Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet
One of the best parts about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can keep it simple for a quick weeknight dinner or jazz it up with extra veggies, cheese, or even a splash of tomato sauce for a heartier feel.
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons & cups
- Optional: Grater
Ingredients
For the Skillet
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium zucchinis diced
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley chopped
- ½ cup shredded cheese cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Wash and dice the zucchinis into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the onion and red bell pepper into small, even pieces for uniform cooking.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Pro Tip: Dry the zucchini pieces with a paper towel after washing to prevent them from releasing too much water while cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon.
- Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Pro Tip: Let the beef sit undisturbed for a minute before stirring—it helps develop a nice sear and deeper flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- Push the beef to one side of the skillet and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the zucchini and cherry tomatoes, mixing everything together.
- Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Pro Tip: Cook the zucchini until just tender for the best texture—overcooking can make it mushy.
Step 4: Simmer and Combine Flavors
- Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Cover the skillet and let everything cook together for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Pro Tip: Covering the skillet helps the zucchini release just enough moisture to create a light, flavorful sauce.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Garnish (Optional)
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the skillet and cover for 1–2 minutes until melted.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
- Pro Tip: Adding the cheese at the very end keeps it gooey and prevents it from overcooking or separating.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve warm straight from the skillet for a cozy, one-pan meal.
- Pair with rice, pasta, or enjoy it on its own for a low-carb option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Notes
Nutritional Value (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 280–320 kcal
- Protein: 22–25 g
- Carbohydrates: 8–10 g
- Fat: 18–20 g
- Fiber: 2–3 g
- Sugar: 4–5 g