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Mexican Zucchini and Ground Beef Skillet

Mexican Zucchini and Ground Beef Skillet
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The Mexican Zucchini and Ground Beef Skillet is a quick, easy, and flavorful one-pan meal combining tender zucchini with hearty seasoned ground beef. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers bold Mexican-inspired spices, balanced nutrition, and minimal cleanup, making it an ideal comfort food that is both wholesome and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 medium zucchinis, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes or 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop the zucchini into bite-sized pieces, finely dice the onion and garlic, and gather your spices so everything is ready to go. Having your ingredients prepped helps keep the cooking process smooth and fast.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Push the beef to the skillet’s side and add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, combining with the ground beef as you go.
  4. Add Spices and Tomatoes: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Pour in diced tomatoes or tomato sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
  5. Toss in Zucchini: Add the chopped zucchini pieces and cook uncovered until they’re tender but still hold their shape, approximately 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and flavor absorption.
  6. Final Taste and Adjustment: Give the skillet a final stir and taste for seasoning. Adjust salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed. Once satisfied, remove from heat and get ready to serve!

Notes

  • Use fresh, firm, and bright zucchini for the best texture and flavor.
  • Don’t overcrowd the skillet when browning the beef; cook in batches if necessary to avoid sogginess.
  • Toast chili powder and cumin briefly in oil before adding other ingredients to intensify flavors.
  • Drain excess fat properly for a lighter dish without sacrificing taste.
  • Let the skillet rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop further.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican, zucchini, ground beef, skillet, quick dinner, one pan, gluten free, healthy meal, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/mexican-zucchini-and-ground-beef-skillet/