If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal that packs a punch in flavor, you’ve got to try my Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet! This one-pan dish is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s loaded with juicy ground beef, tender zucchini, and aromatic garlic, all simmered together for an incredible taste that just sings comfort food. Plus, it comes together in about 30 minutes! Trust me, you won’t believe how simple it is to whip this up, and the best part? Cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in one skillet! Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!
Ingredients List
Gather these straightforward ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to a mouthwatering Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet in no time:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 onion, diced finely
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because who doesn’t love garlic?)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz) – the kind with no added salt is great!
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning for that extra flavor punch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, perfect for sautéing
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go! Trust me, once you start cooking, you’ll want to keep things flowing smoothly. Let’s get ready for some deliciousness!
How to Prepare Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet
Now, let’s get cooking! This Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet comes together in just a few simple steps, and I promise it’s as easy as pie—well, easier, actually! Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, heat those 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it nice and hot, but not smoking—careful, it splatters!
- Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Oh, the aroma is just heavenly!
- Next, add in the 1 pound of ground beef. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. You’ll want to cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned and no longer pink—just make sure to drain any excess fat!
- Now, stir in those lovely zucchini slices. Cook for another 5 minutes, just until they soften a bit but still have that nice bite to them. You don’t want mushy zucchini!
- Finally, pour in the can of diced tomatoes and sprinkle in the 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and let it all simmer for about 10 minutes. This is where the magic happens!
And that’s it! You’ve got a delicious, hearty meal ready to serve. Just be sure to keep an eye on it while it simmers—nobody likes a burnt skillet!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for those busy nights!
- One-pan means less cleanup—yay for easy dishes!
- Loaded with flavor from the ground beef, zucchini, and spices, making every bite a delight.
- Healthy and hearty, packed with protein and veggies to keep you satisfied.
- Customizable! You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or spices.
You’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and time again—it’s just that good!
Tips for Success
To make your Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet absolutely perfect, here are a few little tricks I’ve learned along the way:
- Don’t rush the sauté: Allow the onion and garlic to really soften and develop their flavors. You’ll be amazed at how much this enhances the overall taste of the dish!
- Use lean ground beef: This helps reduce excess fat, so you can enjoy a lighter meal without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it keeps the dish from being greasy!
- Cut zucchini evenly: Try to slice your zucchini into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. You want them tender but still with a bit of crunch—nobody likes mush!
- Taste as you go: Adjust the seasoning to your liking! A little extra salt or pepper can make a world of difference.
- Leftovers are a treat: This skillet dish reheats beautifully, so make extra for lunch the next day. Just pop it in the microwave, and you’re good to go!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a delicious, satisfying meal every time!
Variations
One of the best things about my Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet is how easily you can switch things up to keep it exciting! Here are a few fun ideas to customize your dish:
- Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. You can even go vegetarian with some black beans or lentils!
- Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for an extra boost of color and nutrition. Just remember to adjust cooking times to ensure everything is tender.
- Change the spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices! A dash of smoked paprika or some red pepper flakes can really elevate the flavor profile.
- Cheesy goodness: Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top just before serving. Let it melt for that ooey-gooey experience!
- Serve it differently: Change up the base! Serve it over rice, quinoa, or even in taco shells for a fun twist.
These variations keep this dish fresh and exciting, so feel free to get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet stores really well, and I’ve got some tips to ensure it stays delicious. First, let it cool down a bit after cooking. Then, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep fresh for about 3-4 days, so you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner later in the week.
When you’re ready to reheat, just scoop out a portion and warm it up in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat—just add a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. Stir occasionally, and before you know it, you’ll have a tasty meal ready to go again! Enjoy those easy meals!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to nutrition, this Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet packs a satisfying punch without feeling heavy. Just keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so the numbers I’m sharing are typical estimates. Each serving (about 1 cup) typically contains:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
This dish is not only delicious but also a great way to incorporate protein and veggies into your meal. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet? No problem! Here are some common queries I get, along with my answers:
Can I use frozen zucchini?
Absolutely! Just remember to thaw and drain any excess water before adding it to the skillet. It might cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on it!
What can I serve with this dish?
This skillet is fantastic on its own, but you can serve it over rice, pasta, or even in tortillas for a fun twist. It’s super versatile!
Can I make this ahead of time?
You sure can! Just prepare it as usual, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep!
How spicy is it?
This recipe is mild, but if you like a kick, feel free to add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to spice things up!
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Definitely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work great here. It’s all about what you enjoy!
Hope that clears things up! Happy cooking!
Print
Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet: 5 Steps to Comfort Food Joy
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and easy one-pan dish featuring ground beef and zucchini.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned.
- Stir in zucchini and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning.
- Season with salt and pepper, simmer for 10 minutes.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Serve with rice or pasta if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet