Zucchini Beef Italiano
Savor the vibrant flavors of Italian-inspired comfort food with Zucchini Beef Italiano, a hearty and wholesome one-skillet dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. This easy recipe combines tender ground beef, sautéed zucchini, and a robust tomato sauce infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. Topped with melty mozzarella cheese and garnished with fresh basil, it's a delightful balance of savory and fresh flavors. Ready in just 40 minutes, this versatile dish can be enjoyed on its own or served over pasta or rice for a satisfying meal the whole family will love. Ideal for fans of quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner options, Zucchini Beef Italiano is a must-try for anyone seeking a new way to enjoy zucchini and ground beef.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 3 medium, sliced into half-moons zucchini
- 1 14.5-ounce can, with juice diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional for garnish) fresh basil
Instructions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Cook, while breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
Stir in the sliced zucchini and cook until slightly tender, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
Lower the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender and flavors have melded.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover with a lid and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh basil, if desired, before serving.
Serve warm as is, or over cooked pasta or rice for a more filling meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1986 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 135.8 g | 174% | |
| Saturated Fat | 51.3 g | 256% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 381 mg | 127% | |
| Sodium | 9503 mg | 413% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 83.8 g | 30% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.3 g | 62% | |
| Total Sugars | 59.8 g | ||
| Protein | 117.6 g | 235% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1165 mg | 90% | |
| Iron | 14.9 mg | 83% | |
| Potassium | 3710 mg | 79% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
