Zucchini Rice, plus Ground Meat

Need a quick dinner that tastes like you put in way more effort? This Zucchini Rice, plus Ground Meat is our kind of home cooking: savory beef in the updated video, soft zucchini, fluffy jasmine rice, garlic, and plenty of fresh dill. The rice cooks while the meat and vegetables brown, so the whole meal is ready in 25 minutes. Our mom and we have made versions of it for as long as we can remember.

Before you start

• Ground meat turns zucchini rice into a complete, satisfying lunch or dinner.
• The updated video uses ground beef, but turkey, chicken, pork, or lamb work too.
• Cook the rice separately while the meat and vegetables brown in the skillet.
• Fine, even pieces of zucchini and onion soften quickly and mix into every bite.

What stands out

Where we're from in Bulgaria, we’re good at turning a few humble ingredients into a proper meal. This isn’t a traditional Bulgarian dish, but it comes from that way of cooking.

Browning the meat gives the rice its savory flavor, the finely diced zucchini softens quickly, and fresh dill keeps every bite bright. Serve it with plain yogurt or a cold bowl of tarator and good luck not going back for another spoonful.

Ingredients

Makes 4 bowls

• 1 cup jasmine rice, or your favorite rice
• 1 pound ground beef, any ground meat
• 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
• ½ teaspoon pepper, to taste
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 1 medium zucchini, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 handful fresh dill, finely chopped

Equipment

• Cutting Board
• Chefs Knife
• Measuring Cups + Spoons
• Rice Cooker
• Redmond Real Salt
• Garlic Press
• Ceramic Pans

Method

The Rice

1. Rinse the rice well (until the water runs clear). Then, cook the rice per the package instructions and set aside. We like to use our rice cooker but feel free to use the stove-top method as well.

The Meat

1. To a pan on medium heat, add the ground meat. Using a wooden spatula, break up the meat and stir while it cooks, 8 to 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. The water will evaporate and the meat should start to 'pop'. Next, add the salt and pepper.
2. Now, reduce the heat to medium-low, add the onions and zucchini and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and remove the skillet from the heat.
3. Stir in the fresh dill, if using, and the cooked fluffy rice. Gently mix everything together and enjoy.

Choose Your Ground Meat

The updated video uses ground beef, while the original recipe card uses ground turkey and allows any ground meat. Beef, turkey, chicken, pork, or lamb can all work here, so use the one you enjoy.

Cooking time changes with the meat you choose. Cook ground beef, pork, or lamb to 160°F and ground turkey or chicken to 165°F, then let the thermometer make the final call.

Keep the Zucchini Pieces Fine

Give the zucchini and onion a fine, even dice. They only get a few minutes in the skillet, and the small pieces soften quickly without making the rice feel heavy or watery.

Keep the pieces close in size so they cook at the same pace. Tiny detail, big difference.

The Rice Cooks Separately

Cook the jasmine rice according to its package instructions while the meat and vegetables brown. The water ratio stays tied to the rice you’re actually using, and both parts finish at about the same time.

This is a simple home-cooking rice skillet. The cooked rice is folded into the meat and vegetables at the end, which keeps the grains fluffy instead of overcooking them.

Kitchen tip

Use leftover rice whenever you have it. Add the cooked rice after the meat and vegetables are finished, then gently fold everything together so the grains stay fluffy. Microwave rice or a rice cooker makes this even more hands-off. straightforward.

What to Serve with Zucchini Rice

Serve it with cold cucumber soup or a spoonful of straightforward tzatziki. Quick pickled red onions add a bright, sharp contrast.

If zucchini is on repeat in your kitchen, try our stuffed zucchini boats next.

Questions

What ground meat works in zucchini rice?

The updated video uses ground beef. You can also make this with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or lamb, just like the original recipe allows.

Is this a one-pot zucchini rice recipe?

No. The jasmine rice cooks separately according to its package instructions, then it is mixed with the cooked ground meat, zucchini, onion, garlic, and dill.

How long does zucchini rice take?

The recipe card lists 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking time, for 25 minutes total.

Why does the zucchini need to be finely diced?

The onion and zucchini have a short cooking window in the current method. Fine, even pieces are the best match for that timing.