Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet

Looking for a wholesome and delicious weeknight dinner? This Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is the perfect solution! Packed with nutritious veggies, lean protein, and savory flavors, this easy one-pan recipe is ideal for busy families or anyone wanting a fast and satisfying meal. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, low-carb friendly, and ready in under 30 minutes. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To prepare this tasty Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (lean or extra lean preferred)

• 2 medium zucchinis, diced

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Optional Add-ins:

• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella)

• A pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat

• Fresh lime juice for serving

Kitchen Tools Required

You won’t need much to prepare this simple skillet dinner:

• Large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Sharp knife

• Cutting board

• Vegetable peeler (for sweet potatoes)

How to Make Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet

Follow these easy step-by-step instructions to create this flavorful meal:

1: Prep the Ingredients

• Start by peeling and dicing the sweet potatoes into small cubes (about 1/2 inch pieces).

• Dice the zucchini and finely chop the onion.

• Mince the garlic cloves.

2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Add the diced sweet potatoes. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender and slightly caramelized.

• Transfer the sweet potatoes to a plate and set aside.

3: Brown the Ground Beef

• In the same skillet, add another 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

• Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.

• Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

• Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through.

• Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano. Stir well to combine.

4: Add Zucchini and Sweet Potatoes

• Add the diced zucchini to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until zucchini is tender but still crisp.

• Return the cooked sweet potatoes to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.

5: Finish and Serve

• Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices as desired.

• Optional: sprinkle shredded cheese on top and let it melt for a cheesy version.

• Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice, if using.

• Serve hot and enjoy!

Helpful Tips for Perfect Results

Here are a few helpful tips to ensure your Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet turns out perfectly every time:

1. Dice evenly: Cut the sweet potatoes and zucchini into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

2. Don’t overcook the zucchini: Add the zucchini toward the end of cooking to retain its texture and vibrant color.

3. Lean ground beef works best: Using lean or extra lean ground beef will prevent excess grease and keep the dish light and healthy.

4. Customize to your taste: Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for more variety.

5. Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Nutritional Value (Approximate per Serving)

This recipe yields about 4 servings. Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:

• Calories: 350-400 kcal

• Protein: 25-30 g

• Carbohydrates: 20-25 g

• Fat: 18-22 g

• Fiber: 5-6 g

• Sugar: 6-8 g

• Sodium: Varies depending on seasoning

Note: Nutritional values will vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Skillet Dinner

This Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is a true winner when it comes to easy, healthy, and flavorful meals. It’s a one-pan wonder that saves time on both cooking and cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights. With wholesome veggies, satisfying ground beef, and customizable spices, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.