Zucchini & Beef Delight Skillet
This Zucchini & Beef Delight Skillet is a vibrant, one-pot meal that's perfect for busy weeknights! Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, this dish features tender zucchini and savory ground beef enveloped in a rich spaghetti sauce. It's a wholesome and satisfying meal that can easily be adapted with other vegetables like cabbage for added nutrition. Pair it with a side of cottage cheese or a sprinkle of parmesan for a delightful twist. Enjoy a taste of comfort and health all in one bite!
6
Servings
290
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 lb (browned)
medium zucchini
2 lbs (approx. 9) (sliced into 1/4-inch half circles)
green bell pepper
1 (chopped)
large white onion
1 (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
spaghetti sauce
1 (26 ounce) jar (your choice)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (none)
dried sweet basil leaves
1 teaspoon (none)
ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
salt
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet or pot with a lid, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Once browned, drain any excess grease.
2
Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables have softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Stir in the minced garlic, garlic powder, dried basil, black pepper, and salt to taste. Mix well to combine the flavors.
4
Add the sliced zucchini, stirring to incorporate. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for approximately 15 minutes over medium heat, stirring every 5 minutes, until the zucchini is crisp-tender. There’s no need to add water as the zucchini will release enough moisture.
5
After 15 minutes, remove the lid and stir in the spaghetti sauce. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
6
Serve hot, optionally topped with grated parmesan or alongside cottage cheese for a creamy contrast.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
22g
Carbs
21g
Protein
2g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zucchini & Beef Delight Skillet?
It is a vibrant, one-pot meal featuring tender zucchini and savory ground beef in a rich spaghetti sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What are the primary proteins used in this dish?
You can use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
How much zucchini is required?
You will need 2 lbs of medium zucchini, which is approximately 9 zucchinis.
How should the zucchini be prepared?
The zucchini should be sliced into 1/4-inch half circles.
Do I need to add water when cooking the zucchini?
No, there is no need to add water as the zucchini will release enough moisture while cooking covered.
How long does the zucchini take to cook?
It takes approximately 15 minutes over medium heat until it is crisp-tender.
What type of sauce is used?
One 26-ounce jar of your choice of spaghetti sauce is used.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 290 calories.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 21g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving contains 22g of carbohydrates.
How much fat is in this recipe per serving?
There are 12g of fat per serving.
What vegetables are included besides zucchini?
The recipe includes one chopped green bell pepper and one chopped large white onion.
What seasonings are used in the skillet?
Seasonings include minced garlic cloves, garlic powder, dried sweet basil leaves, ground black pepper, and salt.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can easily adapt the meal by adding other vegetables like cabbage for extra nutrition.
What are some suggested toppings?
It can be optionally topped with grated parmesan or served with cottage cheese.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is a one-pot or one-skillet meal.
How much garlic powder should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
What is the amount of ground beef needed?
You need 1 lb of lean ground beef.
How much fiber does this dish provide?
It provides 2g of fiber per serving.
How often should I stir the zucchini while it cooks?
You should stir the zucchini every 5 minutes while it is covered.
What is the final step after adding the spaghetti sauce?
After adding the sauce, continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and healthy dinner option.
What type of basil is recommended?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of dried sweet basil leaves.
What should I do after browning the meat?
Once the meat is browned, you should drain any excess grease.
How long do I sauté the onion and pepper?
Sauté the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until they have softened.
What color onion is used?
The recipe calls for a large white onion.
Is the bell pepper chopped or sliced?
The green bell pepper should be chopped.
What is the heat setting for browning the meat?
The ground beef should be browned over medium heat.