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Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet (Mexican Inspired Flavors)

Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet is a hearty one-pan dinner made with lean beef, sweet potatoes, zucchini, black beans, corn, and cheese.
Ready in about 40 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights.
A family-friendly Mexican-inspired recipe that's easy, flavorful, and great for meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican-inspired

Ingredients
  

  • 2 teaspoons avocado oil
  • 1 medium sweet potato peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
  • 1 small zucchini diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper diced
  • 1 small red onion diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 15-ounce can fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 packet taco seasoning or 3 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
  • 1 cup Mexican-style or Monterey Jack shredded cheese blend

Optional Garnishes

  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Sliced green onions
  • Diced avocado
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Lime wedges
  • Jalapeño slices

Instructions
 

  • Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sweet potato cubes and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften.
  • Stir in the zucchini, red bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
  • Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the ground beef to the empty side and cook for 7–9 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles as it browns. Drain excess grease if necessary.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes with their juices, frozen corn, and taco seasoning. Stir everything together until evenly combined. This Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet comes together beautifully as the vegetables soak up the savory taco seasoning.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet, remove it from the heat, and let the cheese melt for about 2 minutes.
  • Garnish with cilantro, green onions, avocado, sour cream, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving.

Notes

  • Homemade taco seasoning lets you control the sodium and spice level.
  • Fire-roasted tomatoes add smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the beef.
  • Monterey Jack, Mexican blend, cheddar, or Pepper Jack cheese all work well.
  • Serve with warm tortillas, tortilla chips, cilantro lime rice, or a fresh green salad.
  • Leftovers make an excellent filling for burritos, tacos, or quesadillas.