Sizzling Ground Beef Dinner With Summer Vegetables: A 30-Minute For Busy Weeknights

Looking for a delicious and quick way to use ground beef with the season’s freshest vegetables? This Ground Beef Dinner With Summer Vegetables combines lean protein with colorful produce for a satisfying one-pan meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this versatile recipe makes good use of whatever summer vegetables you have on hand.

Introduction

When summer’s bounty is at its peak, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a hearty yet fresh Ground Beef Dinner With Summer Vegetables. This simple recipe transforms everyday ground beef into a flavor-packed meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and adaptability – you can use whatever summer vegetables are freshest at your local market or in your garden.

What makes this Ground Beef Dinner special is the perfect balance of savory meat and sweet, tender vegetables, all brought together with a light yet flavorful sauce that lets the natural ingredients shine. Whether you’re cooking for a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort.

Let’s dive into this colorful, nutritious Ground Beef Dinner With Summer Vegetables that will soon become your go-to weeknight meal!

Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Lean ground beef	1 pound (450g)	90/10 or 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio recommended
Yellow onion	1 medium	Diced
Garlic	3 cloves	Minced
Zucchini	2 medium	Cut into half-moons
Yellow squash	1 medium	Cut into half-moons
Bell peppers	2 (red and green)	Diced
Cherry tomatoes	1 cup	Halved
Fresh corn	2 ears	Kernels removed (about 1½ cups)
Olive oil	2 tablespoons
Italian seasoning	1 tablespoon
Paprika	1 teaspoon
Red pepper flakes	¼ teaspoon	Optional, for heat
Beef broth	½ cup	Low-sodium preferred
Tomato paste	2 tablespoons
Fresh basil	¼ cup	Chopped
Fresh parsley	¼ cup	Chopped
Salt and pepper	To taste
Grated Parmesan cheese	¼ cup	For serving

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	320
Protein	24g
Carbohydrates	18g
Fiber	4g
Sugar	8g
Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	6g
Cholesterol	65mg
Sodium	380mg
Vitamin A	25% DV
Vitamin C	80% DV
Calcium	10% DV
Iron	20% DV

Nutrition values are approximate and based on 4 servings

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you begin cooking this Ground Beef Dinner With Summer Vegetables, prepare all your ingredients. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and cut all vegetables to similar sizes for even cooking. Having everything ready will make the cooking process much smoother.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
3. Cook until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Season with half of the salt and pepper.
5. Once browned, transfer the meat to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pan.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Stir and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Summer Vegetables

1. Add the diced bell peppers to the pan and cook for 2 minutes.
2. Add the zucchini and yellow squash, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but still maintain some firmness.
3. Stir in the corn kernels and cook for 1 minute.

Step 5: Create the Sauce and Combine

1. Add the tomato paste to the vegetable mixture and stir to coat everything evenly.
2. Pour in the beef broth, stirring to create a light sauce.
3. Return the cooked ground beef to the pan and mix well to combine with the vegetables.
4. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for just 1-2 minutes until they begin to soften but don’t burst completely.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

1. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil and half of the parsley.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
3. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile Ground Beef Dinner With Summer Vegetables can be served in multiple ways to keep meals interesting throughout the week:

• Serve over cooked brown rice or quinoa for a hearty grain bowl
• Pair with crusty whole-grain bread to soak up the delicious sauce
• Spoon over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option
• Wrap in warm tortillas with a sprinkle of cheese for Ground Beef and Vegetable tacos
• Serve alongside a simple green salad for a complete and balanced meal
• Mix with cooked pasta and extra Parmesan for a pasta dish

The bright colors and fresh flavors of this summer vegetable and ground beef recipe make it an appealing dish for family dinners or casual entertaining.

Pro Tips

Take your Ground Beef Dinner With Summer Vegetables to the next level with these expert tips:

1. Choose the right beef: For the juiciest meat recipe, use ground beef with at least 15% fat content. If using leaner beef, consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil when browning.
2. Don’t overcook the vegetables: Summer vegetables cook quickly and taste best with a slight crunch. Add them in stages based on cooking time – harder vegetables first, softer ones last.
3. Season in layers: Add salt and pepper at different cooking stages rather than all at once to build flavor throughout the dish.
4. Fresh herbs matter: While dried herbs work in the cooking process, finishing with fresh herbs adds brightness and color to your meat dinner.
5. Let it rest: Allow the dish to rest off the heat for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
6. Prep ahead: For an even quicker weeknight meal, chop all vegetables up to 2 days in advance and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Variations

Keep your Ground Beef Dinner With Summer Vegetables exciting with these creative variations:

Mediterranean Style

Add 1/2 cup of kalamata olives, 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh lemon juice.

Mexican Inspired

Substitute the Italian seasoning with 2 teaspoons of taco seasoning, add 1 cup of black beans, and top with avocado slices and cilantro instead of parsley. Serve with lime wedges.

Asian Fusion

Replace the Italian seasoning with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of ginger, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Add snap peas instead of corn and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Vegetarian Alternative

Substitute the ground beef with 2 cups of chopped mushrooms or 1 package of plant-based ground meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Fall/Winter Version

When summer vegetables aren’t in season, substitute with root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and butternut squash. Increase cooking time for these hardier vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this Ground Beef Dinner With Summer Vegetables ahead of time?
A: Yes! This recipe actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Q: How can I make this recipe lower in carbs?
A: Skip the corn and serve the dish over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice or pasta.

Q: Can I freeze this Ground Beef Dinner?
A: Yes, this recipe freezes well. Cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: What can I substitute for beef broth?
A: Chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water with a bouillon cube will work. For extra flavor, you can use red wine diluted with equal parts water.

Q: My family doesn’t like zucchini. What else can I use?
A: You can substitute with any quick-cooking vegetable like green beans, broccoli florets, or asparagus pieces.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Dinner With Summer Vegetables proves that delicious, nutritious meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. By combining lean ground beef with the season’s freshest produce, you’ve created a colorful, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – adapt it to whatever vegetables look best at the market or whatever you need to use up from your fridge. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

We’d love to hear how your Ground Beef Dinner With Summer Vegetables turned out! Did you try any of our suggested variations? Do you have a favorite summer vegetable that worked particularly well? Share your experience in the comments below and don’t forget to check out more delicious meat recipes on our website.

For more quick and easy dinner ideas featuring your favorite proteins, visit www.dailymeatrecipe.com – your ultimate resource for delicious, reliable meat recipes the whole family will love!

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