If you’re after a hearty, colorful, and flavor-packed dinner that comes together in a single pan, you’re in for a treat with this Ground Beef Skillet with Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini. It’s one of those weeknight wonders that feels both cozy and vibrant, with a gorgeous mix of textures and just the right amount of spice. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish has you covered—plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and loaded with fresh veggies!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Ground Beef Skillet with Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini is how each ingredient plays a starring role, making the dish as colorful as it is satisfying. Every item adds something special, so don’t skip the details below—they’re the secret to big flavor!
- Ground beef: The heart of the dish, offering richness and savory depth. Opt for lean beef if you prefer a lighter skillet.
- Sweet potatoes: These beauties bring natural sweetness, lovely color, and a creamy bite that balances the spices.
- Zucchini: It adds a fresh, mild crunch and soaks up the flavors of the skillet beautifully.
- Onion: A foundation of aromatics, onion brings subtle sweetness and rounds out the dish.
- Garlic: Essential for that irresistible savory aroma and deep flavor.
- Olive oil: Helps everything caramelize and gives the dish a silky finish.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness and a pop of color—don’t skip it!
- Chili powder: Gives gentle warmth and complexity to the skillet.
- Dried oregano: Offers a touch of earthiness and classic comfort.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors together—taste as you go!
- Black pepper: Adds a mild kick and subtle heat.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a bit of fire, sprinkle these in for extra spice.
- Beef broth or water: Keeps everything juicy and helps the veggies cook to perfection.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens up the finished dish with fresh, herby notes.
- Shredded cheese or avocado (optional): For extra creaminess and flair, add one—or both!—on top before serving.
How to Make Ground Beef Skillet with Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini
Step 1: Sauté the Sweet Potatoes
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your diced sweet potatoes and cook them for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. They should begin to soften and take on a slight golden edge—just enough to bring out their natural sweetness. Once ready, scoop them out and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Add the rest of the olive oil to your skillet and toss in the diced onion. After about 3 minutes, when the onion softens and turns translucent, stir in the minced garlic. The aroma at this stage is irresistible and sets the stage for the savory flavors to come.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Use your spoon to break it up as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly for about 6 to 7 minutes. If you notice any excess fat, drain it off to keep the dish balanced and not greasy.
Step 4: Season and Combine
Now’s the time for spices! Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Stir everything together until the beef is well coated and fragrant—this is where the magic happens.
Step 5: Add Veggies and Simmer
Return the cooked sweet potatoes to the skillet and add the diced zucchini, then pour in the beef broth or water. Give it all a good stir, cover the skillet, and let it cook for another 5 to 7 minutes. The zucchini will soften, the sweet potatoes will finish cooking through, and all those flavors will meld together into one beautiful, cohesive dish.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove the lid and let any extra liquid cook off for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle the finished Ground Beef Skillet with Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini with plenty of fresh parsley, and serve it while it’s warm and inviting. Don’t forget your favorite toppings if you like a little extra flair!
How to Serve Ground Beef Skillet with Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, but you can take it even further with a generous handful of shredded cheddar or mozzarella, or some creamy avocado slices. The contrast of cold, creamy toppings with the warm skillet is pure comfort food bliss.
Side Dishes
This skillet is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you’re feeding a crowd or want to round out the meal, try serving it alongside a crisp green salad, some steamed rice, or a loaf of crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce. It’s also fantastic with a dollop of Greek yogurt for tang.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon your Ground Beef Skillet with Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini into individual bowls for a cozy, rustic feel, or pile it onto a platter and let everyone help themselves family-style. For a fun twist, use the filling in warm tortillas for a taco night, or stuff leftovers into bell peppers for an easy next-day lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully! Let the skillet cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight, making lunch or dinner the next day even more delicious.
Freezing
This Ground Beef Skillet with Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini freezes surprisingly well. Once cooled, portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen things up. You can also microwave individual servings until piping hot. Don’t forget to refresh with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving again!
FAQs
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Both ground turkey and chicken work wonderfully in this recipe. They make the dish a bit lighter, but you’ll still get all the comforting flavors and hearty texture you love.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This skillet is naturally dairy-free as long as you skip the optional cheese topping. For even more creaminess without dairy, top it off with avocado or a dollop of your favorite dairy-free yogurt.
Is this Ground Beef Skillet with Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini meal prep friendly?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! Portion into containers and store in the fridge; it reheats easily for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week, and the flavors only get better with time.
Can I add other vegetables to the skillet?
Definitely—this recipe is super flexible. Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms all make great additions if you want to sneak in even more veggies. Just add them in along with the zucchini in Step 5.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika works just fine, though you’ll miss a hint of smokiness. You can also add a pinch of cumin or chipotle powder for an extra flavor boost.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that’s wholesome, satisfying, and packed with flavor, you can’t go wrong with Ground Beef Skillet with Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini. Give it a try soon and see how quickly it becomes a staple in your kitchen—it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
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Ground Beef Skillet with Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and hearty Ground Beef Skillet packed with tender sweet potatoes, fresh zucchini, and savory spices. This one-pan dish is perfect for a quick and nutritious weeknight dinner or meal prep, offering a balanced combination of protein, fiber, and vibrant vegetables.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef
Seasonings & Liquids
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup beef broth or water
Garnish
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional shredded cheese or avocado for topping
Instructions
- Cook sweet potatoes: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Season the beef: Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to evenly coat the meat with spices.
- Add vegetables and broth: Return the cooked sweet potatoes to the skillet, then add the diced zucchini and beef broth (or water). Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and the sweet potatoes are fully cooked through.
- Reduce liquid: Remove the lid and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to allow any excess liquid to evaporate.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and add optional shredded cheese or avocado if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- This skillet is an excellent meal prep option, storing well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for beef for a lighter variation.
- For a cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top before serving.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes quantity based on your preferred spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
