Introduction:
This Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is the ultimate one-pan comfort delight! Packed with hearty ground beef, tender sweet potatoes, and vibrant zucchini, it’s a wholesome and satisfying meal that’s quick to make and loaded with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 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:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Brown the beef for 5-7 minutes or until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease if needed.
- Stir in the sweet potato cubes and season with smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cover the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Add the diced zucchini to the skillet, cooking uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to soften while maintaining a slight crunch.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm.
Variation
- Spicy Southwest Twist: Add a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies for a touch of acidity and spice. Sprinkle in some chili powder and cumin for a bold, Tex-Mex flavor. Top it off with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro for a zesty finish.
- Italian-Inspired Delight: Swap the smoked paprika and oregano with Italian seasoning and a dash of balsamic vinegar. Add diced bell peppers and cherry tomatoes to the mix for a burst of color and flavor. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top.
- Asian Fusion Flavor: Replace the smoked paprika with soy sauce, ginger, and a dash of sesame oil. Add some thinly sliced bell peppers and snap peas for crunch. Serve over steamed rice or noodles and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Cooking Notes
- Meat Options: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner dish. Be mindful that leaner meats might release less fat, so you may need a bit more olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Vegetable Texture: To ensure the sweet potatoes cook evenly, dice them into small, uniform cubes. If they are too large, they may remain undercooked while the zucchini becomes too soft.
- Flavor Enhancement: Don’t skip the step of sautéing onions and garlic first, as this builds a strong flavor foundation. Adding the smoked paprika while the meat is cooking allows it to infuse with the beef for a richer taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Top with a Fried Egg: A sunny-side-up or poached egg on top adds a creamy, yolky texture that complements the hearty skillet flavors. The runny yolk blends into the dish, making it even more comforting and satisfying.
- Serve Over Grains: Pair the skillet with fluffy white or brown rice, quinoa, or couscous to create a more filling meal. The grains soak up the savory juices, adding more depth to every bite.
- Tortilla Wrap Option: Spoon the skillet mixture into soft tortillas for an easy handheld meal. Add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese for a comforting wrap.
Tips
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley brightens up the dish and adds a hint of freshness. If you don’t have parsley, fresh cilantro or chives work well too. Adding them at the end preserves their vibrant flavor and color.
- Storage and Reheating: This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat to maintain texture, or microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking.
- Make It a Meal Prep Dish: Double the recipe and divide it into airtight containers for a week’s worth of meals. Since the flavors meld over time, it tastes even better the next day!
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just keep in mind that turkey has a milder flavor, so you may want to add extra seasoning or spices to boost the taste. -
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This skillet meal is great for meal prepping. Store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. -
Can I add more vegetables to the skillet?
Yes, feel free to add more veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes. Just make sure to add them at the right time to maintain their texture and flavor. -
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Simply skip the cheese garnish or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally dairy-free.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is a wholesome, hearty meal that brings together the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and the savory flavors of seasoned ground beef. The addition of fresh zucchini gives it a vibrant touch and a satisfying crunch. It’s an easy one-pan dish perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a hungry crowd. Enjoy the comforting, nutritious goodness with your favorite side dish or on its own!
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Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is the ultimate one-pan comfort delight! Packed with hearty ground beef, tender sweet potatoes, and vibrant zucchini, it’s a wholesome and satisfying meal that’s quick to make and loaded with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 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
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Brown the beef for 5-7 minutes or until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease if needed.
- Stir in the sweet potato cubes and season with smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cover the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Add the diced zucchini to the skillet, cooking uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to soften while maintaining a slight crunch.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm.
Notes
For a burst of extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dash of red pepper flakes before serving. This dish pairs perfectly with a slice of crusty bread or a simple side salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Ground beef, zucchini, sweet potato, one-pan, skillet dinner