Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe Introduction to Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet This Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is a hearty, wholesome meal that combines savory ground beef with tender zucchini and naturally sweet roasted sweet potatoes—all cooked together in one pan for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. The blend of textures and tastes creates a comforting yet nutritious dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a satisfying, easy-to-make dinner. With simple ingredients and bold seasoning, this skillet delivers balanced, delicious eating in every bite. Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet One-Pan Convenience – Easy to prepare and clean up, making weeknight dinners stress-free. Nutritious and Filling – Packed with protein, vitamins, and fiber for a balanced meal. Flavorful and Comforting – Savory beef pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes and fresh zucchini. Customizable Seasonings – Adjust spices to suit your taste, from mild to bold. Perfect for Meal Prep – Holds up well for leftovers and reheats beautifully. Family-Friendly – A tasty way to get veggies and protein on the table that everyone enjoys. Ingredients for Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet Savory ground beef sizzles alongside tender sweet potatoes, creating a hearty, satisfying base. Here’s what you’ll need: Ground Beef: The star of the dish, providing rich flavor and protein. You can use lean ground beef for a healthier option. Sweet Potato: Adds a natural sweetness and a hearty texture. It’s packed with vitamins and fiber, making it a nutritious choice. Zucchini: This versatile veggie brings a fresh crunch and balances the sweetness of the potatoes. It cooks quickly, making it perfect for this skillet. Onion: A must-have for building flavor. It caramelizes beautifully and adds depth to the dish. Garlic: A little goes a long way! It infuses the skillet with a warm, aromatic essence. Smoked Paprika: This spice adds a smoky depth that elevates the dish. It’s a game-changer for flavor! Dried Oregano: A classic herb that complements the other ingredients and adds a hint of earthiness. Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning. Adjust to your taste for the perfect balance. Olive Oil: Used for sautéing, it adds healthy fats and enhances the overall flavor. Beef Broth or Water: This helps to cook the sweet potatoes and keeps everything moist. Broth adds extra flavor! Fresh Parsley: A lovely garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish. For those looking to spice things up, consider adding red pepper flakes for heat or topping with shredded cheese before serving. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. And for a vegetarian twist, try a plant-based ground meat alternative! Exact quantities for each ingredient can be found at the bottom of the article, ready for printing. How to Make Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this delicious Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a hearty meal on the table in no time! Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Garlic Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making your mouth water. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. You want it fragrant but not burnt, so keep an eye on it! Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. You want it browned evenly, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, don’t hesitate to drain it off. This step is crucial for keeping your dish from becoming greasy! Step 3: Add Sweet Potatoes and Seasonings Now it’s time to add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the beef broth or water, which will help cook the sweet potatoes and keep everything moist. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender. Step 4: Stir in Zucchini Once the sweet potatoes are soft, it’s time to add the diced zucchini. Stir it into the skillet, ensuring it’s well combined with the other ingredients. Cover the skillet again and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes. The zucchini should be tender but still have a bit of crunch. This adds a lovely texture to your dish! Step 5: Final Touches Before serving, taste your skillet and adjust the seasoning if needed. A little extra salt or pepper can make a big difference! Once you’re satisfied, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. And just like that, your Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is ready to be enjoyed! Tips for Success Prep your ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process. Don’t rush the browning of the beef; it adds depth to the flavor. Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies for a personal touch. Adjust the seasoning gradually; you can always add more, but you can’t take it out! Let leftovers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Equipment Needed Large Skillet: A non-stick skillet works best, but any large pan will do. Spatula: Use a wooden or silicone spatula to avoid scratching your skillet. Knife and Cutting Board: Essential for chopping your veggies. Measuring Cups: Handy for precise ingredient measurements. Variations Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy twist that will wake up your taste buds. Cheesy Delight: Top your skillet with shredded cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, and let it melt for a creamy finish. Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a fragrant and flavorful upgrade. Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or lentils for a hearty vegetarian dish. Sweet Potato Swap: Try butternut squash or carrots instead of sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile. Serving Suggestions Pair your Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet with a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast. A side of crusty bread or warm tortillas is perfect for scooping up every last bite. For drinks, consider a light beer or a crisp white wine to complement the flavors. Serve in colorful bowls to make the dish visually appealing and inviting. FAQs about Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet Can I make this Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet ahead of time? Absolutely! This dish stores well in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again. What can I substitute for ground beef? If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works great. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative. How can I make this dish spicier? For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when cooking the onions. You can also top it with hot sauce before serving for an extra punch! Can I freeze the Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet? Yes, you can freeze it! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. What sides pair well with this skillet dish? This skillet is hearty enough on its own, but you can serve it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the flavors. A light beer or crisp white wine also complements the meal beautifully! Final Thoughts Cooking this Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about creating a moment of joy in your kitchen. The vibrant colors and enticing aromas fill your home, making it feel warm and inviting. Each bite is a delightful blend of flavors that brings comfort and satisfaction. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying it solo, this dish is a reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s a simple yet fulfilling way to nourish yourself and those you love, making it a staple in my weeknight rotation. Print Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is delicious! Print Recipe 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews A delicious and hearty skillet dish made with ground beef, zucchini, and sweet potatoes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Author: Isabella Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes Yield: 4 servings 1x Category: Main Dish Method: Skillet Cuisine: American Diet: Gluten Free Ingredients Scale 1x2x3x 1 pound ground beef 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced (about 1 ½ cups) 2 medium zucchinis, diced (about 2 cups) 1 small onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper 2 tablespoons olive oil ¼ cup beef broth or water Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark Instructions In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in the diced sweet potato, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the beef broth or water, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender. Add the diced zucchini to the skillet, stir to combine, and cover again. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the zucchini is tender. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Notes For added flavor, sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or top with shredded cheese before serving. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or use a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian version. Nutrition Serving Size: 1 serving Calories: 350 Sugar: 5g Sodium: 600mg Fat: 20g Saturated Fat: 8g Unsaturated Fat: 12g Trans Fat: 0g Carbohydrates: 18g Fiber: 3g Protein: 25g Cholesterol: 80mg