Zucchini Beef Italiano

Savor the vibrant flavors of Italian-inspired comfort food with Zucchini Beef Italiano, a hearty and wholesome one-skillet dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. This easy recipe combines tender ground beef, sautéed zucchini, and a robust tomato sauce infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. Topped with melty mozzarella cheese and garnished with fresh basil, it's a delightful balance of savory and fresh flavors. Ready in just 40 minutes, this versatile dish can be enjoyed on its own or served over pasta or rice for a satisfying meal the whole family will love. Ideal for fans of quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner options, Zucchini Beef Italiano is a must-try for anyone seeking a new way to enjoy zucchini and ground beef.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 3 medium, sliced into half-moons zucchini
• 1 14.5-ounce can, with juice diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional for garnish) fresh basil

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.

Step 2

Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Cook, while breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 3

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the sliced zucchini and cook until slightly tender, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.

Step 6

Lower the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender and flavors have melded.

Step 7

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover with a lid and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.

Step 8

Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh basil, if desired, before serving.

Step 9

Serve warm as is, or over cooked pasta or rice for a more filling meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1747.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1986.0

Total Fat 135.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 51.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.1g
Cholesterol 381.4mg	0%
Sodium 9502.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 83.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.3g	0%
Total Sugars 59.8g
Protein 117.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1164.7mg	0%
Iron 14.9mg	0%
Potassium 3710.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 60.3%

Protein: 23.2%

Carbs: 16.5%