Description
A quick and flavorful Beef Zucchini Skillet that combines ground beef, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices into a wholesome, one-pan meal. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, this dish is low in carbs and gluten-free, offering a satisfying blend of savory meat and tender veggies topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
Seasonings & Others
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 4–5 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, stirring regularly to prevent burning.
- Cook Vegetables: Stir in the sliced zucchini and diced red bell pepper. Continue cooking for another 5–6 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still retain a slight bite.
- Season and Simmer: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper over the mixture. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir everything together and let it simmer uncovered for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If using cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the skillet’s contents. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for 1–2 minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil over the dish for a burst of freshness. Serve hot, enjoying this hearty and colorful meal straight from the pan.
Notes
- You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Add cooked rice or quinoa to make the dish more filling and stretch it into a heartier meal.
- For a lower-sodium version, use no-salt-added diced tomatoes instead of regular canned tomatoes.
