Beef and Zucchini is a creamy and flavorful dish that combines extra-lean ground beef, fresh zucchini, and a luscious cream of mushroom sauce. This recipe is a fantastic way to make use of the abundance of zucchini that often comes from the garden during the summer months. With its tender beef, tender-crisp zucchini, and creamy sauce, this dish offers a satisfying and delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy. By utilizing the slow cooker, you can effortlessly prepare this dish and let the flavors meld together while you attend to other tasks.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound (455 g) extra-lean ground beef
- ½ cup (80 g) chopped onion
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups (480 g) zucchini, sliced
- 10 ounces (280 g) low-sodium cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup (110 g) shredded Swiss cheese
PREPARATION
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the extra-lean ground beef with the chopped onion and black pepper until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Layer the sliced zucchini and the beef mixture alternately in the slow cooker, creating alternating layers of zucchini and beef.
- Pour the low-sodium cream of mushroom soup over the zucchini and beef layers, ensuring that everything is evenly covered.
- Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese on top of the soup layer, evenly distributing it across the dish.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours or until the zucchini is tender and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
YIELD
- 4 servings
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING
- 281 g water
- 454 calories (59% from fat, 29% from protein, 11% from carbs)
- 33 g protein
- 30 g total fat
- 14 g saturated fat
- 11 g monounsaturated fat
- 2 g polyunsaturated fat
- 13 g carbs
- 2 g fiber
- 5 g sugar
- 449 mg phosphorus
- 358 mg calcium
- 3 mg iron
- 364 mg sodium
- 980 mg potassium
- 524 IU vitamin A
- 71 mg ATE vitamin E
- 23 mg vitamin C
- 111 mg cholesterol
Beef and Zucchini is a delightful dish that brings together the savory flavors of extra-lean ground beef, tender zucchini, and a creamy mushroom sauce. This recipe is especially useful when you find yourself with an abundance of zucchini from your garden or local farmers’ market. By using the slow cooker, you can effortlessly create a flavorful and satisfying meal that requires minimal effort and time.
The combination of extra-lean ground beef and zucchini provides a good balance of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Lean beef is a great source of high-quality protein, iron, and B vitamins, while zucchini is rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins A and C. Together, they create a nutritious and well-rounded meal.
The creamy mushroom sauce made from low-sodium cream of mushroom soup adds a luscious and savory element to the dish. The mushroom soup provides a rich and comforting base that coats the beef and zucchini, adding depth and flavor to every bite. The addition of shredded Swiss cheese on top adds a delightful cheesy element that melts into the sauce, enhancing the overall creaminess and taste of the dish.
Beef and Zucchini is a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to vary the flavor profile. Additionally, you can add your favorite herbs and spices, such as garlic powder, thyme, or paprika, to further enhance the taste.
This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. By using the slow cooker, you can let the flavors meld together while you focus on other tasks or enjoy some leisure time. The slow cooking process allows the zucchini to become tender and infused with the flavors of the beef and mushroom sauce.
In conclusion, Beef and Zucchini is a fantastic recipe to utilize the abundance of zucchini and create a hearty and flavorful meal. Whether you’re looking for a convenient weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this creamy beef and zucchini combination is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the delicious flavors and textures of this dish and savor the taste of summer’s harvest.
