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Hot skillet with ground beef, zucchini slices, cherry tomatoes, and melted cheddar cheese, garnished with thyme and parsley.

Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet – Easy Low-Carb One-Pan Dinner Ready in 30 Minutes

Samantha
Wholesome, hearty, and ready in just 30 minutes, this Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet combines savory ground beef, tender zucchini, tomatoes, and melted cheese in one easy pan. Low-carb, keto-friendly, and perfect for meal prep, it’s a quick weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine American, Low Carb
Servings 4 servings
Calories 390 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef lean, 90/10 works best
  • 3 medium zucchini sliced into half moons
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes (fire-roasted optional)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs oregano, basil, thyme
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
  • Stir in ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
  • Season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
  • Add zucchini slices and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in diced tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Top with shredded cheese, cover skillet, and let melt.
  • Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Secret Tips for the Best Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet

1. Choose lean ground beef: Opt for 90% lean ground beef to keep this low-carb dinner lighter while still packing plenty of protein. This makes your skillet healthier without losing that savory flavor.
2. Don’t overcook the zucchini: Zucchini cooks fast, so add it toward the end to keep it tender-crisp. Overcooking can make it mushy, and you want those bites to balance perfectly with the juicy beef.
3. Boost flavor with seasoning: A mix of garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Italian herbs can elevate this one-pan ground beef recipe into a restaurant-worthy dish. Season well for maximum flavor in every bite.
4. Add cheese for comfort: A sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or cheddar on top makes this skillet recipe extra satisfying, turning it into a cheesy ground beef zucchini skillet the whole family will love.
5. Make it meal prep friendly: This easy ground beef recipe keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Store portions in airtight containers for a quick, healthy low-carb meal prep option all week.
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