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Quick Garlic Butter Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet

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A quick and easy one-pan dinner featuring garlicky butter ground beef and tender zucchini, perfect for a satisfying and flavorful meal in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended)
  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4 inch (6 mm) half-moons
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion, diced (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend (or mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)

Instructions

  1. Slice 2 medium zucchinis into thin half-moons (about 1/4 inch thick). Dice 1 small onion and mince 4 garlic cloves. This should take about 5 minutes.
  2. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Let it melt and start to foam, about 1 minute.
  3. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  4. Push the onion and garlic to the side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving a little for flavor.
  5. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
  6. Add the sliced zucchini and stir everything together. Cook for 4-5 minutes until zucchini softens but still has a bit of bite. Avoid overcooking.
  7. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and stir until melted, coating the beef and zucchini in garlic butter sauce.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed.
  9. Serve immediately hot from the skillet.

Notes

Avoid burning garlic by stirring constantly and lowering heat if needed. Do not overcrowd the pan when adding zucchini; cook in batches if necessary. Rest the dish off heat for a minute to let flavors meld. Butter can be substituted with olive oil for dairy-free option. Ground beef can be swapped with ground turkey or chicken for leaner protein. Frozen zucchini can be used if thawed and drained well.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, zucchini, garlic butter, quick dinner, one-pan meal, easy recipe, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://forkmila.com/quick-garlic-butter-ground-beef-and-zucchini-skillet-easy-20-minute-dinner-recipe/