Calabacitas con Carne Molida en Salsa Verde 🌿🌶️
If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty, and flavor-packed Mexican dish, Calabacitas con Carne Molida en Salsa Verde (zucchini with ground beef in green sauce) is the perfect recipe to try. This traditional dish brings together juicy ground beef, tender zucchini slices, and a vibrant homemade salsa verde made with tomatillos, tomatoes, and spicy serrano peppers.
It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that feels wholesome yet indulgent — full of protein, vegetables, and bold flavors. Whether you enjoy it with warm tortillas, over rice, or as a stand-alone dish, this family-friendly recipe will quickly become a staple at your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe 💚
- Balanced & hearty – A mix of protein, veggies, and bold green salsa in one skillet.
- Family-friendly comfort food – A traditional Mexican home-style meal perfect for everyday dinners.
- Customizable heat – Easily adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer serranos.
- Wholesome yet flavorful – Uses fresh zucchini and cilantro for a healthy touch.
- Budget-friendly – Made with simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have.
Ingredients 🛒
For the Beef & Zucchini
- 2 lbs ground chuck (90/10)
- Garlic salt, to taste
- Onion powder, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 tbsp chicken bouillon
- 4 medium zucchini, sliced ⅛″ thick
For the Salsa Verde
- 3 tomatoes
- 2 tomatillos
- 3 serrano chiles
- 2 garlic cloves
- A handful of fresh cilantro
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
1. Prepare the Salsa Verde
- In a small pot, bring the tomatoes, tomatillos, and serrano chiles to a boil. Cook until softened and tender.
- Transfer the boiled ingredients to a blender.
- Add garlic cloves and fresh cilantro. Blend until smooth and vibrant green. Set aside.
2. Cook the Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chuck and cook in its natural fat.
- Season with garlic salt, onion powder, and pepper.
- (Optional) For extra heat, toss in a couple of whole serrano chiles while browning.
- Once browned, drain off any excess oil from the skillet.
3. Combine & Simmer
- Pour the prepared salsa verde into the skillet with the cooked beef.
- Stir in the sliced zucchini.
- Add water and chicken bouillon, then mix well.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, or until zucchini is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Expert Tips & Variations 🌟
- Protein Swap – Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Extra Veggies – Add corn kernels, carrots, or bell peppers for more color and nutrition.
- Make it Spicier – Blend in extra serranos or even a jalapeño for more kick.
- Serving Ideas – Enjoy with warm corn tortillas, spooned over white rice, or topped with queso fresco.
- Thicker Sauce – Reduce the water slightly if you prefer a thicker, more concentrated salsa.
Important Notes ⚠️
- Don’t overcook the zucchini — it should be tender but not mushy.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving; salsa verde flavors can vary depending on the ripeness of tomatillos and heat of serranos.
- Use fresh cilantro for the salsa — dried won’t give the same brightness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 6 servings) 🍽️
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
(Values are approximate and will vary depending on ingredients used.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ❓
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef and salsa verde in advance. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, then reheat gently and add fresh zucchini before serving.
2. Can I freeze Calabacitas con Carne Molida?
The beef and salsa freeze well, but zucchini doesn’t hold up great after freezing. For best results, freeze the beef with salsa verde and add fresh zucchini when reheating.
3. How spicy is this dish?
It depends on the serranos. For a mild version, remove the seeds and membranes, or use fewer peppers. For extra heat, leave them whole or add more.
4. What can I serve with this recipe?
It pairs perfectly with Mexican rice, warm corn tortillas, or a side of refried beans.
5. Can I use canned tomatillos instead of fresh?
Yes! If fresh tomatillos aren’t available, canned tomatillos are a great substitute. Just drain before blending.
✨ This Calabacitas con Carne Molida en Salsa Verde is the perfect blend of comfort, tradition, and flavor. Simple to make and full of nutrients, it’s a dish your family will request again and again. 🌿🌶️