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Garlic-Tomato Ground Beef with Charred Zucchini

weeknightone-panquick
10 minPrep20 minCook4Serves

Ingredients

  • 1 poundground beef
  • 2 mediumzucchini
  • 1 mediumyellow onion
  • 4 clovesgarlic
  • 1 can (14.5 oz)crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoonolive oil
  • ·salt
  • ·black pepper
  • 1 teaspoondried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes

Prep

  1. 01

    Dice 1 medium yellow onion.

  2. 02

    Mince 4 cloves garlic.

  3. 03

    Dice 2 medium zucchini into 1/2-inch pieces.

Method

  1. 01

    Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

  2. 02

    Push beef to the side. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil, then add diced onion and minced garlic to the empty space. Cook 2 minutes until fragrant.

  3. 03

    Stir in crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Simmer 3 minutes.

  4. 04

    Add diced zucchini and stir to combine. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until zucchini is tender and edges are lightly charred, 8 to 10 minutes.

  5. 05

    Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm.

Spice Tips

Add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for depth, or increase red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon for more heat. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a pinch of fresh basil at the end brightens the dish.

For extra richness, finish with a dollop of sour cream or a handful of fresh parmesan. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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