Print

Easy Shredded Zucchini Beef Skillet Recipe Perfect for One-Pan Dinners

easy shredded zucchini beef skillet - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy one-pan skillet meal combining shredded zucchini and ground beef for a comforting, flavorful dinner ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 pound (225g) lean ground beef (about 85% lean)
  • 1 medium zucchini, shredded (about 1 cup)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Shred the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Place the shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture to prevent a watery skillet. This takes about 5 minutes.
  2. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Set aside.
  3. Heat a large non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Warm for 1-2 minutes until shimmering but not smoking.
  4. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Stir frequently for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. Crumble the ground beef into the skillet. Break it up evenly with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  6. Stir the shredded zucchini into the beef mixture. Cook together for 3-4 minutes until zucchini softens and blends with the beef.
  7. Sprinkle smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the skillet. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. If using cheese, sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the skillet. Cover with a lid and cook on low heat for 2 minutes to melt the cheese.
  9. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, and serve immediately warm.

Notes

Squeeze out excess moisture from shredded zucchini to avoid a watery skillet. Brown the beef well for deeper flavor. Use medium heat to prevent burning onions or garlic. Add cheese at the end under low heat to keep it creamy. Variations include swapping beef for turkey, chicken, or plant-based proteins, and substituting zucchini with yellow squash or cauliflower.

Nutrition

Keywords: shredded zucchini, beef skillet, one-pan dinner, quick dinner, easy recipe, healthy beef recipe, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://tinastirs.com/easy-shredded-zucchini-beef-skillet-recipe-perfect-for-one-pan-dinners/