Savory Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet Delight
This hearty Savory Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet Delight is a one-pan meal that combines the rich flavors of lean ground beef with fresh zucchini, sweet corn, and savory tomatoes. Inspired by a recipe from Simple & Delicious magazine, this updated version includes a generous amount of tomato sauce for added flavor and moisture. Perfect for busy weeknights, this healthy dish is quick to prepare and packed with nutrients, making it a winner for busy families. While it might not have won over the kids yet, the delicious combination of spices and fresh ingredients will have the adults going for seconds, and one day, your children will appreciate how great this meal truly is!
6
Servings
220
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 lb (use 96% fat free)
dried onion flakes
1 tablespoon (none)
garlic
1 teaspoon (minced)
whole kernel corn
15 1/4 ounces (drained)
diced tomatoes
14 1/2 ounces (undrained)
tomato sauce
15 ounces (none)
medium zucchini
1 (halved and sliced)
dried basil
1 teaspoon (none)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated (or use a blend of cheeses))
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, brown the lean ground beef over medium heat, stirring frequently to break up the meat, until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
2
Add the dried onion flakes and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
3
Stir in the drained corn, undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, sliced zucchini, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4
Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender and the flavors have melded together.
5
Just before serving, sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the top to add a creamy finish. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
24g
Carbs
14g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet Delight?
It is a hearty one-pan meal that combines lean ground beef with fresh zucchini, sweet corn, and savory tomatoes in a rich tomato sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 220 calories.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 14g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This dish contains 8g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 24g of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of ground beef is recommended?
The recipe recommends using 1 lb of 96% fat-free lean ground beef.
How do I prepare the zucchini for this skillet?
One medium zucchini should be halved and sliced.
Should I drain the diced tomatoes?
No, the 14.5 ounces of diced tomatoes should be used undrained.
Should the corn be drained?
Yes, the 15.25 ounces of whole kernel corn should be drained before adding.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of dried basil and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of minced garlic.
Can I use fresh onions?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 tablespoon of dried onion flakes, but you can substitute with fresh if preferred.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe suggests 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese or a blend of cheeses.
How long does the skillet need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
Is this a one-pan meal?
Yes, it is a one-pan skillet meal designed for easy cleanup.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to brown the lean ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat and drain any excess fat.
When should I add the parmesan cheese?
Add the parmesan cheese just before serving to provide a creamy finish.
How much tomato sauce is needed?
The recipe requires 15 ounces of tomato sauce.
What heat level should I use for cooking?
Medium heat is recommended for browning the beef and simmering the mixture.
Is this recipe suitable for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is a quick and healthy dish perfect for busy families.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a version found in Simple & Delicious magazine.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients used in this dish.
Do I need to cover the skillet while cooking?
Yes, you should cover the skillet while the mixture simmers to ensure the zucchini becomes tender.
What are the salt and pepper requirements?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
Can I use a different type of meat?
While the recipe calls for ground beef, you could substitute with other ground meats like turkey or chicken.
How do I know when the dish is finished?
The dish is ready when the zucchini is tender and the flavors have melded together after simmering.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it uses lean meat and fresh vegetables, making it a nutrient-packed meal.
What size of zucchini should I use?
One medium-sized zucchini is sufficient for this recipe.
Is this recipe flavored with Italian spices?
Yes, the use of basil, oregano, garlic, and parmesan gives it Italian-inspired flavors.