Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet (Printable)
Hearty one-pan meal with savory beef, tender zucchini, and tomatoes simmered with aromatic herbs.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb ground beef, 80% lean
→ Vegetables
02 - 2 medium zucchinis, diced
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1 can diced tomatoes, drained)
→ Spices & Seasonings
07 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
09 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
10 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
11 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Pantry
12 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
→ Garnish (optional)
13 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
14 - 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan or mozzarella cheese
# How to Prepare:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
02 - Add the onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
03 - Stir in the red bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
04 - Add the cherry tomatoes, oregano, basil, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
05 - Reduce heat to medium, cover the skillet, and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the zucchini is tender and the flavors have melded together.
06 - Remove from heat. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
07 - If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and cover for 2 minutes to allow it to melt.
08 - Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means cleanup is almost nonexistent and the flavors build on each other in the same pan.
- It is naturally low carb and gluten free without feeling like you are missing out on anything hearty or satisfying.
02 -
- Salt the zucchini lightly before adding it to the pan if you want it firmer, since drawing out moisture prevents it from turning watery during the simmer.
- Covering the skillet is what transforms this from a stir fry into something with a saucy, cohesive texture, so do not skip that lid.
03 -
- Do not stir the beef constantly while browning, because letting it sit undisturbed for a minute at a time creates deeper caramelization and better flavor.
- Dice all vegetables before you start cooking so everything flows smoothly without any frantic chopping mid recipe.