This Ground Beef with Summer Vegetables is the perfect balance of savory beef and fresh, colorful veggies. The combination of zucchini, yellow squash, and bell peppers makes it both hearty and light. With the natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes and a touch of aromatic herbs, every bite is packed with flavor.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—just one skillet to cook everything! It’s an excellent weeknight dinner that you can easily prepare in under 30 minutes. Whether you enjoy it on its own or served over rice or quinoa, this meal is sure to become a family favorite. It’s an excellent choice for meal prepping, too!
Full Recipe:
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1 lb ground beef
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 zucchini, diced
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1 yellow squash, diced
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1 red bell pepper, chopped
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
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Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft.
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Stir in the zucchini, yellow squash, and bell pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
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Add the cherry tomatoes, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the tomatoes have softened and the flavors have melded together.
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Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why This Recipe Works
One of the biggest reasons this recipe is so popular is because of how versatile and customizable it is. You can switch up the vegetables depending on what’s in season, available in your pantry, or what you have on hand. Zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes are just the start, and adding ingredients like eggplant, mushrooms, or leafy greens can enhance the dish even further. The flexibility of this dish allows you to experiment and create different variations depending on your preferences or dietary restrictions.
The dish also benefits from its simplicity. The ground beef is cooked in one skillet, and the vegetables are sautéed alongside, absorbing all of the savory, aromatic flavors from the beef. The ease of cooking, combined with the short cooking time, makes it a perfect meal for busy families or anyone looking for a quick yet nutritious dinner option.
The Health Benefits of Ground Beef and Vegetables
Ground beef is an excellent source of protein and iron, essential nutrients that help in maintaining muscle mass and supporting red blood cell production. When paired with summer vegetables, the dish provides a well-rounded meal that offers fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and squash are low in calories, high in antioxidants, and packed with nutrients like vitamin C and potassium. Vitamin C is particularly beneficial for boosting immunity and promoting healthy skin, while potassium helps regulate blood pressure and supports heart health.
This dish is not only great for those looking to add more vegetables to their meals but also for individuals who want to enjoy a hearty, protein-packed dish without it being too heavy. The balance of vegetables and ground beef makes it a filling yet healthy choice, providing sustained energy without the crash often associated with more carb-heavy meals.
Customizing the Dish for Your Taste
The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability. You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For those who prefer a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to give it a spicy kick. If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can swap out the ground beef for a leaner protein like ground turkey or chicken.
Additionally, you can make this recipe vegan by omitting the ground beef entirely and using a plant-based protein substitute such as lentils or a meat alternative like tofu. Vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or cauliflower can help create a similar texture to the ground beef, making it an excellent option for plant-based eaters.
For an even more flavorful experience, consider adding fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano. Fresh basil can also provide a fragrant garnish, adding brightness and a burst of flavor right before serving.
How to Serve Ground Beef with Summer Vegetables
This recipe is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. If you’re looking to keep it light, you can enjoy it as-is, allowing the beef and vegetables to shine. However, for a heartier meal, you can pair it with whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, or couscous. These options will complement the flavors of the beef and vegetables, while also providing an additional source of fiber and nutrients.
If you’re in the mood for something even more filling, try serving it over mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes. The rich and savory beef mixture will soak into the potatoes, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
Another way to enjoy this dish is by wrapping it in lettuce leaves to create a low-carb wrap, perfect for anyone looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake. The crisp lettuce adds a refreshing crunch to the savory beef and veggie mixture, making for a light yet flavorful meal.
For a Mediterranean twist, you can serve it with a side of hummus and pita bread. The creamy hummus balances the savory beef, while the pita adds an extra layer of texture and flavor. This is a great option if you’re looking to add a bit more variety to your meal and make it feel like a more exotic dish.
Meal Prep and Storage
This Ground Beef with Summer Vegetables is also an excellent meal prep option. Since the dish comes together quickly and easily, it can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for later use. The leftovers keep well for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container, making it perfect for a grab-and-go lunch or dinner throughout the week.
When reheating, simply heat it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. If you find that the dish has dried out a bit, you can add a splash of water or broth to bring back the moisture and enhance the flavors.
This recipe also freezes well for up to 3 months, making it a great option for batch cooking. Simply store the cooled dish in freezer-safe containers, and when you’re ready to eat, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed. Having this dish in your freezer ensures that you always have a nutritious and easy meal on hand, no matter how busy your week gets.
A Perfect Dish for All Occasions
Whether you’re hosting a casual weeknight dinner, preparing a meal for a gathering, or just need something simple yet satisfying, Ground Beef with Summer Vegetables fits the bill. It’s easy enough for everyday meals but delicious enough to serve to guests. The vibrant colors and flavors make it visually appealing, and the combination of beef and veggies ensures that everyone will be satisfied.
In addition to its taste and versatility, this dish is a great way to showcase the best of summer produce. As the weather warms and fresh vegetables become abundant, this recipe allows you to take full advantage of the season’s bounty. It’s an ideal way to celebrate the flavors of summer, while still maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet.
Conclusion
Ground Beef with Summer Vegetables is a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that checks all the boxes for a satisfying dinner. The simplicity of the ingredients, combined with the versatility of the dish, makes it an excellent choice for families, meal prepping, or anyone looking for an easy yet flavorful meal. Whether you enjoy it as a standalone dish, served with grains, or wrapped in lettuce, the rich and savory flavors will surely become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.
By incorporating fresh vegetables and lean protein into your meals, you’re ensuring that you get a healthy dose of nutrients and maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing taste. The best part is that you can customize the dish to your liking, making it a flexible option for various dietary needs. Easy to prepare, perfect for leftovers, and full of vibrant flavors, this recipe is one that will undoubtedly satisfy your hunger and leave you feeling nourished.