Skillet meals are my absolute favorite when it comes to quick, delicious, and satisfying dinners! There’s something magical about tossing everything into one pan and letting those flavors meld together. This Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is a perfect example of that magic! With the hearty ground beef, tender zucchini, and sweet, earthy sweet potatoes, it’s a dish that hits all the right notes. I can’t tell you how many times this has come to my rescue on busy weeknights! It’s simple, it comes together in about 40 minutes, and it’s a hit with everyone at my table. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome choice I can feel good about serving. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen, too!
Ingredients for Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet
Gather these simple yet hearty ingredients to whip up this delicious skillet dish. Each one plays a key role in creating that mouthwatering flavor!
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
These ingredients are not only easy to find, but they also come together beautifully in the skillet. Make sure to chop and dice everything before you start cooking, so you’re ready to dive right in!
How to Prepare Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and hearty meal that will warm your belly and delight your taste buds. I promise, it’s easier than you think!
Step 1: Heat Olive Oil
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This step is super important because it helps the oil get nice and hot, which means your ingredients will sizzle beautifully instead of just steaming. Trust me, that sizzle is music to your ears!
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once the oil is hot, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-5 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. This is where the magic begins—those aromas will start filling your kitchen, and you’ll be ready to dive into something delicious!
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add in the ground beef. Cook it until it’s beautifully browned, breaking it apart with your spatula as it cooks. You’ll know it’s ready when there’s no pink left—just a lovely, rich brown color that promises flavor in every bite!
Step 4: Cook Sweet Potatoes
Now, it’s time to add the diced sweet potatoes. Stir them in and cover the skillet with a lid. Let them cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help them soften up and blend with all those delicious flavors.
Step 5: Add Zucchini and Seasonings
Once the sweet potatoes are tender, throw in the diced zucchini, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together really well, making sure the seasonings are evenly distributed. Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust the seasoning if you want a little extra kick!
Step 6: Final Cooking Time
Now, let it all cook together for another 10-15 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and everything is heated through. Keep the skillet covered during this time; it helps everything steam and meld together beautifully. You’re almost there—get ready for a delicious meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 40 minutes!
- Hearty and filling, perfect for satisfying hungry bellies.
- Nutrient-packed with delicious vegetables and protein.
- One-pan wonder makes clean-up a breeze.
- Versatile—feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or proteins!
This Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is not only a meal but an experience! You’ll love how easy it is to whip up, and it’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet turns out perfect every time, here are a few tips I swear by!
- Even Cooking: When dicing the sweet potatoes, try to keep the pieces uniform in size. This ensures they cook evenly and don’t leave you with some pieces mushy while others are still crunchy.
- Adjust Seasoning: Don’t be shy about tasting as you go! If you feel it needs a little more flavor, add a pinch of salt or a dash of your favorite spice.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to mix it up! Ground turkey works well if you want a leaner option, and adding bell peppers or spinach can give it an extra nutritional boost.
- Leftover Love: If you have leftovers, this dish reheats beautifully and makes for a quick lunch the next day!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this hearty Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet. It packs in a good amount of flavor along with some solid nutrition!
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Sugar: 4g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy this dish knowing it’s not just delicious but also nourishing!
FAQ About Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet
Got questions about this delicious dish? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get, along with my answers.
Can I use other vegetables in this skillet?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or even corn. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! This Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You bet! This dish reheats beautifully, so you can make it in advance and enjoy it for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
What can I serve with this skillet?
It’s hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want a side, a simple green salad or some crusty bread pairs wonderfully!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stove or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from your Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is super easy! Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer any uneaten portions to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too—just pop it in for a minute or two, stirring halfway through. Trust me, it tastes just as delicious the second time around!
For more delicious recipes, check out Ground Beef Recipes and Sweet Potato Pie Recipe.
Print
Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet: 5-Star Comfort Meal
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty skillet dish featuring ground beef, zucchini, and sweet potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned.
- Stir in sweet potatoes, cover and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add zucchini, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Add bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: ground beef zucchini sweet potato skillet
