Calabacitas Con Carne Molida En Salsa Verde

Calabacitas Con Carne Molida En Salsa Verde is a delicious and savory Mexican-inspired dish that combines seasoned ground beef with tender zucchini and a tangy, flavorful green salsa.

The rich blend of tomatoes, tomatillos, serrano chiles, and cilantro creates a fresh and vibrant sauce that enhances the ground beef, while the zucchini adds a satisfying texture.

This hearty, one-pan meal is perfect for a comforting dinner, bringing a balance of heat, savory flavors, and a touch of spice from the serrano chiles. Simple to make and full of flavor, it’s a dish that brings comfort with a touch of bold Mexican flair.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Bursting with Flavor: The homemade salsa made from fresh tomatoes, tomatillos, serrano chiles, and cilantro brings a vibrant and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the savory, seasoned ground beef.

Hearty & Healthy: With zucchini as a main ingredient, this dish offers a healthy vegetable-packed meal that’s still satisfying and full of rich flavors.

Quick & Easy: This is a one-pan dish that’s simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights while still delivering big on taste.

Comfort Food with a Kick: The blend of mild heat from the serrano chiles, the umami from the chicken bouillon, and the hearty beef makes it a comforting yet exciting meal.

Versatile: It’s an easy dish to adapt based on personal preferences—add more or less heat, serve it with rice or tortillas, or even enjoy it on its own as a low-carb option.

Key Ingredients:

Ground Chuck (90/10) – The lean ground beef provides a hearty base for the dish, offering rich flavor without excess fat.

Zucchini – Sliced thin, zucchini absorbs the savory flavors of the salsa while providing a mild, slightly sweet contrast to the spicier elements.

Salsa (Tomatoes, Tomatillos, Serranos, Garlic, and Cilantro) – A fresh, tangy salsa made from tomatoes, tomatillos, and serrano chiles gives the dish a bright and flavorful kick.

Chicken Bouillon – Enhances the umami and depth of the dish, bringing a savory richness to the sauce.

Serrano Chiles – Adds a mild heat that balances the freshness of the salsa and the savory ground beef.

Calabacitas Con Carne Molida En Salsa Verde

Ingredients:

2 lbs of 90/10 ground chuck

salt

onion powder

pepper

1 1/2 cups of water

1 tbsp of chicken bouillon

4 medium zucchini, sliced 1/8″ thick

Salsa:

3 tomatoes

2 tomatillos

3 serranos chile

2 garlic cloves

handful of cilantro

Instructions:

Making Salsa:

Boil 3 tomatoes, 2 tomatillos, 3 serranos chile and blend with 2 garlic cloves, handful of cilantro. Set aside..

I browned /fried with its own fat, 2 Lbs of 90/10 ground chuck with garlic salt , onion powder and pepper and a couple serrano chiles

Then drained as much oil as possible and added salsa, and zucchini, 1 1/2 cups of water, 1 tbsp of chicken bouillon and salt if needed.

Let it simmer on low for 10mins Or until zucchini is done…

Enjoy!

Notes:

Customizable Recipe: This dish offers flexibility in ingredients, allowing for personal preferences and dietary needs. Different ground meats or vegetarian options can be used, and additional vegetables can be incorporated according to taste.

Bistec a la Mexicana

Pork and Green Chili Pinto Bean Stew

Pepper Steak

Authentic Flavor: The homemade salsa adds a fresh and authentic flavor to the dish, elevating its taste profile. While store-bought salsa can be used as a shortcut, making the salsa from scratch ensures a vibrant and robust flavor.

Spice Level Control: The spiciness of the dish can be adjusted by varying the number of serrano chiles used in the salsa. This allows individuals to tailor the heat level to their preference, making it suitable for a wide range of palates.

Make-Ahead Convenience: This recipe can be prepared in advance, making it suitable for busy schedules or meal prepping. Simply store the cooked dish in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.

Nutritious and Balanced: With a balance of protein, vegetables, and flavorful salsa, this dish offers a well-rounded meal option. It provides essential nutrients while keeping the calorie count in check, making it suitable for those mindful of their dietary intake.

Versatile Serving Options: Whether served as a main dish or a side, this recipe is versatile and can complement a variety of meal plans. It can be paired with rice, tortillas, or enjoyed on its own for a satisfying meal.

Cultural Influence: Reflecting the flavors of Calabacitas Con Carne Molida En Salsa Verde, this recipe offers a taste of traditional Mexican cuisine. The use of authentic ingredients and cooking methods adds cultural authenticity to the dish.

Simple Preparation: While the recipe involves multiple steps, the preparation is straightforward and manageable, even for novice cooks. Clear instructions guide the cooking process, ensuring successful results with each batch.

Family-Friendly Dish: With its mild yet flavorful taste, this dish is likely to appeal to a wide range of taste preferences, making it suitable for family meals. It can be enjoyed by both adults and children alike, fostering a sense of togetherness around the dining table.

Health-Conscious Option: For those mindful of their health, this dish offers a nutritious option without compromising on flavor. By using lean ground meat and incorporating fresh vegetables, it aligns with a balanced and health-conscious lifestyle.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can use different types of ground meat such as ground turkey, chicken, or pork instead of ground chuck.

Just keep in mind that the nutritional content and flavors may vary slightly.

How spicy is the dish with the serrano chiles?

The level of spiciness in the dish will depend on the heat of the serrano chiles and personal preference.

Serrano chiles are generally hotter than jalapeños but milder than habaneros.

If you prefer less heat, you can reduce the number of serrano chiles or remove the seeds and membranes to make it milder.

Can I use canned or bottled salsa instead of making the salsa from scratch?

Yes, you can use store-bought salsa instead of making the salsa from scratch.

However, the flavor and texture of the dish may be different compared to using freshly made salsa.

Can I add other vegetables to the dish?

Certainly! You can add other vegetables to the recipe to suit your taste preferences.

Some common additions include corn kernels, bell peppers, onions, or diced tomatoes.

Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure all the vegetables are cooked to your desired tenderness.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time.

Once cooked, let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?

To adjust the spiciness, you can control the number of serrano chiles you use in the salsa.

If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the number of chiles or remove the seeds and membranes before blending.

Conversely, if you like it spicier, you can add additional chiles or even include hotter varieties.

Can I make the salsa in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the salsa in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

It’s recommended to store it in an airtight container for freshness.

Can I make a vegetarian version of this dish?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the ground meat and replacing it with plant-based protein alternatives like textured vegetable protein (TVP), tofu, or tempeh.

Adjust the seasonings and cooking time accordingly to accommodate the vegetarian ingredients.