Let me tell you, one-pan meals are my absolute favorite way to cook, especially on those busy weeknights when time is tight but hunger is loud! The Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is a delightful powerhouse of flavor that brings together hearty ground beef, tender zucchini, and sweet, caramelized sweet potatoes in one glorious dish. Seriously, it’s like a warm hug on a plate! Not only does it taste amazing, but cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks together in just one skillet. You’ll love how quickly it comes together—perfect for busy families or anyone who wants to whip up something satisfying without a ton of fuss. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a go-to in your weekly rotation!
Ingredients for Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup beef broth
How to Prepare Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet
Now, let’s get down to the good stuff—preparing this delicious skillet! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll have it on the table in no time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be savoring every bite of this hearty meal.
Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
First things first, heat up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want that oil nice and shimmering but not smoking—nobody likes burnt garlic! Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. Wow, the smell is already amazing!
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure it cooks evenly; we want that rich flavor all the way through!
Step 3: Cook the Sweet Potato
Now, it’s time to add the diced sweet potato. Give everything a good stir, then cover the skillet and let it cook for about 10 minutes. This steaming action will help the sweet potatoes become tender and perfectly cooked without losing their sweetness.
Step 4: Add Zucchini and Seasonings
Once the sweet potatoes are tender, stir in the diced zucchini, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together well—this is where the magic happens! The zucchini will add a lovely color and crunch to the dish.
Step 5: Incorporate Beef Broth
Finally, pour in the beef broth and give it one last gentle stir. Cover the skillet again and let it cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until all the veggies are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully. You’re almost ready to dig in—just wait until you taste it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time means you can have dinner ready in just 30 minutes!
- Packed with healthy ingredients like zucchini and sweet potatoes, making it a nutritious choice.
- One-pan cooking means less cleanup—yay for easy dishes!
- Rich, hearty flavors that satisfy even the hungriest of appetites.
- Perfect for meal prep or leftovers, so you can enjoy it again!
Tips for Success
To take your Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet to the next level, don’t hesitate to adjust the spices to match your taste! A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick, or try a dash of Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile. And if you love cheese (who doesn’t?), sprinkle some shredded cheese on top just before serving for a melty finish. Trust me, it elevates the whole dish!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! Just let your Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth if it seems dry. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through—easy peasy!
Nutritional Information
Now, I want to give you a heads-up about the nutritional information for this Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet. Keep in mind that the nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. It’s always a good idea to check the labels for the most accurate details. That said, here’s a typical breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 22g
So, dig in and enjoy this hearty meal knowing it’s packed with nutrition to fuel your day!
FAQ About Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner option, and it’ll still taste fantastic in this skillet.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to get creative! Bell peppers, carrots, or even spinach would make excellent additions. Just adjust the cooking time so everything cooks evenly.
How do I store leftovers?
Let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep everything in advance and just cook it when you’re ready. It’s perfect for meal prep!
How can I make it spicier?
If you love a bit of heat, try adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper while cooking. You’ll get that delicious kick!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
For tips on cooking with ground beef, visit FoodSafety.gov for safe cooking guidelines.
Print
Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet: 5-Star Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A hearty and healthy one-pan meal featuring ground beef, zucchini, and sweet potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned.
- Add sweet potato, cover, and cook for 10 minutes.
- Stir in zucchini, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add beef broth, cover, and cook until vegetables are tender.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Top with cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet