Description
Sizzling one-pan taco zucchini skillet brings Mexican-inspired magic to dinner tables with minimal cleanup. Packed with bold spices and fresh ingredients, this quick meal delivers zesty flavors that will satisfy cravings and simplify weeknight cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound ground beef
Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
Canned and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 14.5 ounces (411 grams) can of diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 8 ounces (226 grams) can of tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings:
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 avocado, sliced
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a spacious skillet over medium heat, ensuring thorough cooking and removing any excess fat.
- Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until aromatic and translucent.
- Incorporate diced zucchini and bell peppers, gently stirring and allowing vegetables to soften and release their natural flavors.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, then generously season with taco seasoning, salt, and pepper, mixing thoroughly to create a cohesive blend.
- Reduce heat and allow the mixture to gently simmer, giving ingredients time to meld and vegetables to reach perfect tenderness.
- Evenly distribute shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, covering the skillet to create a melted, gooey topping.
- Once cheese has completely melted, remove from heat and embellish with freshly chopped cilantro and creamy avocado slices.
- Transfer directly from skillet to serving plates, ensuring each portion captures the rich, vibrant flavors of this one-pan meal.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version that maintains robust flavor and protein content.
- Select firm zucchini to prevent excess water release, which could make the skillet soggy during cooking.
- Consider reducing sodium by using low-sodium taco seasoning and monitoring added salt quantities.
- Freeze leftovers in individual portions for quick meal prep, ensuring maximum freshness and convenience for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg