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Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet (15-Minute Meal)

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A quick and easy one-pan dinner featuring ground beef, zucchini, and melted cheese that comes together in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this savory skillet is hearty, flavorful, and a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 2 medium zucchini (about 2 cups chopped, cut into half-inch pieces)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup (50g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep all ingredients: dice onion, mince garlic, chop zucchini into half-inch pieces, and shred cheese.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil until shimmering.
  3. Add ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 4-5 minutes until browned, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add diced onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened and translucent.
  5. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  6. Add zucchini and stir. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tender but still firm (al dente).
  7. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir and cook for 1 minute.
  8. Reduce heat to medium-low. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top. Do not stir.
  9. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 2-3 minutes until cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  10. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and let sit for 1 minute before serving.

Notes

For best texture, don’t cut zucchini too thin (aim for half-inch pieces). If zucchini releases too much water, cook uncovered for an extra minute before adding cheese. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cheese shreds. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated in a skillet with a splash of water.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef zucchini skillet, cheesy zucchini skillet, 15-minute meal, one-pan dinner, weeknight dinner, low-carb, gluten-free

Find it online: https://spoonluma.com/easy-cheesy-ground-beef-zucchini-skillet-15-minute-meal/