A few weeks ago I posted a last minute dinner recipe on instagram that had been amazing, as all of my recipes I don’t take the time to photograph are. We devoured it. We loooooved it. And apparently so did all of you since we got soooo many requests to post the recipe. Even Dellalo convinced us to do it again. We majorly regretted that it was too dark out for pretty pictures. I do love when simple recipes turn out so delicious that not only did you spend zero time making it, but cleanup is especially wonderful. Kind of like my husband’s amazing pan fried tortellini. It’s just like this recipe as it can easily be made for meatless Monday or with your favorite meat. Or these famous Avocado Tacos that can go from meat and avocado, to vegetarian to vegan without losing any flavor. This dish really is the perfect dish. In fact, let’s walk through its versatility and awesomeness.
First, we had meatballs the night before. Delicious turkey meatballs that will actually be posted next week with a giveaway! I know, I’m working backwards. Anyway, I had about 6 meatballs left over and while our Meatball Subs are pretty darn fantastic I didn’t feel like something that heavy, so we decided to just throw everything in a skillet and cook it up. That’s our first favorite thing about this dish. It was an easy way to use up leftovers. As you’ll find out next week, I like to make extras of our favorites and partially cook them. Then let them cool and freeze for later use. Partially cooking them allows me to reheat without drying things out or over cooking. So, we had leftover meatballs that I threw in here.
Which leads me to our next favorite part. You can easily make this dish vegetarian. You totally don’t have to add meatballs to make this dish amazing. Throw in more varieties of squash, peppers, whatever and you’ve got yourself an awesome vegetarian dish.
And heaven knows you all are like us and still totally trying to work your way through gobs of zuchinni. Woohoo for a way to use it up that’s not zucchini bread, muffins or pizza!!
And don’t forget the tomatoes. Ours were slow this year so they are finally ready to be picked and we are hurrying to get them all off the plants before a freeze hits. I love that about this meal. Whatever veggies you have in the garden or freezer you can throw in. It’s awesome!! One thing I’m totally bummed about is that we usually garnish with fresh basil which brightens the whole dish, but I was so excited to eat I forgot. So add it!!
And finally, the gooey cheese. Gosh I love cheese. This particular kind is Galbani Mozzarella, but now that we’ve made the dish a few times I’ll add that Follow Your Heart Vegan cheese totally works great and we love to use it. That means that this dish can be vegetarian, meat eaters, or vegan!!! BOOYAH!! Plus it’s a one pot wonder and no starches so it’s easier clean up and healthier. HECK YEAH!!
What Is The Difference Between Cherry and Grape Tomatoes?
Grape tomatoes look different than cherry tomatoes.
Grape tomatoes are oblong, shaped like a grape.
Grape tomatoes are smaller than cherry tomatoes and have a thicker skin.
Cherry tomatoes are sweeter and their flesh is meatier and less watery.
Are Zucchini Good For You?
Zucchini is an outstanding source of manganese and vitamin C.
Zucchini is also a great source of dietary fiber.
It also contains vitamin A, magnesium, folate, potassium, copper, and phosphorus that help in boosting health.
Is Fresh Basil Good For You?
Basil promotes blood flow.
It is a good source of Vitamin A and it promotes healthy eyesight.
It has also been shown to be an effective anti-inflammatory, much like aspirin and ibuprofen.
Easy Garden Skillet
Easy Garden Skillet
Description
Ingredients
- 6 Turkey Meatballs, cooked and chopped *optional
- 1 Zucchini, chopped, small to medium size
- 3/4 cup Sugar Sweet or Sunshine Tomatoes
- 3/4 cup Grape or Cherry Tomatoes
- 1 Heirloom Tomato, chopped
- 1/3 cup Marinara Sauce
- 3/4 cup Mozzarella Cheese
- Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper
- Basil, chopped, optional
Instructions
- Drizzle a little olive oil in a skillet and heat to medium heat.
- Add the zucchini and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Saute for one minute and add the meatballs, tomatoes and sauce.
- Cook until the tomatoes are big and bursting, zucchini is tender and everything is hot.
- Sprinkle with cheese and add the lid to help melt the cheese, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Serve with fresh basil and more salt and pepper if needed.
Dorcas Wood
Don’t you just love throwing a bunch of leftovers and creating a masterpiece you can actually blog about?? Lol in Spanish we call that a “sambumbia”. Kinda a like a big pot of stuff with everything in it. Thanks for this post. I’ve been looking for more ways to veg up our daily meals. And I’m doing an all veggie fast this week!
Amanda
My boyfriend is VERY picky and only agreed to try this if we pureed the tomatoes, so I agreed and even though the tomatoes were pureed it turned out DELICIOUS. I honestly did not think it would turn out so well but I was thankfully proven wrong.
I do have a question though. Do you know approx how many calories are in a serving?
I’m trying to track my food intake, but I have no idea how to go about doing so accurately.
Sweet Basil
Hi Amanda, I’m so glad you all enjoyed it. Unfortunately I am unsure of the calories. Sorry 🙁
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di
Your recipes look okay but you write like a valley girl! Totally over your awesomeness.
Becky
AND thanks for linking to my kale salad!!
Becky
pinning, saving and not forgetting this one 🙂 looks mighty tasty!
Tracy Black
Holy hat, this was delicious! I went with zucchini and summer squash, and a little sweet onion. Honestly, I was floored by the great favor! Posted on my business page, hope you see some more traffic! Thanks.
Debbie Jones
This was delicious!! I used Trader Joe’s italian style meatballs and italian style diced tomatoes (1 cup) instead of marinara. I added onion & garlic with the squash and basil and oregano from the garden. Hubby and I both really enjoyed it.
Cathy@LemonTreeDwelling
Oh my goodness….I am love with the melted cheesy veggie goodness you have going on here! This looks like one AWESOME dinner!!
Sweet Basil
Thanks Cathy! I totally agree, melted cheese changes the world. haha
Des
So perfectly cheesy!! Love this idea 🙂
Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain
Phew! Thank you for the dinner idea!! Love the cheesy goodness!
Gaby
What a fabulous meal for those in a hurry nights!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com
Nothing beats a summery skillet that’s filled with summer delights. Yum!
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl
Drooling over this!!! Love savory zucchini recipes!!
Sweet Basil
eeeek!! It always makes my day when you leave such sweet comments. Anything you approve of makes me feel like a million buckaroos!
Gerry @ foodness gracious
Ummm yeah, I need this today. Looks so squishy and comforting 🙂
Sweet Basil
My friend, We loved it so much we had it 3 times in two weeks. That’s UNHEARD of in a food blogger home. UN. HEARD. OF.
Maria Tadic
I love recipes like this! So easy. I think the ease factor makes them taste soooo good sometimes!
Sweet Basil
Oh I totally agree!! Just like how a sale somehow makes a shirt even more cute!
Meagan @ A Zesty Bite
Ohh wait a great meal for dinner. The cheese and vegetables are going to be a winner in our house.
Sweet Basil
Cheese is always a winner in my book. If anything is weird I’m like, just put cheese on it. Thankfully this one is good with or without
Deborah
I love how versatile this is! Delish!
Sweet Basil
And I love that I get to see you this week!!!!
Kevin @ Closet Cooking
That is one tasty looking meal!
Sweet Basil
Thanks Kevin, totally trying to be like you!! But seriously, I am. haha
Kristy @ Sweet Treats & More
Beautiful pics Carrian! I want!!
Sweet Basil
Thanks my friend! When can I see you?!
Kalyn
This looks like a delicious and easy dinner starring garden produce!
Sweet Basil
Awwwww, thanks Kalyn!!! I am so sad I haven’t seen you in forever. I need to change that!
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor
I love this! What a great way to use up some summer veggies. Pinned!
Sweet Basil
Thanks, Ashley!!
Tieghan
That gooey cheese! I lave all the gooey cheese on the fresh garden veggies!
Sweet Basil
Isn’t it so yummy?!
Consuelo @ Honey & Figs
This looks so versatile and amazing! I’m in love with easy recipes that don’t require a lot of clean-up! And all those fresh summer veggies and that gooey cheese? They’re screaming my name. I think I have some leftover grilled chicken so I’ll try it soon to use it up! x
Sweet Basil
Ohhh, grilled chicken will be delicious!