Cilantro-Lime Ground Beef with Charred Zucchini
Ingredients
- 1 poundground beef
- 3 mediumzucchini
- 2lime
- ·cilantro
- 3 clovesgarlic
- 3 tablespoonolive oil
- 1 teaspooncumin
- ½ teaspoonchili powder
- ·salt
- ·black pepper
- ½ mediumred onion
Prep
- 01
Slice zucchini into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- 02
Mince 3 cloves garlic.
- 03
Juice 2 limes.
- 04
Dice 1/2 medium red onion.
- 05
Roughly chop a handful of fresh cilantro.
Method
- 01
Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- 02
Stir in minced garlic, 1 teaspoon cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon chili powder. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 03
Transfer cooked beef to a plate. In the same skillet, add remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil and heat over medium-high. Add zucchini slices in a single layer and let them char without stirring for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and tender, about 8 minutes total.
- 04
Return beef to the skillet with zucchini. Add juice from 2 limes and most of the cilantro, reserving some for garnish. Toss gently to combine and warm through, about 1 minute.
- 05
Serve over rice or with warm tortillas, topped with reserved cilantro, diced red onion, and lime wedges on the side.
Spice Tips
For deeper heat, increase chili powder to 1 teaspoon or add a pinch of cayenne. For a smokier note, swap half the chili powder for smoked paprika. A dash of hot sauce (Cholula or Tapatio) drizzled at the table adds another layer of zest without overpowering the brightness.