Print

Cheesy Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet: Easy 20-Minute One-Pan Dinner

cheesy ground beef zucchini skillet - featured image
Print Recipe

This cheesy ground beef zucchini skillet is a quick and easy one-pan dinner that comes together in just 20 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, featuring savory ground beef, tender zucchini, and a blanket of melted cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 2 medium zucchini (about 1 pound or 450g total), cut into 1/4-inch half-moons
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (about 100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup (about 50g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 large tomato, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your vegetables: dice the onion, mince the garlic, chop the zucchini into 1/4-inch half-moons, and dice the tomato. Set aside separately.
  2. Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it shimmer for about 30 seconds.
  3. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Let it cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to get a good sear, then break into crumbles. Cook for 5-7 minutes total until no pink remains. Spoon off excess fat if desired.
  6. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the beef. Stir and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  7. Add the zucchini pieces and stir to combine. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender but still has some bite.
  8. Stir in the diced tomato and cook for another 2 minutes until it breaks down slightly.
  9. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the top of the skillet. Do not stir.
  10. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid or foil, and let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
  11. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired, and serve straight from the skillet.

Notes

Don’t overcook the zucchini; it continues to cook after the heat is off. Resist stirring the cheese in—let it melt on top for a gooey layer. Use room temperature cheese for better melting. Let the skillet rest for 1 minute before serving to help the cheese set slightly.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy ground beef zucchini skillet, one-pan dinner, quick weeknight meal, low-carb, gluten-free, easy dinner recipe

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/cheesy-ground-beef-zucchini-skillet-easy-20-minute-one-pan-dinner/