Quick recipes with ground beef and zucchini
Got ground beef and zucchini and not sure what to make? Here are 8 easy dinners you can cook tonight. Each one keeps to everyday ingredients and a single skillet or sheet pan where possible, with rough prep and cook times so you can pick by how much time you have. Prefer to cook with exactly what's on your shelf? Tell Cache & Cook what you have and it drafts a recipe free.
Cheesy Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet
25 min Serves 4weeknightcomfort-foodone-pan
Garlic Butter Ground Beef with Charred Zucchini and Lemon
20 min Serves 4weeknightlightquick
Harissa Ground Beef & Zucchini Skillet
20 min Serves 4weeknightspicyquick
Garlic-Tomato Ground Beef with Charred Zucchini
20 min Serves 4weeknightone-panquick
Skillet Ground Beef & Zucchini with Tomato & Basil
20 min Serves 4weeknightitalian-inspiredhearty
Cilantro-Lime Ground Beef with Charred Zucchini
20 min Serves 4weeknightbrightquick
Beef and Zucchini Skillet with Tomato and Garlic
25 min Serves 4weeknightcomfortitalian-inspired
Beef and Zucchini with Charred Lemon
20 min Serves 4weeknightfreshquick
More ideas
Common questions
- Can I use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of ground beef?
- Yes, ground turkey and chicken work well as leaner substitutes, though they cook slightly faster and may be less flavorful, so consider adding extra seasonings or a splash of soy sauce to compensate. Ground lamb is another excellent option if you want richer flavor.
- How do I know when zucchini is done cooking?
- Zucchini is ready when it's tender and slightly translucent, usually after 5-8 minutes of cooking depending on how small you cut it; if you prefer it firmer, reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
- What's the best way to store leftovers and how long do they last?
- Store cooled ground beef and zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
- What should I serve with ground beef and zucchini?
- Serve it over rice, pasta, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal, or stuff it into bell peppers, tomatoes, or zucchini boats for a fun presentation. It also works great with crusty bread for scooping or in tacos and lettuce wraps.
- How can I make this dish healthier or cheaper?
- Use zucchini, bell peppers, and onions to bulk up the dish while reducing the amount of ground beef needed, which saves money and adds vegetables; brown rice or lentils also stretch the meat further. Look for ground beef on sale or buy it in bulk and freeze for the best prices.