Skillet Zucchini Dinner
A hearty skillet dish featuring ground beef, zucchini, and tomatoes, bursting with savory spices. Perfect for a quick, family-friendly dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and chopped onion together in a skillet.
- Drain excess fat, then add undrained stewed tomatoes, sliced zucchini, corn, garlic salt, chili powder, and parsley.
- Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes until flavors meld and vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap the meat for lentils or mushrooms. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can also enhance the taste. Adjust the spices to your liking, and feel free to add other vegetables you have on hand, such as bell peppers or carrots, for a more colorful dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Skillet Zucchini Dinner with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with rice or quinoa if you want to bulk it up. For an extra touch, sprinkle some grated cheese on top before serving. This dish is great for leftovers, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes, ensuring they are heated evenly. This dish also freezes well; just store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Skillet Zucchini Dinner contains roughly 378 calories, with 13g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (343% of the Daily Value), iron (38% of the Daily Value), and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 551mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you'll need to peel and chop them. About 2-3 medium-sized fresh tomatoes should suffice. Keep in mind that you may need to add a little extra liquid since canned tomatoes are undrained and provide more moisture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the chili powder. You can also top the dish with hot sauce or serve with a spicy salsa on the side. Adjust the spice level according to your preference.
What can I substitute for zucchini?
If you don't have zucchini on hand, yellow squash works as a great substitute. You can also experiment with other vegetables like eggplant, bell peppers, or even broccoli, keeping in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the vegetable used.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).