Ground Beef with Nopales, Zucchini, and Corn: A Delicious Mexican Recipe

This recipe elevates humble ground beef into a vibrant and flavorful Mexican dish, featuring the unique texture and subtle tang of nopales (cactus pads). Combined with sweet corn and tender zucchini, this hearty skillet meal is surprisingly easy to prepare and bursting with fresh, authentic flavors. It's a perfect weeknight dinner that's both satisfying and healthy, a delicious alternative to traditional ground beef recipes. Forget bland burgers – prepare for a culinary adventure!

This Ground Beef with Nopales, Zucchini, and Corn recipe is a testament to the versatility of simple ingredients. The perfect balance of textures and tastes creates a truly memorable meal. Ready to experience the magic? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and transform these everyday ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Tools Needed

• Knife
• Cutting board
• Strainer
• Griddle or frying pan
• Pot
• Blender

Ingredients

• Nopales (cactus paddles): 5
• Ground beef (15% fat): 650g
• Garlic cloves: 3
• Tomatoes: 2
• Pua chiles: 9
• Guajillo chiles: 2
• Onion: ½
• Corn
• Zucchini: 1
• Cilantro sprigs
• Cilantro powder: ½ teaspoon
• Ground black pepper: ½ teaspoon
• Oregano: ¼ teaspoon
• Cumin: ½ teaspoon
• Water: 1 cup
• Salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Vegetables and Sauce

• Clean, cut, and dice the nopales into small squares.
• Boil the nopales with a little water, salt, and chopped onion. Cover and cook for 15 minutes. Drain the excess water.
• Toast the guajillo and pua chiles on a griddle or in a frying pan until slightly charred.
• Boil the tomatoes for 7 minutes.

• Add the toasted chiles to the boiled tomatoes to soften them. Let it sit for a while.
• Blend the softened chiles and tomatoes with some of the boiling water, garlic, cumin, cilantro, and onion.

Step 2. Cook the Ground Beef and Aromatics

• In a pot, fry the ground beef until it releases its juices.
• Add chopped onion and corn kernels to the ground beef and fry for a few minutes.
• Fry the cilantro powder, pepper, and oregano in a separate pan.

Step 3. Combine and Simmer

• Add the cooked nopales, sauce, and spice mixture to the ground beef. Mix well.
• Add water and the cut zucchini. Season with salt.
• Let the mixture simmer until the zucchini is cooked.

Read more: Authentic Charro Beans Recipe: South Texas Style

Tips

• If you don't want it spicy, reduce the amount of pua chiles.

Nutrition

• N/A

FAQs

1. Can I substitute the nopales?

Yes! You can replace nopales with other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms for a similar texture and flavor profile. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

2. How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add a pinch of chili powder, cayenne pepper, or a few slices of jalapeño to increase the heat. You can also use a spicier type of ground beef, such as chorizo.

This Ground Beef with Nopales, Zucchini, and Corn recipe offers a delicious and healthy twist on a classic comfort food. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and satisfying textures of this easy-to-make Mexican dish. From weeknight dinners to casual gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.