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Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet

Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet
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Quick and flavorful Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet that combines lean protein with fresh vegetables for a nutritious, delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan dish is customizable, easy to prepare, and family-friendly.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat & Protein

  • 1 lb lean ground beef (85% lean recommended)

Vegetables

  • 2 medium zucchinis, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

Oils & Fats

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings & Spices

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Wash the zucchinis and dice them into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic to ensure their flavors fully develop during cooking.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat as needed.
  3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onions to the skillet and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add Zucchini and Tomatoes: Stir in the diced zucchini and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp. Pour in the diced tomatoes and mix thoroughly to combine all flavors.
  5. Season and Simmer: Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes over the mixture. Stir well, reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  6. Serve Warm: Remove the skillet from the heat once everything is heated through and flavors are well blended. Garnish as desired and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Choose quality lean ground beef (85% lean) for the best flavor and nutrition.
  • Do not overcook zucchini to maintain a firm texture and prevent a watery dish.
  • Use fresh garlic rather than pre-minced or powdered for enhanced flavor.
  • Season the dish in layers by tasting and adjusting as you cook.
  • Cover the skillet while simmering to soften zucchini evenly and keep moisture.

Nutrition

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

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