Print

Mexican Zucchini and Ground Beef Skillet

Mexican Zucchini and Ground Beef Skillet
Print Recipe

A quick and flavorful Mexican-inspired skillet dish combining lean ground beef, fresh zucchini, tomatoes, and aromatic spices in a one-pan meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty and balanced recipe delivers authentic flavors with minimal cleanup and plenty of room for customization.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean or medium ground beef
  • 2 medium zucchinis, washed and diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Spices

  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Sliced avocado
  • Lime wedges
  • Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Wash and dice the zucchinis into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves. This prep work ensures smooth and quick cooking later.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned with no pink remaining. Break up the meat with a spatula for even texture.
  3. Sauté Onion, Garlic, and Zucchini: Push the browned beef to one side of the pan. Add onions and garlic to the other side and cook until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Then toss in the zucchini pieces and sauté until they begin to soften, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes along with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano. Mix everything well and let simmer for 5-7 minutes to combine flavors and cook down the tomatoes slightly.
  5. Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional spices as desired. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top right before serving if using. Add optional garnishes such as sour cream, avocado slices, or shredded cheese to enhance the dish.

Notes

  • Use fresh zucchini for better texture and vibrant color.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper browning instead of steaming; cook in batches if necessary.
  • Adjust spice levels gradually to suit your preference.
  • Let the skillet rest a few minutes off the heat to blend flavors.
  • Lean ground beef reduces excess fat while keeping the dish juicy.
  • Variations include using plant-based meat alternatives, adding jalapeños for heat, including extra veggies like bell peppers or black beans, or skipping tomatoes for a low-carb version.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to retain moisture and flavor.

Nutrition

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

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