There’s something magical about a skillet meal that brings flavors together in a way that’s both comforting and exciting—like a surprise party for your taste buds. This Healthy Skillet Mexican Zucchini with Ground Beef is like that time I tried dancing salsa for the first time—unexpectedly delightful and a little bit spicy. Think of it as a fiesta on a plate, with vibrant zucchini mingling with seasoned beef, all in a single pan.
Steps
- Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté finely chopped garlic for about a minute until it starts to sizzle and release its aroma.
- Introduce diced zucchini to the skillet and stir occasionally for roughly 3 minutes until it begins to soften.
- Incorporate the diced tomato and sliced green onion into the skillet, cooking for an additional 3 minutes until everything is well combined.
- Off the heat, mix in the minced cilantro, pickled jalapeño, and a splash of fresh lime juice.
- Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Top with crumbled queso blanco before serving it hot.
Ingredients
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound zucchini, diced
- 1 large tomato, cored, seeded, and diced
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon minced pickled jalapeño
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso blanco (or queso fresco, cotija, or feta)
- Fresh lime juice, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 408 kcal | Carbohydrates: 32 g | Protein: 20 g | Fat: 24 g | Cholesterol: 68 mg | Sodium: 844 mg | Fiber: 8 g | Sugar: 12 g
FAQ
- Can I make Skillet Mexican Zucchini spicier?
- Yes, you can increase the heat by adding more minced pickled jalapeño or even fresh jalapeño slices. Adjust to your taste preference.
- Which cheese alternatives can I use besides queso blanco?
- You can substitute queso blanco with queso fresco, cotija, or even feta cheese for a different flavor profile.
- How do I prevent the zucchini from becoming mushy?
- To keep your zucchini from getting too soft, make sure to cook them just until they are slightly softened, about 3 minutes, and not overcook them.
- Can I prepare this dish in advance?
- This dish is best served hot, but you can prepare the ingredients in advance. Cook the dish just before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
- What can I serve with Skillet Mexican Zucchini?
- It pairs well with grilled meats, rice, or as a side dish to complement any Mexican-inspired meal.
Tips
- To enhance the flavor, consider using freshly squeezed lime juice just before serving, as it adds a bright and tangy note to the dish.
- For a milder dish, remove the seeds from the pickled jalapeño before mincing, as this will reduce the spiciness without losing the jalapeño’s flavor.
- Ensure your zucchini is diced uniformly to allow for even cooking, which will help achieve the perfect tender texture.
- Experiment with different cheeses like cotija or feta if you’re unable to find queso blanco, as these alternatives also complement the dish well.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – If someone doesn’t already have a good-quality large skillet, they might consider purchasing one.
- Garlic Press – For finely chopping garlic, although a knife could suffice, a garlic press could be a useful tool.
- Citrus Juicer – To easily extract fresh lime juice.
