Skillet Beef with Zucchini and Spinach

Lean ground beef simmered with fresh zucchini, diced tomatoes, and spinach, seasoned with simple herbs for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Prep: 10 min
- Cook: 18 min
- Total: 28 min
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: $3.25/serving
Dietary
- Low-Sodium
- Low-Sugar
- High-Protein
- High-Fiber
- Nut-Free
- Dairy-Free
- Gluten-Free
- Low-Carb
Tags
- one-pot
- quick
- healthy
- savory
- comfort food
- budget-friendly
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (90/10 or leaner)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 2 clove garlic (minced)
- 2 zucchinis (halved lengthwise and sliced into 1/2-inch half-moons)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (no-salt-added, undrained)
- 1.5 cup fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound lean ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add 1 diced yellow onion and 2 minced cloves garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring, until the onion softens and garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in 2 medium zucchini slices, 1 can diced tomatoes (undrained), 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 7-8 minutes, or until zucchini is tender-crisp.
- Remove the lid and stir in 1 1/2 cups fresh baby spinach until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Taste and add 1/4 teaspoon salt if desired, to taste.
Notes
Leftovers are perfect for packing as a quick lunch. The flavors deepen overnight.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 395
- Protein: 28.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 18.2 g
- Fat: 24.3 g
- Fiber: 9.5 g
- Sodium: 78 mg
- Saturated Fat: 9.7 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 76 mg