Description
This Zucchini Beef Stir-Fry is a fast, nourishing one-skillet dinner featuring juicy ground beef, tender zucchini, and a tomato-garlic base. It’s healthy, deeply flavorful, and ideal for weeknights. Finished with sour cream and herbs, it offers a perfect balance of freshness, richness, and comfort.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef (85/15 lean)
2 medium zucchini sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
1 medium yellow onion diced
3 cloves garlic minced
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
1/2 cup sour cream for topping
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
2. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion and sautée for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
5. Return the beef to the skillet and stir in the diced tomatoes along with their juices. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Add the zucchini slices to the skillet and cook for another 5–6 minutes, stirring gently, until they are just tender and slightly translucent at the edges.
7. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and optional red pepper flakes. Adjust to taste.
8. Remove from heat and serve hot, topped with sour cream and a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Notes
Use fresh zucchini for best texture; frozen will release too much liquid.
Do not overcook the zucchini—look for slightly firm slices with translucent edges.
Ground turkey can be substituted, but add a touch of olive oil and increase seasoning slightly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: zucchini, ground beef, stir-fry, healthy dinner, weeknight meal