Description
Ditch the takeout and whip up this Healthy Zucchini Beef Stir-Fry, a bold and satisfying skillet dinner made with lean ground beef, tender zucchini, and rich tomato flavor. Perfect for a quick dinner, low-carb meal prep, or weeknight comfort food that doesn’t sacrifice nutrition. It’s an easy recipe packed with protein, flavor, and veggies—and it’s on the table in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re after healthy dinner ideas, easy food ideas, or a low-calorie meal that feels hearty, this one-pan wonder is your new go-to.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef (90/10 lean)
2 medium zucchinis, sliced
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce or diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika (or chili flakes)
1/3 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for topping)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add ground beef and break it apart. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
4. Add sliced zucchini and stir well. Cook for 5–7 minutes until tender but not mushy.
5. Pour in tomato sauce or diced tomatoes. Simmer for another 5 minutes to blend flavors.
6. Turn off heat. Top with dollops of sour cream or Greek yogurt and sprinkle with fresh herbs.
7. Serve hot, optionally with rice or low-carb sides.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, swap beef with lentils or plant-based ground meat.
Don’t overcook the zucchini—aim for tender-crisp for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg