Description
This zucchini beef skillet is a quick, one-pan meal packed with savory ground beef and tender zucchini. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but not heavy.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium zucchini, sliced or diced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup tomato sauce or diced tomatoes
Optional Ingredients
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare the pan for cooking.
- Cook ground beef: Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Cook onion: Add diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened, adding sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Add seasonings and garlic: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, allowing the spices to bloom.
- Add zucchini and tomato sauce: Add the sliced or diced zucchini and tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer until tender: Cover the skillet and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender yet retains some firmness and is not mushy.
- Add cheese if using: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella over the skillet. Cover briefly until the cheese melts.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve the skillet hot for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use ground turkey as a lighter alternative to ground beef.
- Add red pepper flakes to introduce some heat and spice.
- Serve over rice or pasta, or enjoy as-is for a low-carb meal option.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
