Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender ground beef with fresh vegetables and warm spices, it’s both comforting and nutritious.

A close-up view of a cooked dish with three visible layers of ingredients, showing cooked ground meat with a crumbly texture and rich brown color as the main layer. Mixed throughout are chunks of yellow-orange squash with a soft, slightly translucent look and slices of green zucchini with a smooth, glossy surface. Small bits of chopped green herbs are scattered on top, adding a fresh touch of color. The dish is presented on a white plate against a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 medium zucchinis, diced
  • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into small cubes
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and aromatic, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. Cook for 5-7 minutes, draining excess fat if needed.
  3. Step 3: Stir in the cubed sweet potatoes, seasoning with smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cover and let simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
  4. Step 4: Mix in the zucchini, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until just tender but still slightly crisp.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic and onion.
  • Swap sweet potatoes for butternut squash if you prefer a milder sweetness.
  • Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
  • Add a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end for a tangy finish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water before reheating can help keep the vegetables moist.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of cooked ground meat mixed with yellow and green zucchini pieces. The ground meat is brown and crumbly, evenly mixed with chunky zucchini slices that have soft edges, showing a cooked texture. Small bits of green herbs are scattered throughout, adding freshness and a slight contrast to the overall warm colors. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I use frozen zucchini or sweet potatoes?

Fresh vegetables work best for texture, but if you use frozen, thaw and drain any excess moisture before cooking to avoid a soggy skillet.

Print
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Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe


  • Author: Hugo
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A hearty and flavorful one-pan skillet dish combining savory ground beef with tender sweet potatoes and fresh zucchini, seasoned with smoked paprika and oregano for a nutritious and satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 1 pound ground beef

Vegetables

  • 2 medium zucchinis, diced
  • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into small cubes
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Oils and Garnishes

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and aromatic, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it browns. Cook for 5-7 minutes, draining excess fat if needed to prevent greasiness.
  3. Add Sweet Potatoes and Season: Stir in the cubed sweet potatoes and season with smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
  4. Incorporate Zucchini: Add the diced zucchini to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the zucchini is just tender but still slightly crisp, maintaining some texture.
  5. Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness, and serve warm for a wholesome, comforting meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
  • Feel free to add other spices like cumin or chili powder to adjust flavor to your liking.
  • Covering the skillet while cooking sweet potatoes helps them cook evenly and faster.
  • For extra nutrition, consider adding a handful of spinach or kale during the final cooking step.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: ground beef skillet, zucchini recipes, sweet potato skillet, one pan meal, easy dinner

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