Creamy Italian Beef & Zucchini Skillet

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Creamy Italian Beef & Zucchini Skillet

Yield: 4

Author: Lauren Cohen, MS, RDN

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 20 MinTotal time: 35 Min

A lighter twist on a comforting Italian classic, this one-pan meal combines extra-lean ground beef, zucchini, marinara, and creamy, blended cottage cheese for a satisfying, high-protein dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights. It's a versatile recipe that pairs well with your favorite pasta or vegetable base.

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Ingredients

• 1 pound 96% extra lean ground beef
• 2 medium zucchini, diced
• 4 frozen garlic cubes (or 4 cloves garlic, minced)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese, blended until smooth
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and cooked through.
2. Add the zucchini and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just tender.
3. Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
4. Add the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
5. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the blended cottage cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top and stir until melted.
7. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.

Notes

Substitutions:

• Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used in place of the ground beef.

• Add baby spinach, mushrooms, or diced bell peppers for extra vegetables.

• Use your favorite marinara sauce. Choose one with no added sugar if preferred.

Serving Suggestions:

This recipe is delicious on its own or served over your favorite pasta or vegetable base. Try it with:

• Sea kelp noodles

• Spaghetti squash

• Whole wheat pasta

• Chickpea pasta

• Hearts of palm pasta

• Shirataki noodles

Lauren's Favorite: I love serving this over sea kelp noodles. They add volume, pair beautifully with the creamy marinara sauce, and make this dish especially satisfying while keeping it light.

Meal Prep:

This recipe is great for meal prep. Prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Pair it with your favorite pasta or vegetable base when ready to serve.

Storage:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Add a splash of marinara sauce or water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Time Saver:

Frozen garlic cubes or refrigerated garlic paste make prep quick and help reduce food waste. One frozen garlic cube is approximately equal to one clove of garlic.

Recommended Products

Dual Sided Meat Mallet with Tenderizer

Kitchen Scissors

Fine Mesh Sieve

Made In Cookware Set

Kosterina - Original Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Cold-Pressed Greek EVOO

Raineri Olive Oil

Zwilling Pro Knife Set

Oil Mister

Parchment Sheets

Nordic Ware Baking Sheet 21x16 Set

Grater With Container Box

Garlic Press

Spice World Garlic and Ginger Paste - 2 Pack

Mini Food Processor

Dorot Crushed Garlic

Nutrition Facts

Calories

216

Fat

7 g

Sat. Fat

3 g

Protein

34 g

Carbs

6 g

Fiber

1 g

Cholesterol

53 mg

Net carbs

5 g

Sodium

390 mg

Sugar

4 g

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @lauren.cohen.nutrition on instagram and hashtag it #onthetable

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