One Pan Recipe: Grass Fed Beef and Zucchini Skillet

Grass Fed Beef and Zucchini Skillet

Grass Fed Beef and Zucchini Skillet

This one pan dish is perfect for using up oodles of zucchini as we get into the latter part of the summer, also known as “zucchini season”.

I recently saw this video by Becca Bristow, where she has a zucchini and turkey dinner, and I decided to adapt it for grass fed beef.

Quick. Simple. Healthful. Delicious. This recipe can stand alone as a tasty weeknight dinner, but I think the condiments take it to the next level. We enjoyed it with sour cream, green onions, sauerkraut, and pickled jalapenos. I have more ideas under “Serving Suggestions” down below. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 c quinoa, rinsed

  • 1 ½ c broth or water

  • 1 Tbsp butter

  • 1 onion, diced

  • 4 small or 1 very large zucchini (~ 3-4 cups), chopped

  • 1 lb Saint John’s organic grass-fed ground beef

  • 4-6 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs

  • ½  tsp salt

  • 2 ½ c grated cheese (We used sharp cheddar, but jack or other mild cheese would work well)

  • 4-5 stalks green onions, cut on the bias (optional)

METHOD

Red quinoa in Instant Pot.

Red quinoa in Instant Pot.

Start the quinoa. In the Instant Pot, add rinsed quinoa and broth with a pinch of salt. Cook on the “Manual” High Pressure setting for 1 minute and release the valve after 10 minutes of cool down. Alternatively cook on the stovetop with 2 cups of broth. Bring to boil, cover and reduce to simmer, and simmer for 15-18 minutes.

Onion sauteeing in butter.

Onion sauteeing in butter.

Preheat a skillet on medium high and add butter and chopped onion. Cook 5-7 minutes, until onion begins to soften and is opaque. Add a pinch of salt.

Zucchini sauteeing in skillet.

Zucchini sauteeing in skillet.

Add chopped zucchini to skillet and continue to cook for 3-4 minutes until zucchini just begins to soften. Add a pinch of salt.

Saint John’s organic, grass-fed ground beef cooking in skillet.

Saint John’s organic, grass-fed ground beef cooking in skillet.

Remove vegetables from pan and add ground beef. Once beef is almost cooked, add minced garlic, Italian herbs, and salt. Continue to cook until beef is completely cooked. Add a pinch of salt.

Beef, vegetables, quinoa, and cheese mixed in skillet.

Beef, vegetables, quinoa, and cheese mixed in skillet.

Remove from heat. Add vegetables, cooked quinoa, and ½ cup of cheese to skillet. Mix well and smooth top to make flat.

Beef and zucchini skillet topped with cheese.

Beef and zucchini skillet topped with cheese.

Preheat broiler and top skillet with remaining 2 cups of cheese. Broil 2-3 minutes, checking every minute to prevent burning.

Beef and Zucchini Skillet, ready to serve.

Beef and Zucchini Skillet, ready to serve.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

  • Seasonal herbs like basil, chives, or rosemary, minced

  • Sour cream

  • Pickled jalapenos

  • Sauerkraut

  • Salsa

  • Hot sauce

  • Paired with a summer garden salad and balsamic dressing

Enjoy this zucchini-packed summer dish! If you try this recipe, let us know by tagging us on Instagram or Facebook.