One-Pan Taco Zucchini Skillet

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, One-Pan Taco Zucchini Skillet is here to save the day. Picture this: tender zucchini sautéed with seasoned ground beef (or turkey, if you prefer), topped with melted cheese, and finished off with all the classic taco fixings. It’s a simple, no-fuss recipe that comes together in one pan for minimal cleanup. Trust me, this is the kind of meal that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds!

The best part? It’s low-carb, loaded with veggies, and has all the bold, satisfying flavors you love from tacos, without the tortilla. You can make this skillet in just under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have time to fuss over dinner.

Why You’ll Love One-Pan Taco Zucchini Skillet

Here’s why this skillet is a total game-changer:

Super Quick and Easy

No need to spend hours in the kitchen—this one-pan wonder comes together in less than 30 minutes. Perfect for when you’re starving but don’t want to sacrifice flavor.

Packed with Flavor

The taco seasoning infuses the zucchini and ground meat with all those savory, slightly spicy flavors you love in tacos. The melted cheese ties it all together, creating a comforting, irresistible dish.

Healthy, Low-Carb Option

Say goodbye to tortillas and hello to zucchini! This dish is low-carb, making it a great option for anyone following a keto or low-carb lifestyle. Plus, you’re getting a good dose of veggies in every bite.

Versatile and Customizable

Want to make it spicier? Add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes. Need to make it vegetarian? Just swap out the meat for black beans or a plant-based alternative. This recipe is super adaptable!

One-Pan Cleanup

Less mess = more time to relax! The best part of this recipe is that it’s all cooked in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this tasty, taco-inspired skillet:

Ground Beef (or Ground Turkey)

This is the hearty base of the dish, providing all the protein and flavor you need. You can also use ground chicken or even plant-based crumbles if you prefer a lighter option.

Zucchini

Zucchini is the star of this recipe, adding a tender, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the seasoned meat. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins and fiber!

Taco Seasoning

You can use a store-bought taco seasoning packet or make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. It’s what gives the dish its bold, flavorful kick.

Shredded Cheese

Cheddar, Mexican blend, or whatever your favorite melting cheese is—this is what makes the dish gooey and irresistible!

Onion

A little sautéed onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish. Plus, it’s a great way to add a veggie boost.

Olive Oil

For sautéing the veggies and meat—nothing fancy, just a bit to help everything cook evenly.

Salsa or Diced Tomatoes

You can use salsa for an extra layer of flavor, or just canned diced tomatoes if you want to keep it simple.

Optional Toppings

Sour cream, guacamole, avocado, or fresh cilantro will take this dish to the next level. Feel free to top it off with your favorite taco toppings!

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are listed in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to make this one-pan taco magic? Here we go:

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and zucchini and sauté for about 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Meat

Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Add the Taco Seasoning

Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked meat and veggies. Stir to coat everything evenly, then pour in your salsa or diced tomatoes. Stir everything together, ensuring the seasoning and liquids are well mixed.

Step 4: Simmer and Melt the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Once it’s all nicely heated through, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the skillet from the heat. Top with your favorite taco toppings—sour cream, avocado, cilantro, and maybe a few extra dashes of hot sauce. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 330
Total Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 780mg
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 29g
Vitamin A: 10% DV
Vitamin C: 45% DV
Calcium: 20% DV
Iron: 15% DV

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve One-Pan Taco Zucchini Skillet

This skillet is super versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

With a Simple Salad

Serve it with a fresh, crunchy salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad contrasts perfectly with the warm, savory skillet.

On a Bed of Rice

For a more filling meal, serve it on top of a bed of rice. You can use cauliflower rice if you want to keep things low-carb, or go with traditional white or brown rice.

With Tortilla Chips

Want a little crunch on the side? Grab some tortilla chips and dip them into the skillet, taco-style!

As a Lettuce Wrap

For a keto-friendly option, serve this taco skillet in large lettuce leaves as wraps. It’s like making taco boats without the carbs.

Additional Tips

• Make It Spicy: If you love heat, stir in some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce when adding the taco seasoning.
• Swap the Meat: Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute would work perfectly in this dish.
• Make Ahead: You can make this dish in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stove and sprinkle on the cheese right before serving.
• Leftovers: This skillet also makes great leftovers. It’s a fantastic meal prep option that you can pack for lunches.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use zucchini noodles instead of regular zucchini?
A1: Yes! Zucchini noodles (zoodles) would work, but be careful not to overcook them. Add them at the very end of cooking to prevent them from getting soggy.

Q2: Can I make this recipe without cheese?
A2: Absolutely! You can skip the cheese, or substitute with a dairy-free version if you prefer.

Q3: Can I add more veggies?
A3: Yes! Feel free to toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach. The more veggies, the better!

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Q5: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A5: Yes! Simply swap the ground meat for black beans or a plant-based meat substitute like crumbled tofu or tempeh.

Q6: How can I make this spicier?
A6: Add some diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or a splash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.

Q7: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of salsa?
A7: Yes, you can use diced fresh tomatoes, but salsa adds extra flavor and seasoning. If you use fresh tomatoes, consider adding a bit more taco seasoning or a splash of lime juice.

Q8: Can I freeze this skillet?
A8: Yes, this skillet freezes well. Just allow it to cool completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Q9: Can I use a different meat, like ground chicken?
A9: Yes, ground chicken or turkey would work perfectly in this dish. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly before adding the seasoning.

Q10: How do I know when the zucchini is done cooking?
A10: The zucchini should be tender but still slightly firm, not mushy. If it starts to release too much water, you can drain it before adding the meat back in.

Conclusion

This One-Pan Taco Zucchini Skillet is the ultimate weeknight dinner—easy to make, packed with flavor, and full of veggies. It’s the perfect way to enjoy all the bold flavors of tacos in a lighter, low-carb form. Whether you’re cooking for the family or just looking for a quick meal, this skillet will not disappoint. Try it tonight, and prepare for everyone to ask for seconds!

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