Description
This Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is a wholesome one-pan meal featuring lean ground beef, tender sweet potatoes, fresh zucchini, and savory seasonings. It’s a nutritious, satisfying dinner perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights, offering a balanced blend of protein and vegetables in a flavorful, easy-to-make skillet dish.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound lean ground beef
Vegetables
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Liquids
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup beef broth
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables and browning the meat.
- Cook sweet potatoes: Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften but are not fully cooked.
- Add onion and beef: Incorporate the diced onion and lean ground beef into the skillet. Cook until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onion is translucent, breaking up the beef into crumbles.
- Season the mixture: Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Combine well to evenly distribute the spices for robust flavor.
- Add zucchini and broth: Add the diced zucchini and pour in the beef broth. This will help steam and tenderize the vegetables while keeping the mixture moist.
- Simmer covered: Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 5–7 minutes, allowing the zucchini to soften and the sweet potatoes to finish cooking through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the lid, give the mixture a gentle stir, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top, and serve warm for a hearty, healthy meal.
Notes
- Add shredded cheddar cheese on top before serving for extra richness and flavor.
- This recipe is excellent for meal prep and freezes well for convenient leftovers.
- For a lighter version, substitute lean ground turkey instead of ground beef.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
