Description
Mexican zucchini and ground beef skillet delivers hearty flavor in one simple pan. Fresh veggies and savory beef keep it balanced.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
Vegetables:
- 2 sliced zucchini
- 1 diced onion
- 1 diced red bell pepper
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 can diced tomatoes
Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown 1 pound ground beef and 1 diced onion in a large skillet over medium heat for 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat to keep the dish light and clean.
- Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 sliced zucchini, and 1 diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
- Pour 1 can of diced tomatoes into the skillet with their full juices. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, and 1 teaspoon paprika across the surface.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your taste preferences. Stir all ingredients thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
- Reduce heat to low and let the skillet simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes to prevent sticking.
- Check zucchini for tenderness. When vegetables are soft and beef is fully cooked, remove from heat.
- Garnish with optional toppings like ½ cup shredded cheese, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, or a small dollop of sour cream before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh zucchini for the best texture, avoiding ones that look soft or have bruises.
- For a lower-carb version, swap bell peppers with cauliflower or extra zucchini.
- Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy final dish and concentrate the flavors.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder or adding fresh jalapeños for extra kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: One-Skillet
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2.5 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg