Savory Zucchini and Ground Beef Skillet: A Quick and Delicious Meal

Are you looking for a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight meal? Look no further than this zucchini and ground beef skillet! This recipe is packed with flavor, utilizes simple ingredients, and comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s a healthy and satisfying dish that the whole family will love. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. From adding different vegetables to experimenting with various spices, the possibilities are endless. So, grab your skillet and let’s get cooking!

## Why You’ll Love This Zucchini and Ground Beef Skillet

* **Quick and Easy:** Perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Packed with lean protein, vegetables, and essential nutrients.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable with different vegetables, spices, and sauces.
* **Delicious:** A flavorful and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
* **One-Pan Wonder:** Minimal cleanup, as everything cooks in one skillet.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses affordable and readily available ingredients.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Ground Beef:** 1 pound of lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) works best. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
* **Zucchini:** 2 medium-sized zucchinis, diced.
* **Onion:** 1 medium-sized onion, chopped.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced.
* **Bell Pepper:** 1 bell pepper (any color), diced. (Optional, but adds great flavor and color!)
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. This adds richness and depth of flavor.
* **Diced Tomatoes:** 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained. You can use plain diced tomatoes or Italian-style for extra flavor.
* **Italian Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. This is a blend of herbs that adds a classic Italian flavor.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Olive Oil:** 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat).
* **Fresh Parsley:** Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional).
* **Grated Parmesan Cheese:** For serving (optional).

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s get started with the cooking process. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious zucchini and ground beef skillet.

**Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef**

* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
* Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it apart with a spoon.
* Cook the ground beef until it is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
* Drain off any excess grease from the skillet.

**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**

* Add the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using) to the skillet with the ground beef.
* Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

**Step 3: Add Zucchini and Sauce**

* Add the diced zucchini to the skillet.
* Cook until the zucchini is slightly softened, about 3-5 minutes.
* Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes (undrained), Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

**Step 4: Simmer and Thicken**

* Bring the mixture to a simmer.
* Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the zucchini is tender.
* Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Remove the skillet from the heat.
* Garnish with fresh parsley (if using).
* Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese (if desired).

## Tips and Variations

This zucchini and ground beef skillet is a fantastic base recipe that can be easily customized to your liking. Here are some tips and variations to try:

* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, spinach, or kale to the skillet. Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Use Different Ground Meat:** Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
* **Spice It Up:** Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
* **Make it Cheesy:** Stir in some shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese at the end for a cheesy and comforting dish.
* **Serve Over Rice or Pasta:** This skillet is delicious served over rice, pasta, quinoa, or mashed potatoes. You can also serve it with crusty bread for dipping.
* **Make it Low-Carb:** Serve it as is or over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
* **Add Beans:** Incorporate a can of drained and rinsed kidney beans, black beans, or cannellini beans for added protein and fiber.
* **Mediterranean Twist:** Add chopped Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
* **Mexican Flair:** Use taco seasoning instead of Italian seasoning, and add a can of drained and rinsed black beans and corn for a Mexican-inspired skillet.
* **Creamy Version:** Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt at the end for a creamy texture.
* **Make it a Casserole:** Transfer the skillet mixture to a baking dish, top with shredded cheese, and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

## Serving Suggestions

This zucchini and ground beef skillet is a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **As a Main Course:** Serve it as a main course with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
* **Over Rice or Pasta:** Serve it over your favorite type of rice or pasta for a complete meal.
* **In Lettuce Wraps:** For a low-carb option, serve it in lettuce wraps.
* **In Stuffed Peppers:** Use it as a filling for stuffed bell peppers.
* **As a Topping:** Use it as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos.
* **With Crusty Bread:** Serve it with crusty bread for dipping in the flavorful sauce.

## Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

This zucchini and ground beef skillet is a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

**Storage Instructions:**

* **Refrigerator:** Store the cooled skillet mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezer:** For longer storage, you can freeze the skillet mixture for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

* Calories: 350-450 per serving
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams
* Fiber: 3-5 grams

## Recipe Card

**Zucchini and Ground Beef Skillet**

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes
**Total Time:** 30 minutes
**Servings:** 4-6

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound ground beef
* 2 medium zucchini, diced
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
* Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
* Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
* Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

**Instructions:**

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, draining off any excess grease.
3. Add onion and bell pepper (if using) and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Add zucchini and cook until slightly softened, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes (undrained), Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
7. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the zucchini is tender.
8. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley (if using).
9. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese (if desired).

Enjoy your delicious and easy Zucchini and Ground Beef Skillet!