Ground Beef, Butternut Squash & Zucchini Skillet

A hearty and flavorful one-pan meal made with savory ground beef, tender butternut squash, fresh zucchini, onions, and herbs. Perfect for an easy lunch or dinner!

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) ground beef
3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
1 medium zucchini, chopped
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the cubed butternut squash and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
Add the remaining olive oil, ground beef, and onion to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned.
Add garlic, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
Add the chopped zucchini and cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly tender.
Return the cooked butternut squash to the skillet.
Mix everything gently and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Nutrition Information (Approx. per serving)

Calories: 360 kcal
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 6g

Nut Information

This recipe does not contain nuts as written.

However, always check ingredient labels for possible cross-contamination. For a nut-free meal, use certified nut-free ingredients where necessary.

Q&A

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A: Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a lighter alternative.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes. Let it cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I use another vegetable instead of zucchini?
A: Absolutely! Bell peppers, eggplant, or mushrooms are great alternatives.

Q: How can I make it spicy?
A: Add red chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or chopped fresh chili.

Author
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Sara Mitchell

Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.

With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.