Mexican Zucchini Ground Beef Skillet
A flavorful, low-effort weeknight meal that perfectly marries browned ground beef with tender-crisp zucchini in a zesty salsa sauce. This one-pan Mexican-inspired dish uses high-heat searing to create a savory base, finished with a creamy layer of melted cheddar cheese. It is a nutritionally balanced, protein-packed dinner that cleans up in minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy families seeking a healthy and satisfying meal without the fuss.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet Sauté
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Low-Carb
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (85/15 ratio)
2 medium zucchinis, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
1 cup chunky red salsa
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp ground cumin and chili powder blend
Instructions
Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
Add olive oil to the skillet to coat the base evenly.
Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spatula until fully browned.
Stir in the cumin and chili powder blend, ensuring the meat is evenly coated.
Add the diced zucchini to the skillet and sauté for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
Pour in the chunky salsa and stir to combine, allowing it to simmer for 2 minutes to meld flavors.
Remove from heat, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and cover briefly to let the cheese melt using residual heat.
Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution to ensure proper browning of the beef. Freshly shredded cheese melts significantly better than pre-shredded varieties due to the lack of anti-caking agents. You can add extra heat by including sliced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce if desired.
Find it online: https://kindeat.com/mexican-zucchini-ground-beef-skillet/