Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet Recipe

This Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet recipe is a fantastic, low-carb meal that comes together in under 20 minutes. It has become one of my favorite, easy to make, weeknight dinners.

I make it nearly every week in the middle of summer when I have fresh zucchini from my garden. Best of all it is made entirely in one skillet.

And because the recipe is extremely versatile, every family member is happy at dinner time. And that includes those who don’t typically like zucchini.

Although I prefer to eat the dish as a stand-alone meal, my husband prefers to serve it over white rice. And the kids top their portion with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop or two of sour cream.

It is so good that I have to admit, I will eat the leftovers for breakfast! It is a delicious way to start my day without having to think about what to cook first thing in the morning.

And now, with all of the fresh zucchini coming out of the garden, I thought it was a great time to share the recipe.

6 Simple Ingredients

Ground Beef – It is best to use lean ground beef in this Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet recipe. If you use 90/10 or leaner ground sirloin you won’t even need to drain the meat, truly making this a one dish meal.

You can also opt for ground sausage for even more flavor. However, if you want a leaner, more healthy meal opt for ground turkey or ground chicken. Just be sure to add a little oil to the pan when you brown the leaner meat to prevent it from sticking.

Onion – Use a white, yellow or sweet onion to add more flavor to the dish.

Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves are always best to use. However, you can also use jarred minced garlic or even garlic powder if you prefer. 1 garlic clove = 1/2 teaspoon of jarred minced garlic = 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.

Zucchini – You will need 1 medium size zucchini. This is not the time to pull out that way overgrown zucchini from the garden. You want the zucchini to be 1-2 inches in diameter so that the seed core is compact.

Salsa – Here is where you can easily customize the recipe to your taste preference. Use your favorite salsa to flavor the dish. If you like spicy foods, use a hot salsa. Or switch things up and use Salsa Verde (green salsa). This is where most of the flavor comes from so use what you like.

Cumin – A little cumin adds a slight earthy, nutty, and peppery flavor to the dish.

How To Make Ground Beef And Zucchini Skillet Recipe

1. Brown the Meat, Onions & Garlic – Start by adding the ground beef, onions and garlic into a large skillet. Heat over medium-high and cook until the meat is no longer pink. Again, if you use lean ground beef (ground turkey or ground chicken) you won’t have to drain the grease after it cooks.

2. Add The Salsa & Cumin – Once the ground beef mixture is cooked through, add one cup of salsa and a teaspoon of cumin to the skillet.

Stir and allow the mixture to cook down and evaporate some of the liquid. Depending if you like a little heat in your food, you can add in a little cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes as well.

3. Add The Zucchini – While the mixture is cooking down, cut your zucchini into 1/4 inch chunks. This size is perfect as it will allow the zucchini to cook quickly but not turn out too mushy.

I typically slice the zucchini in half (lengthwise) and then slice each piece in half again. Then I will cut the zucchini in bite size pieces.

Now add the zucchini slices into the ground beef and salsa mixture and then stir to combine. Continue to cook until the zucchini is tender, but not too soft.

4. Option To Add Shredded Cheese – If you want to add shredded cheddar cheese to the top do so now and cover the skillet until it melts.

Serving Suggestions

Once the ground beef and zucchini skillet recipe is ready you can serve it as a low-carb stand alone meal. Or if you want a heartier, more filling meal serve it over rice, cauliflower rice, or even pasta.

We have even made the leftovers as part of our breakfast routine. Heat a portion in the microwave until warm. Then add two over easy eggs on top and serve it as a tasty breakfast scramble.

Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 medium zucchini, cut in 1/4-inch chunks
• 1 lb. lean ground beef, or ground chicken
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients
shredded cheddar cheese, optional
rice, cauliflower rice, or pasta for serving, optional

INSTRUCTIONS

Brown the ground beef with the chopped onions, minced garlic, salt and pepper until no longer pink. Drain if necessary.

Add jarred salsa and cumin and then stir to combine. Simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes until flavors blend.

Add the zucchini and continue to cook for 5-10 minutes until the zucchini is tender, but not too soft.

Sprinkle cheese on top and then cover the skillet to allow it to melt (optional).

When the cheese melts serve it as stand alone main dish or over rice, cauliflower rice, or over pasta.

Other Delicious Zucchini Recipes

If you are searching for ways to use the zucchini from your garden check out some of my favorite recipes below. Not only can you make zucchini bread, you can even turn the zucchini into dessert!

• Zucchini Bread
• Lemon Zucchini Bread
• Chicken and Zucchini Stuffing Casserole
• Italian Chicken and Zucchini
• Caprese Chicken and Zucchini
• Blueberry Zucchini Muffins
• Skillet Sausage and Zucchini Recipe
• Zucchini Crisp (tastes just like Apple Crisp)
• Zucchini Brownies
• Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Enjoy! Mary

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