Fiber: 4g
    Keyword carrot noodles, ground beef recipe, harissa, One Pot
    Tried this recipe?Tag us @peelwithzeal so we can see your creation!

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    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Jere says

      December 24, 2020 at 6:04 pm

      5 stars
      How unique to use carrot noodles, I have to try this. I love the flavors you have put into this recipe.

      Reply
      • Jen says

        December 26, 2020 at 9:16 am

        Let us know how it turns out!

        Reply
    2. Tara says

      December 24, 2020 at 4:52 pm

      5 stars
      What a flavorful weeknight meal! It sounds incredible with the carrot noodles and I absolutely love harissa.

      Reply
      • Jen says

        December 26, 2020 at 9:17 am

        We love it too, need to find more ways to use it.

        Reply
    3. Emily says

      December 24, 2020 at 4:21 pm

      5 stars
      Love how delicious this was! The harissa beef was definitely the cherry on top.

      Reply
      • Jen says

        December 26, 2020 at 9:17 am

        5 stars
        Glad you enjoyed the recipe!

        Reply
    4. Jesse says

      December 24, 2020 at 2:42 pm

      5 stars
      This spiced ground beef with carrot noodles is amazing! Thanks for a great recipe.

      Reply
      • Jen says

        December 26, 2020 at 9:17 am

        5 stars
        Warms my heart to hear you enjoyed it. Bon appetit!

        Reply
    5. Andrea Metlika says

      December 24, 2020 at 2:39 pm

      5 stars
      I love the idea of carrot noodles. The combination with harissa beef sounds fantastic.

      Reply

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    Welcome Friends!

    picture of Jen

    My name is Jen and I am the recipe developer, writer, and photographer around here. Since being diagnosed with celiac disease over 10 years ago I have been slowly curating a recipe box full of gluten-free goodness. I adore vegetables, crave chocolate, and I am always up for an adventure.

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