Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet Recipe

This Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet is pure weeknight magic: vibrant veggies, hearty black beans, and perfectly seasoned beef all come together in one pan for a colorful, healthful dinner that’s done in about 30 minutes. You’re going to fall in love with every cheesy, satisfying bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet is how a few everyday staples come together in a big way. Every ingredient, from the sweet potato to the melty cheese, lends its own flavor and texture to create a skillet supper you’ll crave again and again.

• Avocado oil: This neutral, high-heat oil is perfect for sautéing; you can swap in olive oil if you prefer.
• Sweet potato: Adds a delicate sweetness, gorgeous color, and satisfying bite that’s fabulous with savory beef.
• Zucchini: Tossed in for fresh, mild flavor; it absorbs the spices and keeps the dish light.
• Red bell pepper: For a burst of color and a little natural sweetness—orange or yellow peppers work, too.
• Red onion: Milder than white onion, it softens beautifully and mingles its sweetness with the veggies.
• Garlic cloves: Four cloves may sound bold, but they infuse everything with irresistible depth.
• Lean ground beef: Hearty, protein-packed, and ultra-satisfying—use at least 85% lean to keep things lighter.
• Black beans: Drained and rinsed, these add plant-based fiber, creamy texture, and extra heartiness.
• Fire-roasted tomatoes: Canned works perfectly—these add smoky, tangy depth, making the whole skillet extra flavorful.
• Frozen corn: Adds pops of sweetness and color, plus it cooks up in minutes straight from the freezer.
• Taco seasoning: Use your favorite packet or homemade blend to spice things up—this is the real flavor driver!
• Shredded cheese blend: Monterey Jack or Mexican-style blends get perfectly melty for a glorious cheesy topping.
• Fresh cilantro and sliced green onions (optional): For a bright, fresh garnish that makes every serving pop.

Variations

The fun of skillet dinners like this one is that they’re easy to personalize! Don’t be afraid to swap in your favorite veggies, adjust the seasoning, or tweak the beef to suit what’s in your fridge and who’s coming to dinner.

• Turkey or Chicken Swap: Make it lighter by using ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef—just add a splash of oil for juiciness.
• Go Vegetarian: Skip the meat entirely and double the beans for a meatless (but still super satisfying) version.
• Spicy Tex-Mex Twist: Add chopped jalapeños or a diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for some welcome heat.
• Low-Carb Version: Replace the sweet potato with extra zucchini, cauliflower, or even mushrooms to cut the carbs.
• Dairy-Free: Use your favorite non-dairy cheese or simply leave out the cheese for those avoiding dairy.

How to Make Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet

Step 1: Sauté the Sweet Potato

Heat your avocado oil in a roomy skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the sweet potato cubes and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This gives them a head start, so they’ll be perfectly tender (not mushy!) by the end.

Step 2: Add and Soften the Veggies

Add the zucchini, diced bell pepper, red onion, and garlic to the sweet potato. Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes, just until everything is starting to soften and smell absolutely delicious.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the skillet, then add your ground beef on the other. Allow the beef to brown undisturbed for a minute or two before breaking it up. Cook for 7-9 minutes, stirring and crumbling as it cooks, until there’s no pink left. If needed, drain any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 4: Add Beans, Tomatoes, Corn, and Seasoning

Lower the heat to medium-low. Now add the black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes (including their juices), frozen corn, and your taco seasoning. Give everything a big stir so those flavorful juices coat every bite, turning your skillet into a hearty, colorful medley.

Step 5: Top with Cheese and Melt

Sprinkle your shredded cheese blend all over the top. Place a lid on the skillet, take it off the heat, and let it sit for about 2 minutes. This gives the cheese just enough time to melt into dreamy, gooey deliciousness without overcooking the veggies.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Lift the lid, shower with chopped cilantro or sliced green onions, and get ready to dig in. Serve your Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet straight from the pan or scoop onto plates—either way, it’s pure comfort.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet

Garnishes

This dish absolutely sparkles with a handful of fresh cilantro and sliced green onions. For extra flair and flavor, try a dollop of sour cream, a squeeze of lime, or a scattering of diced avocado—each brings a new layer of yum.

Side Dishes

If you want to round out the meal, Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet is perfect alongside fluffy white rice, steamed quinoa, or warm tortillas. For something lighter, a crisp green salad or a simple bowl of lime wedges on the table invites everyone to add a little zing.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon portions into whole-wheat tortillas for hearty tacos, stuff into halved bell peppers and bake for a cheesy “stuffed pepper” twist, or pile on top of tortilla chips for loaded skillet nachos. However you serve it, this Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet dresses up or down easily!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of your Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet keep beautifully! Transfer cooled portions to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to four days—perfect for reheating on a busy lunch break or a quick dinner.

Freezing

This skillet meal is freezer-friendly! Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to three months. The veggies will soften slightly after thawing, but the cheesy, bold flavors still shine through.

Reheating

Reheat straight from the fridge in the microwave or on the stove over medium-low heat. If you’ve frozen your leftovers, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese or an extra splash of water if things seem dry, and your skillet dinner will be just as tasty as day one.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dinner that’s easy, colorful, and absolutely loaded with flavor, you need to try this Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet. It’s a favorite at my table, and I hope it becomes a go-to in your kitchen too—don’t forget the extra spoonful of cheese on top!

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