Description
Looking for a quick dinner that’s hearty, flavorful, and loaded with veggies? This Healthy Zucchini Beef Stir-Fry is your answer. With tender zucchini, lean ground beef, and bold seasonings, it’s the perfect go-to for those busy nights when you need a nutritious, satisfying meal fast. Whether you're hunting for easy dinner ideas, low-carb meals, or healthy food ideas, this recipe is ready in 30 minutes and perfect for weeknight cooking. Serve it on its own or with rice, quinoa, or a fried egg on top. A simple recipe that checks every box—flavor, nutrition, and convenience.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound lean ground beef (85–90%)
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon smoked paprika or chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 ½ cups crushed tomatoes
2 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise and sliced
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional, for topping)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Stir in bell pepper, smoked paprika or chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until peppers begin to soften.
5. Pour in crushed tomatoes and stir everything together. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to thicken.
6. Add zucchini slices and cook for another 5–6 minutes until just tender but still a bit crisp.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Serve hot with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream and sprinkle of chopped parsley.
Notes
Don’t overcook the zucchini—it should stay slightly firm to keep the stir-fry fresh and textured.
Taste as you go. Adjust the salt and spices after each step for maximum flavor control.
Want to make it vegetarian? Swap the beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: healthy dinner, low carb stir fry, zucchini recipe, ground beef recipe, easy dinner, quick meal