Zucchini Beef
A hearty, flavorful dish combining seasoned ground beef with zucchini and tomatoes, perfect for a quick, nutritious meal that appeals to both family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, shredded zucchini, and seasoned bread crumbs together.
- Form the mixture into 8 patties, each about 1/2 inch thick.
- Brown the patties on both sides in a large nonstick skillet.
- Add sliced zucchini and pizza-style tomatoes to the skillet.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 7 to 9 minutes, turning patties and stirring a few times until zucchini is tender.
- Add potatoes and simmer for an additional 3 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey for the beef, and use fresh herbs like basil or oregano to enhance flavor. If you don't have seasoned bread crumbs, you can make your own by mixing plain bread crumbs with Italian seasoning. For added moisture, consider incorporating a bit of grated carrot along with the zucchini.
Serving Suggestions
These Zucchini Beef patties make a hearty main dish and can be served with a side of rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables pairs nicely, adding a refreshing contrast. For a comforting twist, consider serving with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, and cover until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave the portions on medium power until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zucchini Beef contains roughly 687 calories, with 25g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (57% of the Daily Value), protein (50% of the Daily Value), and iron (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1183mg per serving (51% 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 frozen zucchini in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini, but make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture before mixing it with the beef. This will help maintain the texture of the patties.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. You can also top the finished dish with sliced jalapeños or serve with a spicy dipping sauce.
What can I substitute for pizza-style tomatoes?
If you don't have pizza-style tomatoes, you can use crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes mixed with Italian seasoning to mimic the flavor. This will still provide a rich sauce for the dish.
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).