Pan-Seared Beef with Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A lean, colorful dish featuring tender ground beef and vibrant vegetables, seasoned with fresh herbs for a satisfying meal. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 ready in about 25 minutes pairs lean ground beef, cherry tomatoes, avocado oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 260 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 260 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add ground beef, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp avocado oil to the skillet. Add zucchini and cherry tomatoes, stirring for 3-4 minutes until zucchini is tender but still firm.
  4. Step 4: Return cooked beef to the skillet. Add minced garlic, dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Toss to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Beef with Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Beef with Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep lean ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Beef with Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Beef with Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Beef with Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes?

Mediterranean whole30 like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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