Debbie's Zucchini Skillet Dinner

Tender zucchini is simmered in a meaty tomato sauce with shell pasta in this family-pleasing dinner.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 50 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
• Calories: 484 Calories

Ingredients

• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 2 small zucchini, cubed
• 1 (28 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
• 2 cups seashell pasta
• 1 pound ground beef chuck
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese, or to taste
• 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; cook and stir beef and garlic in skillet until beef is crumbly, evenly browned, and no longer pink, about 10 minutes. Drain and discard any excess grease. Stir in zucchini, tomato sauce, oregano, and basil; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until zucchini is tender, about 15 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 2

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook shell pasta in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes. Drain.

Step 3

Stir pasta and whole tomatoes into zucchini mixture, breaking up tomatoes with a spoon. Continue to simmer until heated through, about 25 minutes more. Toss with Parmesan cheese.