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Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet

Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet
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A quick, healthy, and delicious one-pan dinner combining lean ground beef with tender zucchini and savory spices. Ready in under 30 minutes, this Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet balances protein and vegetables for a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean or extra-lean ground beef
  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons or small cubes
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Optional Garnishes and Add-ins

  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • Crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño (for spice)
  • Shredded cheddar or crumbled feta cheese
  • Additional veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach
  • Herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or cilantro

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the zucchini into half-moons or small cubes to ensure even cooking and flavor absorption.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Push the beef to one side of the skillet. Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the empty side. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Cook the Zucchini: Add the zucchini to the skillet, stirring gently to combine with the meat and aromatics. Cook until zucchini is tender but still slightly firm, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add Tomato Paste and Spices: Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to enhance the dish’s richness and meld the flavors.
  6. Simmer and Finish: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 3–5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh herbs just before serving.

Notes

  • Drain excess fat after browning the beef to keep the skillet lighter.
  • Slice zucchini evenly for uniform cooking.
  • Use a wide skillet to avoid overcrowding and ensure ingredients sauté rather than steam.
  • Allow the skillet to rest off heat for a few minutes before serving to let flavors settle.
  • Add fresh parsley or basil at the end to maintain vibrant herbal flavor.

Nutrition

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

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