Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet

Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet

This recipe combines two affordable, easy-to-find ingredients: ground beef and zucchini, in one quick skillet dinner. It's high in protein and high in fiber, and can be on the table in less than 30 minutes.

Ingredients

  • avocado oil
    2 tsp
  • sweet potato

    peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes, about 2 cups

    1 medium
  • zucchini

    diced, about 1 cup

    1 small
  • red bell pepper

    diced, about 1 cup

    1 medium
  • red onion

    diced, about 1 cup

    1 small
  • garlic cloves

    minced (about 2 teaspoons

    4
  • lean ground beef
    1 lb
  • can black beans

    drained and rinsed

    1
  • can fire-roasted tomatoes
    1
  • frozen corn
    1 c
  • packet taco seasoning

    or 3 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning

    1
  • mexican-style or monetary jack shredded cheese blend
    1 c
  • optional for garnish: ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro

    3-4 sliced green onions

Directions

  1. 1

    In a large skillet over medium-high heat add the avocado oil and swirl to coat bottom of pan. Add the diced sweet potato and cook, while stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes.

  2. 2

    Add the zucchini, bell pepper, onion, and garlic; cook an additional 3-4 minutes or until vegetables are slightly tender.

  3. 3

    Move the vegetables to one side of the skillet and place the ground beef on the other side of skillet. Cook the beef for 7-9 minutes, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease after the ground beef is cooked through.

  4. 4

    Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the black beans, tomatoes (with juice), frozen corn, and taco seasoning. Stir everything together.

  5. 5

    Sprinkle the shredded cheese over top, place the lid on the skillet, remove from heat, and let the cheese melt for about 2 minutes.

  6. 6

    Remove lid, add desired garnishes, then serve.

Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet

Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet

5.0(67)379 cal

Similar Recipes

Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 67 ratings

therealfooddietitians.com
5.0(67 reviews)
View original recipe

Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Searching for a delicious, protein-packed dinner that's both healthy and incredibly quick to prepare? This Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet is your new weeknight hero, promising a satisfying meal on the table in less than 30 minutes, all from one pan.This skillet dinner masterfully combines lean ground beef and fresh zucchini with a vibrant mix of sweet potato, bell pepper, onion, and a flavorful blend of black beans and fire-roasted tomatoes. The taco seasoning ties all the robust flavors together, creating a hearty and balanced meal that’s also rich in fiber and high in protein, making it an excellent choice for a nutritious family dinner.Prepare your taste buds for a symphony of savory and slightly sweet notes, with a comforting texture. You'll enjoy the juicy, seasoned ground beef alongside tender chunks of zucchini, firm sweet potato, and crisp bell pepper. The melted Mexican-style cheese blanket on top adds a creamy, indulgent layer that perfectly complements the rich, saucy base infused with fire-roasted tomatoes and corn. This dish is designed to be straightforward yet incredibly flavorful, delivering a restaurant-worthy experience with minimal effort.This versatile skillet is a fantastic canvas for personalization. If you’re out of sweet potatoes, you can easily substitute with butternut squash or add more zucchini. For those who enjoy an extra layer of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño can be added with the onions. Experiment with different cheese blends like a sharp cheddar or a Monterey Jack with chilies for a unique twist. You can also stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for even more greens.This Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet is a complete meal on its own, ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome and flavorful without a fuss. Serve it straight from the skillet, perhaps with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and sliced green onions for a bright, aromatic finish.

Frequently Asked Questions