Hearty Hamburger Zucchini Skillet: Simple Family Dinner (Print Version)
Whip up a hearty Hamburger Zucchini Skillet for an easy family dinner. This one-pan meal is packed with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American (Homestyle)
Dietary: Gluten-Free (verify broth/Worcestershire)
# Ingredients:
→ Skillet Stars
01 -
1 lb ground beef (80/20)
02 -
2 medium zucchini, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
03 -
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
04 -
1 cup beef broth
→ Flavor Foundation
05 -
1 tbsp olive oil
06 -
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
07 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
08 -
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
09 -
Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Sauce & Finish
10 -
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
→ Optional Sprinkles
11 -
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
12 -
Pinch of red pepper flakes (for a little kick)
# Instructions:
01 -
Get a large skillet, one you really love, heating up over medium-high heat with a little olive oil. Toss in your ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. You want to see it get all nice and browned, with those crispy bits forming—that’s flavor, my friend! This usually takes me about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease; I usually just tilt the pan and spoon it out, trying not to make a huge mess on my stovetop, which, let's be real, sometimes happens.
02 -
Once the beef is beautifully browned, push it to one side of the skillet. Add your chopped onion and minced garlic to the empty space. Let them soften and get fragrant, stirring occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes. Oh, that smell! It's the first sign that something delicious is happening. Don't let the garlic burn; I've done that before, and it just makes everything taste bitter. Keep an eye on it!
03 -
Now, stir the browned beef, softened onion, and garlic all together. Pour in your diced tomatoes (undrained, we want all that juicy goodness!) and the beef broth. Add a good splash of Worcestershire sauce, then season with salt and pepper. Give it all a good stir, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is where the magic starts to happen and the flavors begin to meld.
04 -
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add your chopped zucchini. Stir it in so it’s mostly submerged in the saucy goodness. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender-crisp. You don't want mushy zucchini, trust me; I’ve overcooked it more times than I care to admit! It should still have a slight bite.
05 -
Once the zucchini is tender, remove the lid. Let the Hamburger Zucchini Skillet simmer uncovered for another 5-7 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken up a bit. Give it a stir every now and then. Taste it! Does it need more salt? More pepper? This is your moment to adjust. I always taste it like a mad scientist, trying to get it just right.
06 -
Take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle that lovely shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Pop the lid back on for a couple of minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and gooey. Oh, the anticipation! This is the moment where it all comes together. Serve it hot, straight from the skillet, and enjoy that cheesy, savory goodness.
# Notes:
01 -
Always taste as you go; seasonings are personal, so adjust to your liking!
02 -
For best results, let leftovers cool completely before storing in an airtight container to avoid condensation.
03 -
If you're out of ground beef, ground turkey or chicken works, but you might need a bit more olive oil.
04 -
Serve this Hamburger Zucchini Skillet with crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce-it's a must!
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large skillet (12-inch cast iron or non-stick)
02 -
wooden spoon/spatula
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 500 kcal
Total Fat: 35 g
Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
Protein: 32 g