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If you’re searching for a quick and delicious one-pan meal, this Beef Zucchini Skillet is the perfect recipe for you.
Juicy ground beef, tender zucchini, and aromatic spices come together to create a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s both healthy and easy to prepare.
This meal is naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for anyone looking to eat wholesome yet comforting food.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a fast dinner option, this skillet dish is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Beef Zucchini Skillet
- Quick and Convenient: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor! Everything cooks in a single skillet.
- Nutritious and Low-Carb: High in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins while being naturally low in carbs.
- Versatile and Customizable: Serve it as a standalone dish, pair it with rice or pasta, or use it as a filling for tacos and wraps.
- Family-Friendly: A great way to sneak in extra veggies while keeping the meal delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients for Beef Zucchini Skillet
Main Ingredients:
- Ground Beef – Use lean ground beef for a balanced flavor without too much grease.
- Zucchini – Fresh and tender zucchini adds a light, refreshing texture.
- Onion – Provides a rich, savory base for the dish.
- Garlic – Enhances the aroma and flavor of the skillet.
- Bell Peppers (Optional) – Adds a touch of sweetness and extra nutrients.
- Diced Tomatoes (or Tomato Sauce) – Gives a juicy, saucy consistency to the dish.
Seasonings and Spices:
- Olive Oil – For sautéing and enhancing flavors.
- Paprika – Adds a subtle smokiness and warmth.
- Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs to bring out the best flavors.
- Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional) – For a bit of heat.
Optional Garnishes:
- Shredded Cheese (Cheddar or Parmesan) – For a cheesy, melty topping.
- Fresh Parsley or Basil – Adds a fresh, herbaceous touch.
This simple yet flavorful ingredient list makes the Beef Zucchini Skillet a wholesome and delicious meal for any occasion.
How to Make Beef Zucchini Skillet
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash and chop the zucchini into bite-sized pieces.
- Dice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Cook until browned, then drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell peppers to the skillet.
- Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 4: Add Zucchini and Seasonings
- Stir in the zucchini and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir well and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the zucchini is tender but not mushy.
Step 5: Final Touches and Serving
- If using cheese, sprinkle it over the skillet and let it melt.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
- Serve hot on its own, over rice, pasta, or in wraps.
Tips for Making the Best Beef Zucchini Skillet
- Don’t Overcook the Zucchini: To maintain a slightly firm texture, cook the zucchini until just tender. Overcooking can make it mushy.
- Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for 85-90% lean ground beef to avoid excess grease while still keeping the dish flavorful.
- Enhance the Flavor: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for an extra depth of umami.
- Make It Spicy: If you enjoy heat, add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be easily reheated.
Conclusion
This Beef Zucchini Skillet is a must-try for anyone looking for a quick, nutritious, and flavorful meal.
With a combination of juicy ground beef, fresh zucchini, and a rich blend of spices, it’s a one-pan dish that delivers on both taste and convenience.
Whether you serve it on its own, over rice, or as a taco filling, it’s a versatile recipe that fits into any meal plan.
Give it a try tonight and enjoy a healthy, satisfying dinner with minimal effort!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
2. Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, but zucchini has high water content and may become softer after freezing.
If you don’t mind the texture change, freeze for up to 2 months in an airtight container.
3. What can I serve with Beef Zucchini Skillet?
It pairs well with rice, pasta, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or even in wraps and tacos.
4. Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely! You can swap zucchini for yellow squash, mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli to change up the flavors.
5. Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes! This recipe is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly, especially if served on its own without rice or pasta.
Beef Zucchini Skillet
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 wooden spoon (for stirring)
- 1 Chef’s Knife (for chopping vegetables)
- 1 Cutting board
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb 450g Ground Beef (85-90% lean)
- 2 medium Zucchinis chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small Onion diced
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 Bell Pepper diced, optional
- 1 can 14.5 oz Diced Tomatoes (or 1 cup tomato sauce)
Seasonings and Oil:
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Black Pepper
- ¼ tsp Red Pepper Flakes optional, for spice
Optional Garnishes:
- ½ cup Shredded Cheese cheddar or parmesan, optional
- Fresh Parsley or Basil chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash and chop the zucchini into bite-sized pieces.
- Dice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon (about 5-6 minutes).
- Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- Add diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet.
- Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 4: Add Zucchini and Seasonings
- Stir in the chopped zucchini and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes (or tomato sauce), paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 8-10 minutes, until the zucchini is tender but not mushy.
Step 5: Final Touches and Serving
- If using cheese, sprinkle it over the skillet and let it melt.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
- Serve hot on its own, over rice, pasta, or in wraps.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce.
- To make it keto-friendly, skip the diced tomatoes and use tomato paste with a little water instead.
- Make it spicier by adding extra red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
- Freezing Tip: Freeze for up to 2 months, but note that zucchini may soften after thawing.
