Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet

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Introduction

This hearty one-skillet meal combines savory ground beef, tender zucchini, and sweet potatoes for a nutritious and flavorful dinner. Seasoned with smoked paprika and oregano, this dish is quick, easy, and perfect for a busy weeknight. A wholesome balance of protein, veggies, and natural sweetness, all made in one pan for easy cleanup!

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 medium zucchinis, diced
  • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  2. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Cook Sweet Potatoes: Stir in diced sweet potatoes, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
  4. Add Zucchini: Stir in diced zucchini and cook for another 5 minutes until tender but still crisp.
  5. Finish & Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Variations:

  1. Cheesy Skillet Twist – Stir in ½ cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese during the last 2 minutes of cooking. The cheese will melt beautifully, adding a creamy texture and extra richness to the dish.
  2. Spicy Kick – If you love a little heat, add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper while cooking the beef. You can also drizzle hot sauce on top before serving for an extra punch.
  3. Mexican-Inspired Version – Swap the smoked paprika and oregano for 1 teaspoon of taco seasoning. Add ½ cup of black beans and ½ cup of corn kernels for a Tex-Mex-style twist. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top.

Cooking Notes:

  1. Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a bit of heat.
  2. Extra Flavor: A splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce can enhance the beef’s umami richness.
  3. Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions:

  1. Over Rice or Quinoa – Serve this skillet meal over steamed white rice, brown rice, or fluffy quinoa to turn it into a heartier dish. The grains will absorb all the flavorful juices, making each bite even more satisfying.
  2. Topped with a Fried Egg – For a protein-packed twist, top each serving with a fried or poached egg. The runny yolk adds a rich, velvety texture that enhances the dish’s flavors.
  3. As a Stuffed Bell Pepper Filling – Spoon the skillet mixture into halved bell peppers, sprinkle with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.

Tips:

  1. Use Lean Ground Beef for a Lighter Dish – Opt for 90/10 or 85/15 ground beef to reduce excess grease. If using a fattier beef, drain any excess fat before adding the sweet potatoes to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
  2. Batch Cooking for Meal Prep – This recipe stores well and makes an excellent meal-prep option. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Simply reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to freshen it up.
  3. Add a Citrus Finish for Brightness – A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice just before serving can enhance the flavors, making them pop. The acidity balances the richness of the beef and adds a refreshing contrast.

Prep Time:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Protein: 25g
  • Sodium: 320mg

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
    Yes! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative that works just as well in this recipe. You may need to add a little extra seasoning since turkey has a milder flavor compared to beef.
  2. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to retain moisture. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals until heated through.
  3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
    Absolutely! You can chop the veggies and brown the ground beef in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, then cook everything together when ready to eat for a fresh meal in under 15 minutes.
  4. What can I serve with this skillet meal?
    This dish pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or a side of crusty bread. You can also serve it with a simple green salad for a lighter, well-balanced meal.

Conclusion:

This Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is a delicious, nutrient-packed one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy nights. It’s easy to customize, meal-prep friendly, and offers a hearty mix of protein, fiber, and vibrant flavors in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight dinner or a dish that can be prepped ahead, this skillet meal is a fantastic choice!

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Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

This hearty one-skillet meal combines savory ground beef, tender zucchini, and sweet potatoes for a nutritious and flavorful dinner. Seasoned with smoked paprika and oregano, this dish is quick, easy, and perfect for a busy weeknight. A wholesome balance of protein, veggies, and natural sweetness, all made in one pan for easy cleanup!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 medium zucchinis, diced
  • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  • Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Cook Sweet Potatoes: Stir in diced sweet potatoes, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
  • Add Zucchini: Stir in diced zucchini and cook for another 5 minutes until tender but still crisp.
  • Finish & Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a bit of heat.
  • Extra Flavor: A splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce can enhance the beef’s umami richness.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Skillet Meal
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: ground beef skillet, zucchini sweet potato recipe, easy one-pan meal, healthy dinner

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