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Easy Flavor-Packed Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet Recipe for Quick Healthy Dinners

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A quick, healthy, and flavorful skillet dish combining ground beef and zucchini with garlic, spices, and a hint of smoky paprika. Perfect for busy weeknights and a great way to sneak in veggies.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80% lean)
  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) low-sodium beef broth or water
  • A handful fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Slice the zucchini into half-moons about 1/4-inch thick. Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up into small pieces and let it brown without stirring too much for 3-4 minutes. Stir and cook until fully browned and no pink remains, about another 4 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving a bit for flavor.
  4. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  5. Sprinkle in smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to coat evenly.
  6. Add the sliced zucchini and 1/4 cup beef broth or water. Stir to combine.
  7. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 5-7 minutes until zucchini is tender but still slightly crisp.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top.
  9. Serve warm, alone or with rice, quinoa, or tortillas.

Notes

If the skillet looks dry before zucchini is tender, add a splash more broth or water. Drain excess water from zucchini if it releases too much to keep flavors concentrated. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper browning. Use medium-high heat initially to caramelize beef and onions. Stir gently to allow browned bits to form. Remove from heat as soon as zucchini is tender-crisp to avoid mushiness. Fresh herbs like parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice brighten the dish at the end.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, zucchini, skillet recipe, quick dinner, healthy dinner, weeknight meal, easy recipe, low-carb, gluten-free

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/easy-flavor-packed-ground-beef-and-zucchini-skillet-recipe-for-quick-healthy-dinners/