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Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet

Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet
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A quick, flavorful Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet recipe perfect for busy weeknight dinners. This one-pan meal combines lean ground beef with fresh zucchini, onion, and simple seasonings to create a healthy, satisfying dish that’s full of color and taste. Easy to make in under 30 minutes, nutritious, and great for family meals or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons or rounds
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional), to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Wash and slice the zucchini into half-moons or rounds. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic so everything is ready to go when you start cooking.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if desired.
  3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  4. Cook the Zucchini: Toss the zucchini into the skillet and stir everything together. Let the zucchini soften and release some moisture, around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste: Mix in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir until the tomato paste coats the beef and zucchini evenly, creating a deliciously rich sauce.
  6. Simmer and Serve: Reduce heat to low, cover loosely, and let the skillet meal simmer for another 5 minutes to marry the flavors. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, then serve hot.

Notes

  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce grease and keep the skillet light.
  • Do not overcook zucchini; keep it tender-crisp to retain nutrients and texture.
  • Use a wide skillet to help veggies brown evenly and avoid steaming.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon or splash of vinegar to brighten flavors.
  • Season gradually by adding salt and spices in stages for balanced flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef skillet, zucchini recipe, quick dinner, healthy meal, one-pan dinner, weeknight meal, low carb, family-friendly

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