Print

Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet

Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet
Print Recipe

A quick, wholesome, and delicious Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet combining lean protein with fresh vegetables, ready in about 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan meal offers vibrant flavors, minimal cleanup, and is easily customizable to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound Ground Beef
  • 2 medium Zucchini, diced
  • 1 small Onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste
  • Red Pepper Flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Wash and dice the zucchini into small, even pieces. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor release.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat for a lighter dish.
  3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Push the beef to one side of the skillet. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the empty side. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
  4. Add Zucchini and Tomato Sauce: Stir in the diced zucchini and cook until it softens slightly but remains tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes. Pour in the tomato sauce and mix thoroughly to combine all flavors.
  5. Season and Simmer: Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes over the mixture. Reduce heat to low and let everything simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  6. Serve Hot: Turn off heat, give the skillet one final stir, and serve immediately for best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Choose 90% lean ground beef or higher for a healthier, less greasy dish.
  • Cook zucchini just until tender-crisp to avoid mushiness.
  • Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end for a flavor boost.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning gradually for perfect balance.
  • Use a large skillet to cook everything in one pan for easier preparation and cleanup.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, zucchini, quick dinner, healthy skillet, one-pan meal, lean protein, weeknight dinner, easy recipe

Find it online: https://dailydishez.com/ground-beef-and-zucchini-skillet/