Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pan Taco Zucchini Skillet is a wholesome, low-carb meal that packs all the bold flavors of tacos into a single, easy-to-make dish. Loaded with ground meat, tender zucchini, and zesty taco seasoning, it’s quick to prepare, great for meal prep, and perfect for a light yet satisfying dinner.
ingredients
Ground beef or turkey
Zucchini (diced or sliced)
Onion (chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Tomato (diced or canned)
Taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Fresh cilantro or green onions (for garnish)
Optional: corn, black beans, or jalapeños for extra flavor
directions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
Add ground meat, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water. Mix until well coated.
Add zucchini and tomatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 5-7 minutes until zucchini is tender.
Sprinkle cheese over the top and cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes until melted.
Garnish with cilantro or green onions. Serve as-is or with rice, tortillas, or chips.
Servings and timing
Serves 4-6
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations

Use yellow squash or bell peppers in place of zucchini.
Add quinoa or brown rice for a grain-based version.
Top with sour cream or avocado slices.
Use plant-based meat for a vegetarian option.
storage/reheating
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.
Freeze for up to 2 months—thaw and reheat before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, add chili flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce.
Can I use frozen zucchini?
Fresh is best for texture, but thawed and drained frozen zucchini can work.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s low in carbs and fits well in a keto diet.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, just skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
What’s the best way to serve it?
Over rice, in a tortilla, or just on its own!
Conclusion
One-Pan Taco Zucchini Skillet is a flavorful, nutritious meal that’s ready in no time and packed with taco goodness. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need something quick, tasty, and satisfying with minimal cleanup.
PrintOne-Pan Taco Zucchini Skillet
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Skillet Entree
- Method: One-Pan Sauté
- Cuisine: Tex‑Mex
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A vibrant, one-pan skillet featuring seasoned ground beef and tender zucchini topped with melty cheese—an easy, low-carb twist on classic tacos.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (or turkey)
- 2 medium zucchini, diced (about 3 cups)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef and taco seasoning; cook 5–7 minutes, breaking beef into crumbles until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in diced zucchini and tomatoes; cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook 5–7 minutes until zucchini is tender-crisp.
- Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top. Reduce heat to low and cover; cook 2–3 minutes until cheese melts.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with cilantro if desired, and serve hot — with tortilla chips, over rice, or in tortillas if preferred.
Notes
- Make it vegetarian: swap beef for black beans or plant-based meat crumbles.
- Add heat: include chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce.
- Bulk it up: stir in corn, bell peppers, or black beans.
- Low-carb: serve over cauliflower rice or with lettuce wraps.
- Make-ahead: cook beef mixture ahead; add zucchini just before reheating to keep it crisp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
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