Ground Beef And Zucchini Skillet

Name: Ground Beef And Zucchini Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 medium zucchinis, sliced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for cooking

Highlighted under: Comfort Classics

I love whipping up a quick yet satisfying meal, and this Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet does just that! It’s the perfect weeknight dish that comes together in just one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy. The combination of juicy ground beef and tender zucchini not only makes it hearty but also colorful and nutritious. With simple ingredients and bold flavors, it’s a dish I always find myself coming back to for its ease and deliciousness.

Created by

Stella Cameron

Last updated on 2026-02-24T04:57:36.456Z

When I first tried this Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet, I was amazed at how quickly it came together. The key is to have all your ingredients prepped in advance, so you can seamlessly transition from chopping to cooking. This method ensures that everything cooks evenly and the flavors meld beautifully. The result is a savory, satisfying dish that never feels heavy.

One of my favorite tips for this recipe is to mix in some Italian seasoning while browning the beef. It infuses the meat with incredible flavor and elevates the dish to something truly special. I enjoy serving it over rice or pasta for a complete meal that's both comforting and nutritious.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
One-pan meal means easy cleanup
Naturally low-carb with lots of veggies
Savory and satisfying, perfect for any night

Ingredient Insights

The ground beef in this dish serves as a rich source of protein and adds satisfying flavor to the skillet. I recommend using lean ground beef to reduce excess grease, especially since this recipe calls for sautéing the vegetables afterward. For a different flavor profile, try ground turkey or chicken, which are leaner alternatives and will still result in a hearty dish.

Zucchini is not just a primary vegetable in this recipe; it also adds moisture and a subtle sweetness. When selecting zucchini, look for firm ones without blemishes or soft spots. They should be glossy and bright in color. If you're looking to minimize carbs further, you could also substitute zucchini with yellow squash or even cauliflower rice, which would change the texture but maintain the dish's spirit.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the beef is crucial as it develops a rich, savory depth in flavor through the Maillard reaction. Make sure your skillet is properly preheated; you should hear a sizzle when the beef hits the pan. Don't overload the skillet; cook in batches if necessary to ensure an even brown. This step is key for achieving flavor complexity.

When sautéing the onions and garlic, watch closely for them to become translucent but not browned—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Burned garlic can introduce bitterness, so if you see it starting to darken too much, reduce the heat slightly. The combination of sweet onions and fragrant garlic will create an aromatic base for the rest of the ingredients.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
2 medium zucchinis, sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for cooking

Instructions

Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks to ensure even browning.

Sauté the Vegetables

Once the beef is cooked, drain excess fat if necessary. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Add Zucchini and Tomatoes

Stir in the sliced zucchini and diced tomatoes (with juice). Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender.

Finish and Serve

Stir everything together, adjust the seasoning if needed, and serve hot. Enjoy your hearty, delicious meal!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider topping the skillet with shredded cheese during the last few minutes of cooking and letting it melt. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can enhance the dish's presentation and taste.

Storage and Reheating

This Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When storing, let the skillet cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. For best flavor, reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through—about 5-7 minutes—to retain the texture of the zucchini.

If you’d like to freeze leftovers, portion them into freezer-safe containers, and they will last up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as mentioned above. This is a great meal prep option for busy weeks ahead!

Serving Suggestions

To elevate this dish, consider serving it over a bed of cooked quinoa, brown rice, or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) for extra texture. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of sour cream can add a creamy dimension that contrasts nicely with the savory flavors of the beef and vegetables.

If you're looking to add more color and nutrients, toss in a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. They’ll wilt down quickly, adding vibrant greens and additional vitamins while remaining soft enough to blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for ground beef.

→ What can I serve this dish with?

It's delicious on its own or served over rice, couscous, or noodles.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and reheat it when you're ready to eat.

→ How can I make it more spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during the cooking process for a kick!