Calabacitas con carne molida en salsa verde is the kind of dish that brings pure Mexican home-style comfort to the table. It’s simple, quick, nourishing, and layered with the bright, tangy warmth of salsa verde. Tender chunks of zucchini simmer gently with savory ground beef, creating a balanced one-pan meal that feels both hearty and light. This is the kind of recipe many families grew up with—flexible, affordable, and endlessly satisfying.
The beauty of this dish lies in its ingredients. Zucchini softens into velvety bites that absorb the green chile flavors beautifully, while ground beef adds rich depth and substance. Salsa verde ties everything together with a pop of acidity and roasted chile character. Whether you use homemade salsa verde or your favorite jarred version, the sauce infuses every bite with unmistakable Mexican flavor.
Potatoes are optional but traditional in many homes, stretching the dish and adding comfort with their tender, hearty texture. A roasted green chile brings an optional smoky heat that deepens the sauce even more. When finished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, the entire dish brightens, becoming vibrant and lively.
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Served over rice, scooped into warm tortillas, or enjoyed straight from the skillet, calabacitas con carne molida is the definition of easy home cooking. It’s quick enough for weeknights yet flavorful enough to feel truly special.
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3–4 medium zucchini, cut into chunks
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 cups salsa verde (homemade or canned)
- 1–2 potatoes, peeled and diced (optional but traditional)
- 1 roasted green chile, chopped (optional for extra heat)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp oil
Instructions:
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