Name: Ground Beef Skillet with Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium sweet potato (peeled and diced); 1 medium zucchini (diced); 1 small onion (chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

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If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that’s hearty, nourishing, and comes together in just one pan, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Ground Beef Skillet with Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini. With its colorful medley of tender veggies, well-seasoned ground beef, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, every bite is as comforting as it is satisfying. You’ll love how the sweetness of the potatoes pairs with savory beef and peppery seasoning, all complemented by the burst of green zucchini. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and perfect for meal prep – making it a true kitchen hero!

Ground Beef Skillet with Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how much flavor you can pack into one skillet with just a handful of pantry staples and fresh produce. Each ingredient in this Ground Beef Skillet with Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini brings something special, whether it’s texture, color, or a boost of bold flavor.

Ground Beef: A lean protein that makes this dish a filling main course—choose 85% for balanced juiciness.
Olive Oil: Adds a hint of richness and helps everything cook evenly without sticking.
Sweet Potato: Provides subtle sweetness and a creamy, tender bite with gorgeous orange color.
Zucchini: Brings a fresh touch and tender-crisp texture, soaking up surrounding flavors beautifully.
Onion: Infuses the skillet with aromatic depth and a savory base.
Garlic: Just two cloves add a punchy, irresistible fragrance—don’t skip it!
Smoked Paprika: Gives a gentle smoky warmth and vivid color to the whole mix.
Dried Oregano: Adds a classic herby background note that enhances everything else in the pan.
Cumin: Lends subtle earthiness and rounds out the spices with a hint of warmth.
Salt and Pepper: Absolutely essential for balancing flavors—season as you go and taste-test at the end.
Chopped Fresh Parsley or Green Onions (optional): Sprinkle on top for a burst of color and freshness to finish!

How to Make Ground Beef Skillet with Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini

Step 1: Soften the Sweet Potatoes

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your diced sweet potatoes and let them sizzle for about 8 to 10 minutes. Give them an occasional stir so they brown evenly and cook through until they start to soften—this gives them that irresistible, caramelized edge that sets the whole dish up for greatness.

Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic

Toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic right alongside the sweet potatoes. Sauté everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes. The kitchen will start to smell incredible as the onions soften and the garlic releases its fragrant magic—this is the foundation for layers of flavor in your Ground Beef Skillet with Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Now, push the veggies to one side of your skillet and add the ground beef to the open space. Use your spoon to break it into crumbles as it browns. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring as needed, until the beef is fully cooked through and no pink remains. If your beef is a little fatty, drain off any excess grease for a lighter finished dish.

Step 4: Stir in Zucchini & Seasonings

Time to bring in the final flourish! Add diced zucchini along with smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together so the veggies and beef get evenly coated with those spices. Let it all cook together for another 5 to 6 minutes, until the zucchini is just tender and the sweet potatoes are cooked to perfection.

Step 5: Taste, Garnish, and Serve

Before digging in, taste your Ground Beef Skillet with Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini and adjust seasoning if needed—sometimes an extra pinch of salt makes all the difference. Serve hot, sprinkled with freshly chopped parsley or sliced green onions for a burst of color and freshness.

How to Serve Ground Beef Skillet with Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini

Garnishes

Brighten up your skillet with a shower of chopped parsley, delicate microgreens, or thin-sliced green onions right before serving. These fresh toppings elevate flavors and add a lovely pop of color to the Ground Beef Skillet with Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini, making each serving look as inviting as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This skillet meal is super satisfying on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple green salad, steamed rice, or warm, crusty bread (if you’re not going gluten-free). A spoonful of tangy Greek yogurt or a quick tzatziki on the side can also make for a creamy, cooling contrast to the hearty flavors of the beef and sweet potatoes.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative! Spoon your Ground Beef Skillet with Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini into lettuce cups for a fun, handheld meal, or stuff the mixture into baked bell peppers for a colorful, crowd-pleasing presentation. It’s also delicious over a bowl of quinoa or tucked inside wraps for easy, portable lunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers will keep beautifully for up to four days in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors actually develop a bit more as it sits, so tomorrow’s lunch might be even tastier. Just make sure the skillet has cooled before storing to preserve the fresh taste and texture.

Freezing

To freeze, let everything cool completely, then pack portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. The Ground Beef Skillet with Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini freezes for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as desired when you’re ready for a speedy meal.

Reheating

Gently rewarm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking or dryness. You can also reheat in the microwave using short intervals, stirring between each, to make sure everything heats evenly without overcooking the veggies.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Both ground turkey and chicken work well as lighter alternatives, though the flavor will be milder. Just be sure to adjust seasonings to taste, as leaner meats may need a little extra seasoning or a splash of olive oil for richness.

Do I need to peel the sweet potato?

Peeling is recommended for the smoothest texture, but if you prefer extra fiber and some rustic flair, leave the peel on—just be sure to scrub the sweet potato well before dicing.

How can I make this Ground Beef Skillet with Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini spicy?

For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing or drizzle with your favorite hot sauce at serving. Jalapeños or a diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce also add fantastic heat and smokiness.

What other vegetables can I add?

This skillet is super flexible! Try tossing in chopped bell peppers, corn, mushrooms, or a handful of spinach or kale for a veggie boost. Just adjust cooking times to ensure everything is tender but not mushy.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

You bet! The Ground Beef Skillet with Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini holds up beautifully for a few days, and reheats quickly for no-fuss lunches or dinners. Divide into meal prep containers for grab-and-go convenience.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a one-pan meal that’s as flavorful and wholesome as it is speedy and simple. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or stocking up on lunches, give Ground Beef Skillet with Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini a try – I have a feeling it’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes, just like it has in my kitchen!

Ground Beef Skillet with Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Ground Beef Skillet with Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini is a delicious and nutritious one-pan meal that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Tender sweet potatoes, zucchini, and savory ground beef come together with aromatic spices for a satisfying dish that is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Skillet:

1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil

Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini:

1 medium sweet potato (peeled and diced)
1 medium zucchini (diced)
1 small onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)

Seasonings:

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
Cook sweet potatoes: Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for 8–10 minutes until lightly browned and beginning to soften. Add the onion and garlic, cook for another 2–3 minutes.
Cook ground beef: Push the veggies to one side, add the ground beef, and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add zucchini and seasonings: Stir in the zucchini, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes until zucchini is tender.
Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with parsley or green onions before serving.