Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet

Let me paint a picture for you: tender ground beef, roasted sweet potatoes, and perfectly sautéed zucchini all coming together in one skillet for an easy, hearty, and healthy meal. If you’re craving a dish that’s savory, slightly sweet, and packed with flavor, then this Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is about to become your new go-to. It’s a one-pan wonder that is not only full of flavor but also super easy to whip up in a pinch. Trust me, you’ll love how simple yet satisfying it is.

Why You’ll Love Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet

This dish checks off all the boxes for a perfect weeknight dinner:

One-Pan Wonder: You’ll love how easy cleanup is when everything comes together in one skillet. Less mess, more time enjoying your meal. It’s the ultimate easy dinner!

Flavorful & Nutritious: The sweetness of the sweet potatoes balances beautifully with the savory beef and zucchini. It’s a veggie-packed, protein-rich meal that doesn’t sacrifice on taste.

Quick & Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes of cooking, you’ve got yourself a delicious dinner that’s ready to serve in no time.

Customizable: Want to switch things up? Add some spinach, bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of cheese on top. The possibilities are endless!

Perfect for Meal Prep: This skillet is great for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge and reheats beautifully, so you can make a batch and enjoy it throughout the week.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this simple, hearty skillet:

For the Skillet:

• Ground Beef: The savory base of the dish. Ground beef adds richness and protein.
• Sweet Potatoes: Peeled and diced into small cubes, these add a lovely sweetness and texture to the skillet.
• Zucchini: Fresh, tender zucchini that soaks up all the flavors from the beef and sweet potatoes.
• Onion: Adds a savory depth to the dish with its sweet, caramelized flavor when sautéed.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic brings that aromatic, savory flavor that makes the whole dish sing.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing and helping to get that beautiful, golden color on the sweet potatoes.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste, of course!

For the Seasoning:

• Paprika: For a smoky touch that elevates the sweet potatoes and beef.
• Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the ground beef.
• Chili Powder: A dash of heat and complexity to round out the flavors.

(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to dive in? Let’s get this skillet sizzling:

1. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until they start to soften and develop a golden-brown color.

2. Add the Ground Beef:

Once the sweet potatoes begin to soften, push them to one side of the skillet and add the ground beef to the other side. Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks. Let it cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until browned and fully cooked through. Stir everything together once the beef is done.

3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:

Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.

4. Add the Zucchini and Seasoning:

Now, toss in the zucchini and all the seasonings—paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender but still has a little bite. You want it to soak up all the delicious flavors from the beef and sweet potatoes.

5. Serve & Garnish:

Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro if you’d like. This dish is perfectly satisfying on its own, or you can pair it with a side of quinoa or a light salad.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 380
Total Fat: 20g

• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 70mg
  Sodium: 600mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 7g
  Protein: 25g
  Vitamin A: 180%
  Vitamin C: 30%
  Calcium: 6%
  Iron: 15%
  Potassium: 900mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

How to Serve Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet

This skillet is hearty and delicious on its own, but here are some ideas to take your meal to the next level:

• Serve with Rice: Pair it with steamed rice or quinoa for a more filling meal.
• Add Some Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) on top right before serving for extra creaminess.
• Greek Yogurt: A dollop of plain Greek yogurt on top adds a refreshing tang that balances the warmth of the dish.

Additional Tips

• Make It Spicy: Add a few chili flakes or some hot sauce if you love a little heat.
• Switch Up the Veggies: If you’re not a fan of zucchini, you can swap it for bell peppers, spinach, or even kale.
• Make It Paleo: Use grass-fed ground beef and make sure the seasonings are free of any additives to keep it paleo-friendly.
• Meal Prep: This dish keeps well for meal prep. Simply store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days and reheat when ready to eat.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this dish with a different type of meat?
A1: Yes! You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative.

Q2: Can I freeze leftovers?
A2: Absolutely! This skillet freezes really well. Just store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q3: Can I add other vegetables?
A3: Definitely! Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms would all be great additions to this dish.

Q4: Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?
A4: It’s best to use fresh sweet potatoes for this recipe to get the best texture, but you can use frozen if you’re in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop for the best results.

Q6: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A6: Yes! You can prep everything and cook it a day ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

Q7: Can I make this vegetarian?
A7: Sure! Swap the ground beef for a meat substitute like lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

Q8: How can I make this dish spicier?
A8: You can add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even fresh diced chili peppers to ramp up the heat.

Q9: Can I add cheese to this dish?
A9: Absolutely! A sprinkle of shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) right before serving would make it extra delicious.

Q10: How can I make this dish even healthier?
A10: You can make it lower in fat by using lean ground beef, or even swap it for ground turkey for a leaner option. Adding more veggies is also a great way to boost the nutritional content.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is the ultimate weeknight meal—easy, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. It’s a one-pan dinner that everyone will love, and it’s versatile enough to be customized to your taste. Whether you’re cooking for the family or prepping your meals for the week, this skillet is a total game-changer. So, grab your skillet and get cooking!

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