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Skillet Beef with Zucchini, Squash and Mustard Greens

Prep 15 min Cook 20 min Difficulty 2/5

One-pan skillet beef with zucchini, squash, and mustard greens—quick, budget-friendly, and veggie-rich.

Why this recipe works

This skillet beef with zucchini, yellow squash, and mustard greens is a quick, budget-friendly one-pan meal. It suits busy weeknights, small kitchens, and anyone who wants a hearty veggie-forward dish.

Search intent: One-pan beef and vegetable skillet recipe
  • one-pan beef recipe
  • zucchini and squash skillet
  • mustard greens with beef
  • ground beef meal prep
  • easy weeknight dinner
  • vegetable-forward dinner
  • quick skillet recipe
  • budget-friendly dinner

Key takeaways

One-pan meal with greens for quick nutrition
Adjust seasoning to taste at end
Waste-free: use ample vegetables to bulk the dish

Recipe guide

This skillet beef with zucchini, yellow squash, and mustard greens is a quick, budget-friendly one-pan meal. It suits busy weeknights, small kitchens, and anyone who wants a hearty veggie-forward dish.

A complete, easy weeknight dinner in one skillet.

  • One-pan meal with greens for quick nutrition
  • Adjust seasoning to taste at end
  • Waste-free: use ample vegetables to bulk the dish

How to prep and cook

Dice zucchini and yellow squash, finely chop onion, and mince garlic. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, brown beef, season with paprika, salt, and pepper, then add the zucchini and squash. Cook until tender, then fold in mustard greens until wilted.

Tips for best texture

Don't overcrowd the skillet—cook in batches if needed. Let vegetables brown slightly for flavor, then add greens last to preserve color and nutrients.

Serving and storage

Serve warm, optionally with a simple grain or crusty bread. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground hamburger meat
  • 1 cup chopped mustard greens
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 small yellow squash, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned and no longer pink.
  5. Season beef with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper; stir to combine.
  6. Add diced zucchini and yellow squash to the skillet and toss with the beef.
  7. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  8. Stir in chopped mustard greens and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then remove from heat and serve.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, turkey works; adjust fat and cook time as needed.
Can I substitute other greens? Kale or spinach can replace mustard greens for a similar sautéed texture.
How can I make it spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to finish.