Ground Beef And Zucchini Dinner Skillet

Name: Ground Beef And Zucchini Dinner Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 2 medium zucchinis, sliced; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Home Recipes

I absolutely love this Ground Beef and Zucchini Dinner Skillet recipe because it's a quick, one-pan meal that brings together hearty flavors and fresh vegetables. In just 30 minutes, I can whip up a delicious dinner that's both satisfying and nutritious. Zucchini adds a lovely texture while absorbing all the savory juices from the beef and spices. It's a dish my family requests often, and I love how easy it is to customize based on what I have on hand.

Created by

Quincy Harper

Last updated on 2026-02-15T07:27:36.785Z

I've experimented with various recipes over the years, but this Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet has become a family favorite. The juicy ground beef pairs beautifully with the tender zucchini, making it a satisfying meal without being too heavy. I found that cooking the zucchini with the beef gives it an incredible flavor boost!

One little tip I learned is to let the beef brown nicely before adding the zucchini; this step is crucial for developing deep, savory flavors. It’s amazing how such a simple dinner can turn out so delicious and be a fun way to incorporate more vegetables into our meals.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy to prepare, ideal for busy weeknights
Packed with protein and vegetables for a balanced meal
Versatile recipe that can be modified with your favorite herbs

The Role of Zucchini

Zucchini is not only a star ingredient in this dish; it also serves a functional role by adding moisture and nutrition. As it cooks, zucchini releases steam, which helps keep the ground beef tender rather than dry. When sautéed properly, zucchini should become slightly translucent and tender, which usually takes around 5 minutes. This quick cooking helps to preserve its vibrant green color and nutritional value, making it an ideal addition to a busy weeknight dinner.

Moreover, zucchini is a low-calorie vegetable, making this dish a fantastic option if you're looking for a lighter meal. Feel free to slice it thicker if you prefer a bit more bite or to substitute yellow squash if you're looking for a change in color or flavor. The adaptability of zucchini makes it an excellent canvas for the rich beef flavors and spices in this skillet.

Perfecting Your Ground Beef

Choosing the right ground beef is key to achieving the best flavor and texture in this dish. I recommend using an 80/20 blend of ground beef for optimal moisture and flavor; the fat content ensures that the meat remains juicy and tender throughout the cooking process. If you prefer leaner meat, you can use ground turkey or chicken, but be mindful that you'll need to adjust cooking times slightly and possibly add a bit more olive oil to maintain moisture.

Brown the beef over medium heat rather than high to avoid charring, which can lead to a tough texture. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and achieve that lovely browned effect, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If you notice your skillet getting too dry, don’t hesitate to add a splash of beef broth or water to help release those delicious brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, this dish stores beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Simply let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. To reheat, I recommend using the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir occasionally for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. This method helps prevent the zucchini from becoming mushy while reviving its delicious flavor.

For longer storage, you can freeze this Ground Beef and Zucchini Dinner Skillet. Be sure to cool the dish down completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of liquid if necessary.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Ground Beef and Zucchini Dinner Skillet

1 pound ground beef
2 medium zucchinis, sliced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Add Veggies

Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 3 minutes until the onion is translucent. Then, add the sliced zucchini and cook for 5 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine, and let simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the zucchini is tender.

Serve

Top with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your easy and delicious dinner!

Pro Tips

For a little heat, add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the skillet while cooking.

Flavor Boosters

While the recipe is delightful on its own, feel free to think outside the box with flavor enhancers. Adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of Worcestershire sauce when browning the beef provides an extra depth of flavor that complements the dish beautifully. Additionally, if you find that you want a bit of heat, consider incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili when adding the garlic.

Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can also be added in the final minutes of cooking for a brighter flavor profile. I love tossing in a handful of new ingredients based on what I have available; even tossing in some spinach or kale can be a great way to sneak in more greens and add vibrant color.

Serving Suggestions

This Ground Beef and Zucchini Dinner Skillet stands well on its own, but to make it a heartier meal, consider serving it over a bed of quinoa or brown rice. The grains will soak up the delicious juices from the skillet, enhancing the overall dining experience. For a low-carb alternative, try serving it on a bed of shredded lettuce or cauliflower rice.

Pairing with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread can elevate your meal further and provide a refreshing contrast to the savory beef and zucchini. Consider a light dessert, such as fresh fruit, to round out your meal for a satisfying and balanced dining experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner option.

→ How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or use beans for protein.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, spinach, or even carrots can be excellent additions.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.