Mexican Zucchini and Ground Beef Skillet

This easy Mexican zucchini and ground beef skillet is the kind of weeknight magic you’ll want on repeat. Juicy ground beef, tender zucchini, and warm Mexican spices all mingle together to create a hearty, flavor-packed meal that just hits. The zucchini brings a mild sweetness, the beef brings the comfort, and the whole dish stays low-carb and keto-friendly without even trying.

Best part? Everything cooks in one skillet, so dinner’s done fast and cleanup stays chill. It’s fresh, wholesome, and loaded with flavor — the kind of simple recipe that makes you feel like you cooked something amazing… without spending your whole evening in the kitchen.

Mexican Zucchini and Ground Beef Skillet

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This easy Mexican zucchini and ground beef skillet is the kind of weeknight magic you’ll want on repeat. Juicy ground beef, tender zucchini, and warm Mexican spices all mingle together to create a hearty, flavor-packed meal that just hits.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchini sliced and quartered
• 1 ½ pounds ground beef
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 10 ounces Mexican style diced tomatoes with green chilis (salsa or diced tomatoes could be used), canned
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black ground pepper
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Brown ground beef with minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat until meat is browned.
2. Add tomatoes and remaining spices. Cover and simmer on low heat for another 10 minutes.
3. Add the zucchini. Cover and cook for about 10 more minutes until zucchini is cooked, but still firm.

Notes

• A cast-iron skillet is ideal for cooking this dish as it distributes heat evenly and helps create that delicious golden crust on the meat. Plus, you can easily transfer it from the stovetop to the oven if you want to melt some cheese on top.
• If your zucchini is very watery, sprinkle a pinch of salt over the cut pieces and let them sit for about 15 minutes before cooking. This will help draw out the excess moisture, resulting in a less watery dish.
• Avoid overcrowding the skillet when browning the beef, as this can cause the meat to steam instead of browning properly.
• Add your favorite veggies to make this recipe taste even more delicious, like mushrooms, bell peppers, and red onions.

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