Print

Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is a quick, nutritious, and flavorful one-pan meal combining lean ground beef, vibrant zucchini, and naturally sweet sweet potatoes. Ready in under 30 minutes, this wholesome dish blends protein, fiber, and essential vitamins for a balanced dinner that’s easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 lb lean ground beef

Vegetables

  • 2 medium zucchinis, diced
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Oils & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to preference)

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • Shredded cheddar or crumbled feta cheese
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into small, even cubes to ensure quick and uniform cooking. Set them aside while preparing other ingredients.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Push the beef to one side of the skillet. On the empty side, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
  4. Add Zucchini and Sweet Potatoes: Stir in the diced zucchini and sweet potatoes with the beef and onions, mixing to combine evenly.
  5. Season and Simmer: Sprinkle salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili flakes over the mixture. Stir well, cover the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 10-12 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
  6. Finish and Serve: Stir the skillet once more, taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Sprinkle fresh herbs on top and add optional cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream as desired. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Dice sweet potatoes and zucchini into similar sizes for uniform cooking and texture.
  • Cover the skillet during simmering to trap steam and tenderize sweet potatoes faster.
  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
  • Avoid overcrowding the skillet to allow browning instead of steaming.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to maintain their bright flavor and color.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef skillet, zucchini recipe, sweet potato dinner, one-pan meal, quick healthy dinner, gluten free dinner