Description
This Zucchini and Ground Beef Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal combining lean ground beef, fresh zucchini, savory mushrooms, olives, and tangy tomato sauce, all topped with melted sharp Cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it's a comforting dish that's easy to prepare and packed with texture and taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium sweet onion, finely diced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can Italian-style stewed tomatoes
- 1 (8 ounce) package sliced white mushrooms
- 1 (6.5 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 ounce) can sliced black olives
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and ground white pepper to taste
- 4 medium zucchini
- 1 (8 ounce) package shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and have them ready to use to ensure smooth cooking.
- Brown Beef and Onion: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion and cook, stirring, until the beef is browned, crumbly, and the onion becomes translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard excess grease.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Crush the stewed tomatoes into smaller pieces in a bowl, then add to the skillet. Stir in sliced mushrooms, tomato sauce, black olives, minced garlic, salt, and white pepper. Let this mixture simmer uncovered until the liquid reduces by about half, approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
- Prepare and Add Zucchini: Slice zucchini lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 1/2-inch slices. Add zucchini to the beef mixture, cover the skillet, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the zucchini is firm yet tender.
- Add Cheese: Stir in shredded sharp Cheddar cheese throughout the skillet mixture.
- Melt Cheese and Serve: Cover the skillet and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese is fully melted. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- The onions meld well with the other ingredients, eliminating any dominant onion taste, making it enjoyable even for those who typically dislike onions.
- Olives and mushrooms add depth but can be omitted if unavailable.
- You can substitute your favorite cheese for sharp Cheddar, and doubling the cheese amount adds extra richness.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
