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Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet

This Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is a wholesome, one-pan meal packed with bold flavors and nourishing ingredients. Tender sweet potatoes, savory ground beef, and fresh zucchini come together with warm spices for a satisfying dish that’s perfect for weeknights or make-ahead lunches.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef 90% lean recommended
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and diced
  • 2 medium zucchini sliced into half moons
  • 1 small red onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes optional
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Sauté Sweet Potatoes:
  1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add sweet potatoes and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly browned and tender. Transfer to a plate.
Brown the Beef:
  1. In the same skillet, add another tbsp of olive oil and ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula — about 5–7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin.
Add Aromatics:
  1. Stir in garlic and red onion, cooking until fragrant and the onion softens, about 2–3 minutes.
Toss in Zucchini:
  1. Add sliced zucchini and stir everything together. Cook for another 5 minutes until zucchini is just tender.
Combine Everything:
  1. Return sweet potatoes to the skillet. Mix well and let everything cook together for 2–3 more minutes so flavors can blend.
Serve & Garnish:
  1. Top with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of chili flakes if desired.

Notes

Recipe Notes

Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet – Helpful Tips
One-Pan Wonder
This meal is perfect for busy weeknights—everything cooks in just one skillet for easy prep and even easier cleanup.
Cut Evenly for Best Results
• Dice sweet potatoes into small, uniform cubes so they cook through evenly.
• Slice zucchini a bit thicker to prevent it from getting too soft in the skillet.
Flavor Boosters
• Add minced garlic and chopped onion when browning the ground beef for extra depth.
• A sprinkle of smoked paprika, cumin, or Italian seasoning enhances the overall flavor.
Make It a Meal
Serve with:
• A side of brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
• A dollop of Greek yogurt or a spoonful of sour cream on top
• Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or green onions
Healthy and Hearty
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, high in protein, and packed with fiber and vitamins—perfect for clean eating without sacrificing comfort.
Easy Variations
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Cheesy Option: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack over the top and let it melt before serving.
• Low-Carb Swap: Replace sweet potatoes with more zucchini or use cauliflower for a keto-friendly twist.
• Meat-Free: Swap beef for lentils, chickpeas, or a plant-based crumble.
Meal Prep Friendly
This dish stores well!
• Keep leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days.
• Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth or water to refresh the texture.