Mediterranean Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet: Your Go-To Easy, Low-Carb Meal
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this incredible Mediterranean Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet! This vibrant dish brings together the rich, aromatic flavors of Lebanese spiced ground beef with the fresh crispness of zucchini noodles, juicy diced tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and fragrant fresh herbs. It’s not just a meal; it’s a culinary journey to the Mediterranean, all cooked in one simple skillet. This recipe is designed for ease, making it a perfect low-carb, high-protein option that’s bursting with flavor and can be on your table in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re seeking a healthy weeknight dinner or a delicious meal-prep solution, this skillet dish is sure to become a family favorite.
This delightful Mediterranean Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet is the second installment in our three-part series of Mediterranean-inspired ground beef recipes, proudly brought to you in partnership with the Ohio Beef Council. We’re showcasing the versatility and deliciousness of ground beef in healthy, flavorful ways.
Just yesterday, we explored the delightful flavors of these Mediterranean Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers, a hearty dish featuring bell peppers generously filled with a savory mixture of Mediterranean ground beef, rice, and diced tomatoes. And be sure to mark your calendars, because tomorrow we’ll be sharing our recipe for Lebanese Meat Stuffed Pitas (Arayes), another fantastic and quick protein-packed meal idea that’s perfect for busy schedules.
What truly sets today’s Mediterranean Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet apart is its perfect blend of health and indulgence. It’s wonderfully low-carb, making it an excellent choice for those mindful of their carbohydrate intake, while still being incredibly satisfying and packed with essential protein.
The star of this dish is undoubtedly the juicy, perfectly spiced ground beef. Its rich, savory notes are beautifully complemented by the delicate texture of zucchini noodles. Zucchini noodles offer a fantastic, guilt-free alternative to traditional pasta, absorbing all the wonderful flavors of the skillet.
One of the best features of using zucchini noodles is their minimal cooking time. They only need a few minutes in the skillet to reach perfect tenderness, contributing to the overall speed and simplicity of this easy one-pan meal!
If you’re a fan of combining zucchini with beef, you’ll love exploring some of our other popular recipes like these vibrant Beef Bulgogi with Zucchini Noodles, the flavorful Mexican Zucchini, or our elegant Mediterranean Zucchini Boats. Each offers a unique way to enjoy this versatile vegetable with savory beef.
Why You Will Love This Mediterranean Zucchini Skillet
This Mediterranean Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor and fit perfectly into a healthy lifestyle. Here are just a few reasons why this dish will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Unforgettable Flavor Profile: The magic truly happens with our unique blend of spices in the beef. We’re talking about a harmonious mix of warm cinnamon, fragrant allspice, a hint of spicy cayenne pepper, earthy paprika, and subtle clove. This isn’t just any spice blend; it’s the rich, warm, and deeply aromatic combination that defines many authentic Lebanese and Mediterranean beef dishes. It transforms humble ground beef into a taste sensation that’s both comforting and exotic. You’ll recognize similar captivating flavors in other favorites like our Hummus with Spiced Beef and the delightful Spiced Beef and Hummus Pita Pitza.
- Naturally Low Carb: If you’re actively looking to incorporate more low-carb meals into your weekly menu, this skillet is an absolute game-changer. By swapping traditional pasta for fresh zucchini noodles, you get all the satisfaction of a hearty meal without the heavy carbohydrate load. It’s a fantastic option for those following ketogenic, paleo, or simply healthier eating plans, providing sustained energy and satiety. It’s also as effortlessly delicious as our popular Mexican Zucchini.
- Incredibly Easy to Make & One-Pan Convenience: Imagine a delicious, wholesome dinner on the table in under 30 minutes! This recipe makes it a reality. The beauty of a one-skillet meal is not just the speed but also the minimal cleanup, which every home cook appreciates. For those who love to meal prep, you can spiralize the zucchini noodles and even cook the spiced ground beef ahead of time. With a little foresight, this flavorful dish can be ready to serve in less than 10 minutes, making it ideal for the busiest weeknights.
- Packed with Protein and Nutrients: Featuring lean ground beef and nutrient-rich zucchini, this skillet meal is an excellent source of protein, essential for muscle health and feeling full. Zucchini adds vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making this a balanced and wholesome option for your entire family.
Essential Recipe Ingredients for Your Skillet
This recipe relies on a handful of simple, fresh, and pantry-friendly ingredients to create its signature Mediterranean flair. Here’s a detailed overview of what you’ll need to gather. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card below.
- Ground Beef: The foundation of this hearty dish. We recommend using 80/20 ground beef for optimal flavor, as the fat content contributes to a richer taste and juicier texture. However, if you prefer a leaner option, 90/10 ground beef works beautifully too. Regardless of your choice, remember to thoroughly drain any excess fat after browning to ensure the dish isn’t greasy and the flavors can truly shine. High-quality beef is key here!
- Authentic Mediterranean Spices: The soul of this dish lies in its exquisite spice blend. We’re using a classic combination often found in Lebanese cuisine: warm cinnamon, fragrant allspice, a touch of piquant cayenne pepper for a subtle kick, earthy paprika, and a hint of delicate clove. These spices work in concert to create a deep, warm, and incredibly rich flavor profile that perfectly complements the beef. This blend is what truly transports your taste buds to the Mediterranean.
- Fresh Zucchini Noodles: A fantastic low-carb alternative to pasta! If you own a spiralizer, now is the perfect time to put it to use to create beautiful, long zucchini noodles. If you don’t have one, don’t worry! You can easily cut your zucchini into thin ribbons using a vegetable peeler, julienne it with a mandoline, or simply dice it into small, bite-sized pieces. The key is to ensure they are uniformly sized for even cooking. Zucchini noodles cook very quickly, requiring just a few minutes to soften, which contributes to the rapid preparation time of this skillet.
- Sweet Diced Tomatoes: Freshly diced ripe tomatoes add a burst of bright, tangy flavor and a lovely texture to the skillet. They contribute a natural sweetness and acidity that balances the rich beef and spices. If fresh tomatoes aren’t in season or readily available, good quality canned diced tomatoes (drained) or halved cherry tomatoes make excellent substitutes.
- Crumbly Feta Cheese: No Mediterranean dish is complete without a sprinkle of feta! This briny, creamy cheese adds an irresistible salty tang and a wonderful textural contrast to the finished dish. For the best flavor, seek out feta made from sheep’s or goat’s milk. If feta isn’t your preference, you can certainly skip it, and the dish will still be delicious. Alternatively, consider goat cheese for a similar tang, or a mild mozzarella for a creamier, less pungent option.
- Aromatics: Fresh garlic and red onion are sautéed to create a fragrant base that enhances all the other flavors in the skillet.
- Fresh Herbs: Chopped fresh parsley and green onions are added at the end for a burst of color and vibrant, herbaceous flavor, truly elevating the dish.
How to Make This Flavorful Zucchini with Ground Beef Skillet
Creating this Mediterranean Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet is incredibly straightforward, perfect for even novice cooks. Follow these simple steps for a delicious and healthy meal:
Step 1. Prepare and Cook the Aromatic Beef Mixture: Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or a sturdy pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and diced red onion. Sauté them for approximately 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and slightly softened. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Next, introduce the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and add the vibrant Mediterranean spices: cinnamon, allspice, cayenne pepper, paprika, and clove. Cook the mixture, stirring and breaking up the beef, until it is thoroughly browned and cooked through, ensuring no pink remains. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, it’s crucial to carefully drain any excess fat from the ground beef. This step prevents the dish from becoming greasy and allows the spices to truly shine. Return the flavorful beef back to the pan.
Step 2. Gently Cook the Zucchini Noodles: Once the beef is ready, add the spiralized zucchini noodles directly to the skillet with the beef mixture. Toss them gently to combine and heat on low for just about 2-3 minutes. Zucchini noodles cook very quickly, so be careful not to overcook them; you want them to be tender-crisp, not soggy. They’ll absorb the delicious flavors from the spiced beef perfectly.
Step 3. Garnish and Serve Warm: To finish this wonderful dish, sprinkle the creamy, tangy feta cheese generously over the top of the zucchini noodles and beef. If you prefer your feta cheese slightly melted and gooey, you can pop the entire skillet into a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 3 minutes, just until the cheese begins to soften. Finally, garnish with the freshly diced tomatoes, vibrant chopped parsley, and thinly sliced green onions. Serve your Mediterranean Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet immediately while warm, savoring every flavorful bite.
Serving Suggestions for Your Mediterranean Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet
This versatile Mediterranean Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be wonderfully complemented by various side dishes. For a light and refreshing addition, serve it with a simple Mediterranean chopped salad or a bowl of creamy tahini sauce. If you’re not strictly low-carb, a side of fluffy couscous, quinoa, or warm pita bread would be perfect for soaking up all the delicious juices. A dollop of homemade hummus or a tangy Greek yogurt sauce can also elevate the flavors beautifully.
Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about this Mediterranean Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet is how easily it can be adapted to suit your taste and what you have on hand:
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in other quick-cooking vegetables like diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), fresh spinach (add at the very end until wilted), or even some sliced mushrooms with the onions.
- Spice it Up (or Down): Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred level of heat. For an extra layer of flavor, a pinch of dried oregano or sumac can be added with the other spices.
- Different Cheeses: While feta is traditional and delicious, experiment with other cheeses like crumbled goat cheese, shredded mozzarella, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Introduce Olives or Capers: For a brinier, more savory kick, stir in some chopped Kalamata olives or capers during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Herb Alternatives: If parsley or green onions aren’t available, fresh dill or mint would also be wonderful additions, offering a different, yet complementary, Mediterranean flavor.
- Pine Nuts: For added texture and a nutty flavor, toast a handful of pine nuts in a separate dry skillet until golden, then sprinkle over the finished dish.
How to Store Zucchini Noodles and Meal Prep Tips
Preparing components of your meal in advance is a fantastic way to streamline your cooking process during the week. Zucchini noodles, in particular, can be prepped ahead, though there are a few tips to keep them at their best.
You can certainly make vegetable noodles, including zucchini noodles, ahead of time as a core part of your meal-prep routine. This strategy will significantly reduce your active cooking time when it comes to preparing dinner.
My top suggestion for storing spiralized zucchini is to keep them in an airtight glass Tupperware container lined with a paper towel. The paper towel helps to absorb any excess moisture, which is crucial for preventing them from becoming soggy. Stored this way, zucchini noodles can last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Alternatively, a ziplock bag works well too, just ensure as much air as possible is squeezed out before sealing.
Can I Make This Zucchini Skillet Recipe Ahead of Time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh due to the delicate nature of zucchini noodles, you can certainly prepare key components in advance to make assembly even quicker.
I find that zucchini noodles, especially once cooked and mixed, can start to get watery and soggy a couple of days after they are made. To maintain the best texture, I recommend cooking the spiced ground beef mixture entirely ahead of time. You can also spiralize your zucchini noodles and store them separately as described above.
Then, when you are ready to enjoy this delicious dish, simply reheat the beef mixture in your skillet, add the fresh zucchini noodles, and cook for just a few minutes until they are tender-crisp. Finish by adding the fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, feta, and herbs, and serve warm. This method ensures you get the freshest taste and best texture possible with minimal effort on busy nights.
Storage Tips for Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers of this delicious Mediterranean Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet, they can be stored easily. Transfer the cooled skillet contents into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. While the zucchini noodles may become a bit softer, the flavors will still be fantastic.
To reheat, you have a couple of options: Gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat on the stovetop until heated through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, heating in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until piping hot. Avoid over-microwaving to prevent the zucchini from becoming too mushy.
FAQs About This Mediterranean Skillet
Can I use frozen zucchini noodles?
While fresh zucchini noodles are preferred for texture, you can use frozen ones. Thaw them completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding them to the skillet to prevent a watery dish.
Is this recipe spicy?
The cayenne pepper adds a subtle warmth, not intense heat. You can adjust the amount to your preference or omit it entirely if you are sensitive to spice.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply omit the feta cheese. The dish will still be incredibly flavorful with the spiced beef and fresh vegetables.
What if I don’t have all the spices?
While the full spice blend creates the authentic Mediterranean flavor, if you’re missing one or two (excluding cinnamon and allspice which are key), the dish will still be tasty. You can also use a pre-made “7-spice” blend if you have it.
Can I add other proteins?
Ground chicken or turkey can be substituted for ground beef, though the flavor profile will be slightly different. Adjust cooking times as necessary to ensure they are cooked through.
More Delicious Beef Recipes to Explore
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Beef Kafta Meatballs
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Slow Cooker Mediterranean Beef Meatballs
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Greek Beef Pita Pizza
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Mediterranean Beef Kabobs
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Mediterranean Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 garlic , minced
- 1/4 red onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon clove
- 2 zucchini, spiralized
- 1 tomato, diced {or use canned diced tomatoes}
- 1 cup feta cheese, {you could try goat cheese or mozzarella}
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 4 green onions, chopped
Instructions
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Heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium high heat. Add the garlic and onion to the skillet and sauté for 2 minutes.
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Add the ground beef, cinnamon, allspice, cayenne pepper, paprika and clove and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain the fat from the ground beef and return to the pan.
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Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and heat on low for about 2-3 minutes, or until the noodles are soft.
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Sprinkle the feta cheese on top of the noodles and beef. If you want the feta chees slightly melted you can quickly heat it in the oven for about 3 minutes on 350 degress F.
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Top with diced tomatoes, parsley and green onions and serve warm.
Notes
- I find that zucchini noodles will start to get soggy a couple days after they are made.
- I would suggest you make the beef for this recipe ahead of time and also spiralize your noodles if you would like. Then when you are ready to make this dish you can just heat the beef and noodles in a skillet, add the toppings and serve it warm.
- You can make vegetable noodles ahead of time as part of your meal-prep.
- This will save you time when it comes to actually cooking during the week. My suggestion is to spiralize the vegetables and keep them in glass Tupperware lined with a paper towel for up to 5 days. You can also use a ziplock bag to keep them in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Today’s recipe is sponsored by the Ohio Beef Council. As always, opinions are 100% my own. We are committed to bringing you delicious, high-quality beef recipes that fit your lifestyle.