-
3 Roma tomatoes The Bliss Bite+1
-
2 tomatillos (husked) The Bliss Bite
-
3 serrano chiles (or according to spice preference) edilife.net+1
-
2 garlic cloves edilife.net
-
Handful cilantro The Bliss Bite
Instructions
-
Prepare the salsa verde:
-
Boil or char the tomatoes, tomatillos and serrano chiles until softened or blistered. The Bliss Bite+1
-
Blend these with garlic and cilantro until you get a somewhat smooth green sauce. Set aside. edilife.net
-
-
Brown the ground beef:
-
In a large skillet over medium‑high heat, cook the ground beef until nicely browned. Season with salt, onion powder, and pepper. edilife.net
-
Drain excess fat if needed.
-
-
Add zucchini and liquid:
-
To the browned beef, add the sliced zucchini and the salsa verde.
-
Pour in the 1½ cups water and the chicken bouillon if using. Stir to combine. edilife.net
-
-
Simmer:
-
Reduce heat to low/medium‑low, cover and simmer for about 10–20 minutes (depending on zucchini thickness) until the zucchini is tender but still has a bit of bite. The Bliss Bite
-
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt/pepper as needed.
-
Tips for Success
-
For best flavor, char the tomatoes/tomatillos/serranos before blending — that adds depth to the salsa. The Bliss Bite
-
Slice zucchini uniformly so that they cook evenly.
-
If the mixture seems too watery, simmer uncovered for the last few minutes to let excess liquid evaporate.
-
For milder heat, remove seeds from serrano chiles or use fewer.
Variations & Substitutions
-
Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or plant‑based mince for a lighter version.
-
Replace zucchini with yellow squash or add corn for extra sweetness.
-
Use a store‑bought green salsa if short on time — though homemade gives best flavor.
-
To make it vegetarian: skip the meat and add beans (black or pinto) for protein.
Storage & Reheating
-
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3‑4 days.
-
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through; add a splash of water if sauce has thickened too much.
-
This dish may be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.
What to Serve With It
-
Warm corn tortillas or flour tortillas for wrapping.
-
Mexican rice or plain steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
-
A fresh side salad or refried beans to round out the meal.
-
A cold beverage like agua fresca, beer, or iced tea to complement the spice.
Nutrition Estimate (per serving, approx.)
-
Calories: ~320 kcal
-
Protein: ~25–30 g
-
Carbs: ~8–12 g (mainly from zucchini and salsa)
-
Fat: ~18–20 g
-
Rich in Vitamin C (from tomatillos/serranos/cilantro) and dietary fibre (from zucchini) edilife.net
FAQ
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes — reduce the number of serrano chiles or remove their seeds to control heat.
Can I use canned salsa instead of making my own?
Yes — you can substitute a quality green salsa, but you may lose some of the smoky homemade flavor.
How can I keep zucchini from getting mushy?
Use medium‐sized zucchini, cut into uniform slices, and avoid over‑cooking. Aim for tender yet slightly firm texture.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes — you can prepare the salsa ahead and store it. Combine and cook the remaining steps when ready to serve.
