Description
Sizzling Mexican zucchini and ground beef skillet brings fiesta flavors to your dinner table with bold spices and hearty ingredients. Quick weeknight meals never tasted so good, promising you a delicious journey through authentic southwestern cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Vegetables:
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes, undrained
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup (225 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat (375°F).
- Introduce chopped onion and minced garlic, gently sautéing until onions turn translucent and aromatic (3-4 minutes).
- Incorporate ground beef into the skillet, methodically crumbling with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
- Continue cooking beef until thoroughly browned and no pink remains (5-7 minutes).
- Eliminate excess rendered fat by carefully draining from the skillet.
- Fold in zucchini, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, creating a vibrant and fragrant mixture.
- Reduce heat and allow ingredients to simmer, stirring occasionally, until zucchini reaches a tender consistency and flavors harmonize (5-6 minutes).
- Generously distribute shredded cheddar cheese across the skillet’s surface.
- Cover and let cheese melt completely, creating a luscious topping (2-3 minutes).
- Remove from heat and optionally garnish with fresh cilantro for added brightness.
- Serve immediately, accompanied by rice, warm tortillas, or a side of beans for a complete meal.
Notes
- Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish.
- Quickly drain fat after browning meat to prevent a greasy texture and maintain cleaner flavors.
- Dice zucchini uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the skillet.
- Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing chili powder for mild or spicier versions depending on personal preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 457 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg