Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This skillet recipe is the ultimate comfort food with a healthy twist. Packed with protein from the ground beef and a rich dose of nutrients from the zucchini and sweet potatoes, it's a well-rounded dish that will leave you full and satisfied. The use of smoked paprika and oregano adds a depth of flavor that elevates this dish to a whole new level. Plus, it's made in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you're cooking for a busy family or looking for a quick dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound ground beef

• 2 medium zucchinis, diced

• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.

2. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Brown the beef for 5-7 minutes or until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease if needed.

3. Stir in the sweet potato cubes and season with smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cover the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender.

4. Add the diced zucchini to the skillet, cooking uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to soften while maintaining a slight crunch.

5. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 4 servings

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Swap the ground beef: Try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.

• Add more veggies: You can throw in other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to increase the nutrient content.

• Spice it up: For a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or chili powder while cooking the ground beef.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen zucchini and sweet potatoes, but fresh vegetables will offer a better texture and flavor.

2. Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, this skillet can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a couple of days. It also reheats well for lunch or dinner.

3. Can I freeze this dish?

This recipe doesn’t freeze as well due to the texture of the sweet potatoes, but you can freeze the cooked ground beef mixture and reheat it within a month.

4. What can I serve this with?

This dish is great on its own, but you can serve it with a side of quinoa, rice, or a fresh salad for a more filling meal.

5. Can I add cheese to this recipe?

Absolutely! A sprinkle of shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella on top just before serving would add a creamy, melty finish.

6. Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! The flavors are mild, and the dish is easy for kids to eat. You can adjust the seasoning to suit their tastes by reducing or omitting the smoked paprika.

7. How can I make this recipe spicy?

To make the dish spicy, add some chili powder, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños to the skillet when you cook the onions and garlic.

8. Can I use a different kind of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.

9. What can I use instead of olive oil?

If you don’t have olive oil, you can substitute with avocado oil, coconut oil, or any other neutral cooking oil.

10. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your weekly meal rotation. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be customized to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Give it a try for a satisfying and wholesome dinner!

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Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet

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This Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is a one-pan meal combining ground beef, sweet potatoes, and zucchini for a healthy, satisfying dinner. It's quick to make, gluten-free, and full of flavor.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

2 medium zucchinis, diced

1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
2. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Brown the beef for 5-7 minutes or until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease if needed.
3. Stir in the sweet potato cubes and season with smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cover the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
4. Add the diced zucchini to the skillet, cooking uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to soften while maintaining a slight crunch.
5. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm.

Notes

• Swap the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Add other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to enhance the dish.
• For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes or chili powder while cooking the ground beef.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
• This dish can be served with quinoa, rice, or a fresh salad for added variety.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg