Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet
A wholesome and comforting one-pan meal combining lean ground beef, tender sweet potatoes, and fresh zucchini sautéed with onions, garlic, and warm spices. This Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is quick to prepare, packed with balanced nutrition, and perfect for easy weeknight dinners or meal prepping.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Spices & Herbs
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into small cubes for even and quick cooking. Slice the zucchini into bite-sized pieces, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic to have everything ready before cooking.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Push the cooked beef to the side of the skillet. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the empty space and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Then mix together with the beef.
- Add Sweet Potatoes and Spices: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes along with paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the sweet potatoes to soften evenly without burning.
- Toss in Zucchini and Finish Cooking: Once the sweet potatoes are tender, add the zucchini pieces. Sauté uncovered until the zucchini softens but still has a slight bite, about 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed and remove from heat.
Notes
- Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Use a wide skillet to avoid overcrowding and encourage caramelization.
- Cook sweet potatoes thoroughly before adding zucchini for the best texture contrast.
- Add spices gradually to layer and deepen flavors.
- Finish the dish with fresh herbs right before serving to keep flavors vibrant.
- Optional: Add chili flakes for heat or sprinkle cheese at the end for a melty finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: ground beef skillet, zucchini skillet, sweet potato skillet, one-pan dinner, easy weeknight meal, gluten free, healthy skillet meal, quick dinner