Description
A hearty and healthy Beef & Zucchini Skillet that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This one-pan meal combines lean ground beef with fresh vegetables, seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, then topped with melted cheese for a delicious, comforting dish that’s naturally gluten-free.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Toppings (Optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add vegetables and seasonings: Stir in diced zucchinis, diced red bell pepper, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.
- Add cheese and garnish: Remove the lid, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet if using, and let it melt for 1–2 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- This skillet dish can be served on its own, over cooked rice, or with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- For a low-carb or keto-friendly option, omit the diced tomatoes or use a sugar-free canned variety.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
