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This Zucchini Beef Skillet is a lifesaver for nights when you need a balanced meal with minimal fuss. I love how the entire dinner comes together in one pan with just a handful of healthy ingredients. Whether you are following paleo or just looking to eat more veggies and protein, this family favorite is hearty enough to serve on its own yet flexible for piling over rice if you are not strictly paleo.
I first whipped up this skillet as a way to use an overload of garden zucchini and lean ground beef from the freezer. Since then it has become our go-to on nights when everyone is hungry and I do not want to fuss with a sink full of dishes.
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef: choose grass-fed for extra flavor and nutrition
- Salt: brings the dish into balance use kosher for a gentler taste
- Black pepper: adds a touch of heat freshly cracked if possible
- Dehydrated or fresh onion: use fresh for a little extra sweetness or shelf-stable if short on time
- Jarred minced garlic or fresh garlic: gives a savory kick jarred is super convenient but fresh will make the dish more aromatic
- Chunky salsa: choose medium if you like a little kick a good quality salsa will add tomatoes peppers and extra seasoning in one swoop
- Ground cumin: offers a warm earthy flavor pick a fresh spice for best intensity
- Fresh zucchini: sliced into half circles choose firm small to medium for best texture and less bitterness
- Fresh cilantro to finish: brightens the whole dish use plenty and opt for vibrant green bunches
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Aromatics:
- Add the ground beef salt pepper onion and garlic into a large skillet set over medium high heat Stir and cook for about five to eight minutes until the meat is nicely browned and full of flavor
- Simmer with Salsa and Spices:
- Stir in the chunky salsa and ground cumin Lower the heat to low Cover the skillet and let everything gently simmer for ten minutes This helps the beef soak up all the tomato and spice flavors
- Add the Zucchini:
- Toss in the sliced zucchini Cover again and cook for another five to ten minutes Watch carefully so the zucchini softens but does not get mushy The goal is tender slices with a little bite left
- Finish and Serve:
- Sprinkle the hot skillet with generous fresh chopped cilantro right before serving for a fresh bright finish
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The salsa you choose really changes up the skillet so I love picking a smoky or spicy jar for a twist My kids love catching me sneaking extra bites straight from the pan because the flavors are so bold and homey
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days The beef and zucchini mixture can be reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave For longer keeping freeze portions flat in zip bags and thaw before reheating
Ingredient Substitutions
No fresh zucchini available Use yellow squash or even chopped bell peppers Extra lean turkey or chicken also work well instead of beef Any jarred salsa is fine but try chipotle for smoky flavor or a tomatillo salsa for something lighter
Serving Suggestions
Serve the skillet as is for a filling paleo meal Spoon over steamed cauliflower rice for a hearty bowl or use real rice if not following paleo I sometimes top with a dollop of plain yogurt or avocado slices for creaminess
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Cultural and Historical Context
One pan dinners like this have roots in rustic home cooking where resourcefulness wins The beef zucchini and salsa combo gets its flavor from Southwestern and Tex Mex traditions using ground meat with earthy spices plus summer squash to stretch the meal
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I keep the zucchini from getting mushy?
Wait to add the zucchini until after the beef and seasonings have simmered, then cook just until the slices are slightly tender and still hold their shape.
- → Can I substitute fresh onion and garlic instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh chopped onion and garlic. Sauté them with the ground beef at the start, but allow a bit more prep and cooking time.
- → Is it possible to make this dish less spicy?
Choose a mild salsa and reduce the amount of cilantro or pepper if sensitivity to spice is a concern.
- → Can this be prepared ahead of time?
This skillet is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container and gently reheated on the stove or in the microwave.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
It's delicious on its own, but you can serve it over cauliflower rice for a paleo side or with regular rice for a non-paleo option.
- → Can I use another protein instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef, making adjustments to seasonings as needed for flavor.