Description
This beef zucchini skillet is a quick, wholesome, and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Made with ground beef, tender zucchini, diced tomatoes, and simple seasonings, it’s low-carb, high-protein, and loaded with fresh flavor. Serve it on its own, over rice, or with crusty bread for a satisfying dinner in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil to coat the bottom evenly, creating a hot surface for sautéing.
- Sauté onions: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until they soften and become translucent, which builds flavor.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook the ground beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a spoon. Cook for about 6–8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the dish lean.
- Add zucchini: Stir in the sliced zucchinis and cook for 4–5 minutes until they are just tender but still retain some bite and freshness.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices. Add Italian seasoning, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all flavors.
- Simmer: Allow the mixture to simmer for 5–7 minutes to let flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
- Add cheese (optional): Sprinkle shredded cheese over the skillet, cover it, and cook just until cheese melts, adding a creamy texture.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot, either on its own or alongside your favorite sides.
Notes
- For a keto-friendly option, skip the tomatoes or use fresh diced tomatoes with minimal liquid.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add cooked rice or pasta to stretch the meal further.
