Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet
This Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is a quick, nutritious, and flavorful weeknight dinner combining lean ground beef with fresh zucchini and naturally sweet sweet potatoes. Ready in under 30 minutes and cooked in one skillet, it offers a perfect balance of protein, veggies, and complex carbs with mild seasonings that the whole family will enjoy. Ideal for easy meal prep or a satisfying homemade dinner.
- Author: Gloria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Proteins
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchinis, washed and diced into small cubes
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Oils & Fats
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and dice the zucchini and sweet potatoes into small, evenly sized cubes to ensure they cook evenly. Mince the garlic and chop the onion finely for a uniform flavor release.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, then remove excess fat for a leaner dish.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Sweet Potatoes: Introduce the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet. Cook covered for about 8 to 10 minutes until they start to soften, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate Zucchini and Seasonings: Add the zucchini cubes and sprinkle paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and cook uncovered for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until all veggies are tender.
- Combine and Finish: Return the browned ground beef to the skillet and mix well to combine all the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Dice vegetables evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Cook on medium heat to prevent burning while softening the veggies properly.
- Drain excess beef fat after browning for a lighter dish.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary for better searing.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro at the end for brightness.
- Customize by swapping proteins or adding extra veggies and spices as preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: ground beef skillet, zucchini recipe, sweet potato dinner, quick weeknight meal, one-pan dinner, healthy ground beef recipe, family-friendly dinner