Description
Savory ground beef mingles beautifully with zucchini in this low-carb keto skillet recipe from Mediterranean kitchens. Satisfying protein and fresh vegetables combine for a quick, nutritious meal you can enjoy in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) Ground beef
- 2 medium Zucchini/Courgettes (sliced into half-moons)
- ¾ cup (180ml) Basil pesto (or more to taste)
- ½ cup (60g) Goat cheese (crumbled)
- 2 tbsps Fresh parsley (chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Sea salt
- ½ tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Heat Skillet: Warm a spacious skillet over medium heat, creating an ideal cooking surface for even temperature distribution.
- Sauté Aromatics: Introduce finely chopped garlic, gently sautéing until fragrant and translucent, releasing their aromatic essence into the pan.
- Brown Beef: Increase heat to medium-high, add ground beef seasoned with sea salt and black pepper. Methodically break apart the meat using a sturdy spatula, ensuring comprehensive browning and caramelization for 7-10 minutes.
- Add Zucchini: Integrate thinly sliced zucchini into the beef mixture, folding carefully and cooking for 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and promote uniform caramelization without overcooking the vegetables.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove skillet from heat, drizzle basil pesto over the mixture, and thoroughly incorporate. Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese and freshly chopped parsley, gently folding to distribute creamy and herbaceous elements evenly throughout the dish.
Notes
- Optimize Meat Browning: Ensure ground beef is dry before cooking to achieve perfect caramelization and prevent steaming, which can make meat tough and watery.
- Control Zucchini Moisture: Cut zucchini into uniform thin slices to prevent excess water release, maintaining a crisp texture and preventing dish from becoming soggy.
- Enhance Flavor Layering: Sauté garlic first to build a robust flavor foundation, allowing aromatics to infuse the entire dish with depth and complexity.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Add goat cheese off direct heat to preserve its creamy texture and prevent breaking, ensuring smooth distribution throughout the skillet.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 90mg