Budget Ground Beef Zucchini Rice Skillet
A nourishing, one-pan meal that balances savory ground beef with tender zucchini and fluffy rice. This budget-friendly skillet utilizes the Maillard reaction to deepen flavors, resulting in a clean and wholesome dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers a satisfying texture and complex flavor profile in under thirty minutes, making it an excellent choice for efficient home cooking.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet Sauté
- Cuisine: Contemporary
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) Ground Beef (85/15 ratio)
2 medium Zucchini, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
1 cup (200g) Cooked Rice
1/2 medium Yellow Onion, diced
1 tbsp (15ml) Low-sodium Soy Sauce
1 tbsp (15ml) Olive Oil
1/2 tsp Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
Dice the zucchini into uniform 1/2-inch cubes.
Dice the onion into small, consistent pieces.
Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil.
Add the ground beef and onions to the pan.
Break the beef into small crumbles using a wooden spatula.
Sear the beef and onions until the beef is browned and the onions are softened.
Add the diced zucchini to the skillet and cook until tender but not mushy.
Stir in the cooked rice once the zucchini is cooked through.
Pour the soy sauce over the mixture and stir well to ensure even distribution.
Season with freshly cracked black pepper and serve immediately.
Notes
Using day-old rice helps prevent the dish from becoming mushy. Ensure the skillet is large enough to allow for proper moisture evaporation to maintain the texture of the zucchini and rice. The dish can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Find it online: https://kindeat.com/budget-ground-beef-zucchini-rice-skillet/