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Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is a quick, nutritious one-pan meal combining lean ground beef, fresh zucchini, and naturally sweet sweet potatoes. Ready in under 30 minutes, this colorful skillet offers balanced protein, vitamins, and satisfying flavors, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled (optional) and diced into small cubes
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Spices & Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream (for serving)
  • Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (if desired)

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into small cubes for even cooking. Slice the zucchini and finely chop the onion and garlic so everything is ready to go when you start cooking.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef. Break it apart and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: Push the cooked beef to the side and add the onions and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Then add the sweet potato cubes, stirring well to coat with the oils and spices.
  4. Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Cover and let the sweet potatoes cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water if needed to help steam and soften the cubes.
  5. Add Zucchini and Seasonings: Stir in the zucchini, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook uncovered for another 5 minutes until the zucchini softens but remains slightly crisp.
  6. Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, then sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro on top for freshness. Serve hot straight from the skillet!

Notes

  • Cut sweet potatoes into small cubes for quicker, even cooking.
  • Use a large skillet to prevent overcrowding and steaming.
  • Allow onions and garlic to develop flavor before adding vegetables.
  • Add zucchini toward the end to keep it slightly crisp and colorful.
  • Adjust seasoning at the end for perfect flavor balance.

Nutrition

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