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Easy One-Skillet Ground Beef and Zucchini Stir Fry

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A quick and satisfying one-pan stir fry combining savory ground beef with tender-crisp zucchini, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (85% lean recommended)
  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons or rounds
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Slice 2 medium zucchinis into ¼-inch thick half-moons. Finely chop 1 small onion and mince 3 garlic cloves.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Warm until shimmering but not smoking (about 1-2 minutes).
  3. Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet. Break apart with a wooden spoon and cook 6-8 minutes until no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Drain excess fat from the skillet, leaving a little for flavor.
  5. Push beef to one side of the skillet. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the empty side. Cook 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
  6. Add sliced zucchini to the skillet and mix with beef, onion, and garlic. Cook 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until zucchini is tender but still slightly crisp.
  7. Pour in 2 tablespoons soy sauce and sprinkle 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional). Stir well to coat evenly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Remove skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the top.
  9. Serve immediately, optionally over steamed rice or with a green salad.

Notes

Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming the vegetables. Cook zucchini last to keep it tender-crisp. Drain excess fat from beef to avoid sogginess. Adjust soy sauce saltiness gradually. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. Reheat leftovers gently on stovetop to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, zucchini, stir fry, quick dinner, one skillet, easy recipe, weeknight meal, healthy, low carb

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/easy-one-skillet-ground-beef-and-zucchini-stir-fry-recipe-for-quick-dinners/