Recipes | Beef | 30 Minute Zucchini Ground Beef Rice Skillet

30 Minute Zucchini Ground Beef Rice Skillet

Sharing is caring!

Craving a comforting, Zucchini Ground Beef Rice Skillet after a long day? You’re not alone. When time is short and hungry bellies are loud, busy moms (and dads!) need a quick, filling dinner solution that doesn’t involve a million dishes. This one-pan meal is hearty, flavorful, and flexible enough to make it your own. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients like ground beef, rice, and fresh zucchini—making it a favorite even with picky eaters.

I have so many great Easy Ground Beef Recipes that you need to check out as well!

With just a few pantry staples and fresh veggies, you’ll have dinner ready in 30 minutes. This quick skillet meal is ideal for weeknights when you want a warm meal without the fuss or cleanup. Let’s dive in!

A savory skillet dish featuring tender zucchini, seasoned ground beef, vibrant red peppers, and fluffy rice. The text overlays as Zucchini Ground Beef Skillet, with the mouthwatering meal displayed twice in the image, framing the words beautifully.

This savory ground beef zucchini skillet is more than just fast—it’s bursting with rich, savory flavors from the perfectly seasoned beef, fluffy rice, and tender zucchini. It’s a reliable dinner solution that fills your kitchen with comforting aromas and your family’s plates with something satisfying.

Make certain to check out our other Quick and Easy Ground Beef Recipes for even more great meal ideas to feed the family fast!

This skillet meal is so good you just might find yourself making it all the time! Add it to your meal planning radar so that you can enjoy the fresh taste of zucchini all year long.

I also highly recommend trying these Kid-Friendly Ground Beef Recipes!

Why You’ll Love 30 Minute Zucchini Ground Beef Rice Skillet

This easy beef skillet dinner is the superhero of weeknight meals—here’s why:

  • Quick and Easy: Dinner’s ready in 30 minutes with minimal chopping or prep.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes means more downtime after dinner.
  • Customizable: Swap in brown rice, add cheese, or throw in extra veggies.
  • Kid-Approved: Even little ones enjoy the mild, savory flavors.
  • Budget-Friendly: Made from inexpensive staples you probably already have.

Serve it up with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, or some crushed tortilla chips on top. It’s also great in a tortilla wrap for leftovers the next day!

This post contains affiliate links, which means I earn a commission when anything is bought. This is at no additional cost to you. 

🍳 My New Favorite — With a Reader Discount!

This is my new favorite nonstick skillet I use every single week — and I’ve got a deal just for you!

Elite 5.5-Quart Oval Electric Skillet

🛍️ Elite 5.5-Quart Oval Electric Skillet

  • ✔️ Non-toxic & PFAS-free
  • ✔️ Easy to clean (even after cheesy eggs!)
  • ✔️ Beautiful enough to serve in

🌿 $25 off a $150+ purchase with code: 3BOYSANDADOG

Shop GreenPan – Save $25

🟢 “400+ readers clicked this code last month – I truly love this pan!”

A white plate with a zucchini and rice skillet dish, featuring sliced zucchini, ground meat, tomatoes, and red bell peppers in a savory sauce. Above, text reads Zucchini recipe, easy dinner. The background shows a colorful woven cloth.

Ingredients for 30 Minute Zucchini Ground Beef Rice Skillet

This recipe is all about simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating the hearty, flavorful base that makes this dish such a hit.

  • Ground Beef – The flavorful base of the dish, adding richness and protein.
  • Zucchini – Fresh and tender, it soaks up the flavors and adds a veggie boost.
  • Cooked Rice – Fills out the skillet for a hearty, comforting finish.
  • Onion and Garlic – Classic aromatics to build depth of flavor.
  • Tomato Sauce – Brings everything together with a light tang.
  • Seasonings – Think salt, pepper, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes for kick.

Want exact measurements and a printable version of the recipe? Scroll to the recipe card below for all the details you need to get started!

Instructions to Make 30 Minute Zucchini Ground Beef Rice Skillet

Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it apart as it cooks, and let it develop that rich, golden color.

Add chopped onions and garlic, and let them cook until translucent. Toss in the zucchini, allowing it to soften and absorb the savory flavors.

Next, stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, and your seasonings. Let everything simmer together so the flavors can meld. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed—this dish is forgiving and flavorful!

Dinner Tips and Tricks

  • Use pre-cooked rice to save time—leftover rice from another meal is perfect here.
  • Dice the zucchini evenly for consistent texture and cooking.
  • Add a handful of shredded cheddar or mozzarella at the end for a melty finish.
  • Swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage if you’d like a twist.

Troubleshooting Zucchini Ground Beef Rice Skillet

  • Too watery? Let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce liquid.
  • Zucchini too mushy? Add it later in the cooking process to retain more texture.
  • Needs more flavor? A dash of Worcestershire or soy sauce adds umami depth.

Recommended Resources

Make sure you have the right tools at hand to create this recipe with ease! Here are my top picks for preparing and serving Zucchini Ground Beef Rice Skillet:

  • Nonstick Skillet with Lid – Ideal for browning beef and simmering all the ingredients without sticking.
  • Chopping Board Set – Great for quickly prepping your onions, garlic, and zucchini.
  • Rice Cooker – Makes fluffy rice with no guesswork, perfect for quick weeknight meals.

2 Pack Apronner Bib Aprons for Women Soft Cotton Linen Kitchen Cooking Chef Apron with Pockets Adjustable Machine Washable 003Meat Chopper, Hamburger Chopper, Premium Heat Resistant Mix Chopper, Ground Beef Chopper Tool & Meat Fork, Potato Masher,Safe for Non-Stick CookwareFarberware Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set, 15 Piece, PewterFast Defrosting Tray - Meat Thawing Board for Natural Thawing Frozen Meat and Food - Miracle Thaw for Fridge - Rapid Thaw Defrosting Plate to Keep Original Food Flavor - Large with Drip Tray

 

Customizing this Dinner Recipe for Every Diet

This zucchini rice skillet dinner is flexible enough to fit most dietary needs:

Would you like to save this?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later! You'll also get regular recipes & printables to your inbox!

  • Gluten-Free – Naturally gluten-free if all your seasonings and tomato sauce are, too!
  • Low-Carb – Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
  • Dairy-Free – Skip cheese toppings or use your favorite dairy-free version.
  • Vegetarian – Omit the beef and use black beans or lentils instead.

Making a Meal Out of 30 Minute Zucchini Ground Beef Rice Skillet

While this skillet dinner stands on its own, you can stretch it into a full meal:

Vegetable Side: Frozen Asparagus

Starch Side: Chunky Bacon Potato Soup

Refreshing Drink: Blue Mocktail Recipes

Don’t forget Dessert: Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies

A plate of ground beef stir-fried with zucchini and red peppers, garnished with herbs. A fork rests on the plate, next to a skillet filled with the savory rice dish. The text at the top reads Ground Beef Skillet Meal Idea made with zucchini.

Recipes with Ground Beef

Looking to use up the rest of that ground beef? Here are more delicious ideas:

This Pineapple Beef Stir Fry is a hit every time that I make it!

The kids love the taste and flavor of this Instant Pot Ground Beef Hash.

This John Wayne Casserole is the perfect way to introduce a tasty meal to your family.

This Easy recipe: Indiana Chowder is a simple 30-minute meal!

Check out this list of Ground Beef Recipes using Taco Seasoning for more tasty meal recipes.

If you’re looking for a hearty meal that everyone will love, check out this Rotel Dip with Ground Beef.

My tummy is always happy when I make up these Ground Beef and Bisquick Recipes.

A delectable zucchini ground beef skillet dish features rice, vibrant red bell peppers, and perfectly sliced zucchini. The top of the image boasts the text Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet Simple Dinner Recipe.

FAQs about 30 Minute Zucchini Ground Beef Rice Skillet

Yes! Store it in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Any kind—white, brown, or even cauliflower rice for low-carb!

Definitely. Portion it into containers and freeze for up to 2 months.

Nope—salsa or diced tomatoes can work in a pinch.

Shop My Printables

These printables are great for meal planning and organizing! Simply click the image to check out my shop products!

30 Minute Zucchini Ground Beef Rice Skillet Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time.

Leftovers are amazing in:

  • Tortillas (hello, quick burritos!)
  • Topped on baked potatoes
  • Mixed into scrambled eggs

Zucchini Ground Beef Rice Skillet

Kelli Miller
This is such a simple meal for the entire family to enjoy. I love the meat and veggie combination!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 415 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chuck
  • 1 diced red bell pepper
  • 1 diced onion
  • 2-3 zucchini cut up
  • 1 15 ounce can of diced tomatoes
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 Cup(s) long grain white rice
  • 2 Cup(s) ofwater

Instructions
 

  • Saute the beef, bell pepper, and onion in a skillet on medium-high heat until the beef is browned all the way. Drain.
  • Add in the rest of the ingredients and stir. Cover. Let the mixture come to a boil, reduce the heat and stir as you need to. Cook until the rice is tender, which should take around 20 minutes or so.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 415kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 35gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 101mgSodium: 785mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6g
Keyword Zucchini Ground Beef Rice Skillet
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

More Recipes Like 30 Minute Zucchini Ground Beef Rice Skillet

Love this skillet meal? Try these next:

This Zucchini Ground Beef Rice Skillet proves that delicious dinners don’t have to be complicated. Save this one to your favorites or share it with your fellow busy parents—it’s the perfect solution for those nights when you need a warm, hearty meal in a flash. And hey, if you come up with a fun twist on this recipe, drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear how you make it your own!

Are you going to add this easy skillet dinner to your meal planning radar?

Sharing is caring!

Similar Posts

5 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating