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Healthy Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet: Easy One Pan Dinner

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A quick and easy one-pan dinner featuring lean ground beef, melted cheese, and tender veggies. Ready in 25 minutes, this healthy comfort food is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (93% lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 medium bell pepper (any color), diced
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Optional: fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Let it shimmer for about 30 seconds.
  2. Cook the aromatics: Add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until onion is translucent and pepper softens.
  3. Brown the beef: Add ground beef. Break it up and let cook undisturbed for 2 minutes, then stir and cook until no pink remains (5-6 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Add garlic and zucchini: Stir in minced garlic and diced zucchini. Cook for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant and zucchini starts to soften.
  5. Build the sauce: Add diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Simmer and thicken: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a splash more broth if too dry.
  7. Add the cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and cook for 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Rest and serve: Remove from heat and let sit for 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.

Notes

Taste the sauce before adding cheese and adjust seasoning. For a creamier texture, stir some cheese into the skillet before topping. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: healthy cheesy ground beef skillet, one pan dinner, ground beef recipe, quick weeknight dinner, cheesy skillet, low carb dinner, gluten free dinner

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