Craving something hearty and wholesome without a sink full of dishes? This Ground Beef Zucchini & Rice Skillet is a weeknight dinner dream. It’s quick, loaded with fresh veggies, and totally satisfying. I first whipped this up when I had leftover zucchini and rice—and now it’s a regular in my dinner rotation. With savory beef, tender zucchini, fluffy rice, and melted cheddar, it’s one of those all-in-one meals that hits every note. You’ll love how easy it is to prep, how budget-friendly it is, and how your kitchen smells like comfort food heaven.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Zucchini & Rice Skillet
You’re going to love this Ground Beef Zucchini & Rice Skillet for so many reasons:
- Hearty, balanced flavor: Lean ground beef, Cajun spices, and fresh veggies give every bite richness and depth.
- Easy cleanup: Just one skillet, from stovetop to table.
- Fresh and affordable: Uses budget-friendly ingredients you probably already have.
- Family-friendly: Cheesy, cozy, and full of comforting textures—even picky eaters dig in.
The Story Behind Ground Beef Zucchini & Rice Skillet
Where did the Ground Beef Zucchini & Rice Skillet come from? It’s one of those unassuming recipes rooted in smart, everyday cooking:
- Inspired by Southern and Cajun flavors, with a subtle spicy kick from Cajun seasoning and dried herbs.
- Zucchini and tomatoes are often found in summer garden harvests—making this skillet ideal for seasonal cooking.
- Rice-based skillet meals have been a family staple for generations, thanks to their ease and heartiness.
- One-pan meals gained popularity for a reason: they’re quick, cozy, and minimal fuss.
Key Ingredients in Ground Beef Zucchini & Rice Skillet
- Lean Ground Beef – Adds savory depth and richness without excess fat.
- Zucchini – Lightens the dish with moisture and texture while soaking in spices.
- Roma Tomatoes – Adds a burst of freshness and natural acidity.
- Jasmine Rice – Absorbs all the broth and seasoning, turning fluffy and tender.
- Cajun Seasoning – Delivers a bold flavor kick with a blend of spices.
- Cheddar Cheese – Melted over the top for a creamy, comforting finish.
How to Make Ground Beef Zucchini & Rice Skillet
Follow These Steps for the Perfect Skillet Meal
- Brown the beef
In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef for 5–6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. No pink should remain. - Drain and return
Drain the excess grease from the beef and return it to the skillet—this keeps the dish flavorful but not greasy. - Add the flavor base
Stir in the diced onion, green pepper, garlic, Cajun seasoning, basil, thyme, marjoram, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes to bring out the aromatics. - Toss in veggies and rice
Add cubed zucchini, seeded and diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and uncooked jasmine rice. Stir everything together until well mixed. - Bring to a boil, then simmer
Turn the heat up to bring it to a gentle boil. As soon as it bubbles, lower the heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 12–16 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the rice from sticking. - Melt the cheese
When the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, remove from heat. Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover again and let it sit until the cheese melts. - Serve warm
Dish it up while it’s hot and cheesy—straight from the skillet to your plate.
Ground Beef Zucchini & Rice Skillet Tips and Twists
Get Creative with These Cooking Ideas
Top Tips
- Dice your zucchini evenly so it cooks at the same rate.
- Use roma tomatoes—they’re less watery and more flavorful.
- Stir the skillet occasionally to avoid rice sticking to the bottom.
- Want extra spice? Add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce.
- Let the cheese sit covered for 3–5 minutes for the best melt.
Twists to Try
- Tex-Mex Twist: Swap cheddar for pepper jack and stir in black beans.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace rice with riced cauliflower.
- Italian Style: Use Italian seasoning and mozzarella instead of Cajun and cheddar.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
Make the most of your Ground Beef Zucchini & Rice Skillet leftovers:
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
- Make-Ahead: Brown the beef and chop veggies in advance; just combine and cook when ready.
What to Serve with Ground Beef Zucchini & Rice Skillet
This skillet can stand on its own, but here are a few perfect pairings:
- Grilled Vegetables – For extra color and nutrients. Try this grilled veggie recipe.
- Cucumber Tomato Salad – Light and refreshing. Make it here.
- Avocado Toast – A creamy, toasty side to balance the spice. Get the recipe.
- Iced Tea or Lemonade – A cool, citrusy drink complements the Cajun spices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine?
Yes, but you’ll need to add 10–15 minutes of cook time and more broth.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a gentle kick from Cajun seasoning. Adjust to your taste.
Can I freeze it?
Yes—freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stove or microwave.
What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or mozzarella also melt beautifully.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes—use plant-based ground meat or lentils, and vegetable broth instead.
Enjoy Your Ground Beef Zucchini & Rice Skillet
There’s nothing like a skillet dinner that brings bold flavor, fresh veggies, and cheesy comfort—all in one pan. This Ground Beef Zucchini & Rice Skillet is your weeknight hero, easy enough for beginners and tasty enough to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re making it for family dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s one of those simple, feel-good recipes you’ll want to make again and again. Now grab your skillet and let’s get cooking!
Explore More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this recipe, here are a few more one-pan or comforting meals worth trying:
- Stuffed Bell Peppers – A classic beef and veggie combo in edible bowls. Get the recipe
- Easy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup – Creamy, cozy, and great for cooler nights. Try it now
- Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti – Let your slow cooker do the work! Here’s how
- Grilled Chicken Wraps – A lighter, portable meal idea. Make them here
- Quick Chicken Parm Sandwich – Perfect for using up leftovers creatively. Check it out
Ground Beef Zucchini & Rice Skillet Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large onion peeled & diced
- 1 green bell pepper seeded & diced
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 pinch dried basil
- 1 pinch dried thyme
- 1 pinch dried marjoram
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 medium zucchini cubed
- 4½ large roma tomatoes seeded & diced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup jasmine rice or basmati
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef for 5–6 minutes, crumbling as it browns.
- Drain excess grease and return the beef to the skillet.
- Stir in onion, green pepper, garlic, Cajun seasoning, basil, thyme, marjoram, salt, and pepper.
- Add zucchini, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and rice. Mix well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Simmer for 12–16 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender.
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover and let sit until cheese is melted. Serve warm.