Ground Beef Zucchini & Rice Skillet Recipe
This Ground Beef Zucchini & Rice Skillet is the perfect one-pan meal! Packed with flavor, fresh veggies, and melted cheese, it’s quick, hearty, and beginner-friendly. Ideal for busy weeknights or make-ahead meals.
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.
Notes
For best texture, use day-old rice or rinse your rice before cooking. Try a Tex-Mex twist by using pepper jack cheese and adding black beans to this Ground Beef Zucchini & Rice Skillet.