Name: Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 small red onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced; 1 medium zucchini, diced; Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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If you’re searching for a dinner that somehow checks all the boxes — weeknight-friendly, hearty, loaded with veggies, and truly satisfying — let me introduce you to the Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet. This one-pan wonder brings together savory beef, gently caramelized sweet potato, and vibrant zucchini, all layered with zesty seasonings and a finish of fresh parsley. The whole dish pulls together so easily, but the results deliver maximum flavor in each bite. Whether you want to please picky eaters or just need a reliable, filling skillet meal in your week, this recipe deserves a spot at the top of your dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how simple this list is, yet every single ingredient brings something important to the Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet. From bold ground beef to fresh veggies and aromatic spices, everything works together for amazing color, taste, and texture.

Ground Beef: The juicy star of the skillet—use an 80/20 blend for great flavor, or leaner for a lighter dish.
Sweet Potato: Adds a naturally sweet note and creamy bite; dicing ensures it cooks evenly and quickly.
Zucchini: Brings a pop of green and gentle crunch, balancing the richness of the beef and potato.
Red Onion: A little bit sharp, a little bit sweet, red onion melts into the background for subtle depth.
Garlic: Freshly minced cloves wake up the flavors and add irresistible aroma.
Paprika: Delivers gentle warmth and smokiness that ties every flavor together.
Dried Oregano: Offers herbal brightness that makes the vegetables sing.
Chili Powder (Optional): For those who crave a gentle kick, but feel free to skip if you’re sensitive to heat!
Salt & Black Pepper: Don’t forget to taste as you go for perfectly seasoned results.
Olive Oil: Keeps everything sizzling without sticking, and lends a hint of richness.
Fresh Parsley: Optional, but that sprinkle of green makes a beautiful, fresh garnish.

How to Make Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet

Step 1: Sauté the Sweet Potato

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in your favorite large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced sweet potato. Let it cook, stirring every so often, until just fork-tender with slightly crisp edges—this usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once they’re cooked through and turning golden, transfer the sweet potato cubes to a plate and set aside. This step lets the sweet potatoes retain their shape and a bit of bite, avoiding any mushiness in your Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet.

Step 2: Soften the Onion & Brown the Beef

Add the second tablespoon of olive oil right into the skillet (no need to wipe it out). Toss in your chopped red onion and let it soften for 2–3 minutes. As soon as it’s fragrant and beginning to turn translucent, add the minced garlic and ground beef. Break up the beef with a wooden spoon and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s well-browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. If excess fat renders out, just drain some off but leave a little for flavor!

Step 3: Bring in the Veggies & Seasonings

Once your beef is perfectly browned, stir in the diced zucchini, that lovely cooked sweet potato, paprika, oregano, chili powder (if you like it spicy), salt, and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly so each bite carries a punch of flavor. Let it all cook over medium heat for another 5 to 7 minutes, until the zucchini turns tender but not mushy, and everything is piping hot and well-mingled. This is where the Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet really comes together—look for those gorgeous pops of orange and green!

Step 4: Finishing Touches & Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle over a generous handful of freshly chopped parsley (if you’re using it). The hit of green transforms the dish into something restaurant-worthy and fresh. Scoop portions into bowls and serve warm, making sure everyone gets a little bit of every ingredient in each bite. If you want to take it up a notch, try a light sprinkle of shredded cheese or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for even more depth.

How to Serve Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet

Garnishes

Finish your Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet with a shower of fresh parsley for color and brightness. For extra richness, a handful of freshly shredded sharp cheddar or even a dollop of Greek yogurt will make every bite extra special. Don’t be shy about a quick twist of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce, depending on your crowd!

Side Dishes

This skillet is a main dish superstar on its own, but if you want to stretch it further, pair it with a simple side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or a batch of crusty bread to mop up every last bit. For a low-carb dinner, keep sides light and green.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn the Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet into a fun build-your-own bowl night: set out extras like avocado slices, pickled jalapeños, or even fried eggs, and let everyone customize their serving. Or, scoop the mixture into hearty tortillas for a unique veggie-and-beef wrap, perfect for lunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any cooled leftover Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors actually get even better as they meld together overnight—a real win for meal prep!

Freezing

Want to stockpile meals for busy nights? You can freeze this skillet dish with great results. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, tightly sealed, and freeze for up to three months. Just remember, the texture of zucchini may soften slightly after thawing, but the flavor still shines.

Reheating

The easiest way to reheat is on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave will work, too—just use a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely to avoid splatters. Add a splash of water or broth if the mixture seems dry.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Both ground turkey and chicken work beautifully in the Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet. They’ll make the dish a little lighter, so be sure to add a little extra seasoning or a splash of olive oil for richness.

Do I need to peel the sweet potato?

I recommend peeling it for the smoothest texture, but if you love the added nutrition and slight chewiness of the skin, just give it a good scrub and dice away.

Is this Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe as written is naturally gluten-free. Just check any optional add-ins (like Worcestershire sauce or cheese) to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

Can I prep any ingredients ahead of time?

Definitely. The veggies can be chopped a day in advance and stored in containers in the fridge. You can even cook the sweet potato ahead, then simply add everything to the skillet when you’re ready for a quick meal.

How can I add more protein or fiber to the skillet?

Feel free to stir in a can of drained and rinsed black beans or chickpeas for an easy fiber boost. A few handfuls of baby spinach at the end will wilt down perfectly and add even more nutrition to your skillet.

Final Thoughts

Give the Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet a try and you’ll see why it’s become a fast favorite in my kitchen. It’s colorful, full of flavor, and a total game changer for busy weeknights. I can’t wait for you to share this comforting meal around your own table!

Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is a flavorful and easy one-pan meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Packed with wholesome ingredients and delicious spices, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Skillet:

1 lb ground beef
1/2 small red onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetables:

1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
1 medium zucchini, diced

Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Sweet Potato: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potato and cook for 8–10 minutes until just tender. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Onion and Beef: Add remaining oil to the skillet. Sauté onion until softened, then add garlic and ground beef. Cook until browned.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in zucchini, cooked sweet potato, paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until zucchini is tender.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.