Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet

Name: Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean); 2 medium zucchini, chopped; 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp olive oil (or your favorite cooking oil); 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp dried oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional: crushed red pepper flakes; Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish

Posted on May 12, 2025

Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet in One Pan

Dinner

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Looking for a quick and hearty weeknight dinner that checks all the boxes? This Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is everything you want in a one-pan meal—flavorful, filling, and ready in under 30 minutes! It’s the perfect balance of savory ground beef, tender zucchini, and naturally sweet, caramelized sweet potatoes. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal-prepping for the week, this healthy and colorful skillet is a delicious way to keep things simple and satisfying.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet

This skillet is a weeknight dinner dream come true—quick, healthy, and loaded with flavor. It uses everyday ingredients, comes together in just one pan (hello, easy cleanup!), and is packed with nutrients. The combination of ground beef, zucchini, and sweet potatoes creates a hearty, slightly sweet, and savory dish that’s both comforting and wholesome. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, kid-friendly, and easy to customize based on what you have in the fridge. Whether you’re into meal prep or just need dinner on the table fast, this one’s a keeper!

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have at home. Feel free to tweak the veggies or spices to match your taste or pantry!

You’ll Need:

1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
2 medium zucchini, chopped
1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil (or your favorite cooking oil)
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat
Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish

Instructions

This skillet dinner is as easy as chop, sauté, and simmer. Just one pan and a handful of steps stand between you and a comforting, flavorful meal.

How to Make It:

Heat the oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and diced sweet potatoes. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and brown.
Cook the ground beef: Push the sweet potatoes to one side of the pan and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add onions and garlic: Stir in the diced onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until fragrant and slightly softened.
Add zucchini and seasoning: Toss in the chopped zucchini, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for another 5–7 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and the sweet potatoes are fork-soft.
Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

This Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep Sundays!

Servings: Makes about 4 hearty servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Tips and Variations

This recipe is super flexible—feel free to make it your own!

Tips:

Cut veggies evenly: This helps everything cook at the same rate.
Use a lid: If your sweet potatoes are taking a while, cover the skillet to steam them a bit.
Pre-cook sweet potatoes: In a rush? Microwave the sweet potato cubes for 2–3 minutes before adding them to the pan.

Variations:

Switch the protein: Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Add greens: Stir in a handful of spinach or kale at the end for extra nutrients.
Cheesy twist: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and let it melt before serving.
Spice it up: Add cayenne or your favorite hot sauce for a kick.

Storage

Got leftovers? This skillet meal keeps really well, making it great for lunch the next day or easy meal prep.

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
To Reheat: Warm it up in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot. Add a splash of water or broth if it needs a moisture boost.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or even ground chicken works well for a lighter option.

2. Do I need to peel the zucchini?
Nope! Zucchini skin is tender and full of nutrients—just give it a good wash and chop.

3. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles, lentils, or even chickpeas.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check any seasonings you use.

5. Can I add cheese?
Totally! A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top is delicious.

6. What’s the best way to dice sweet potatoes quickly?
Peel them first, then slice into rounds, stack a few slices, and dice into cubes.

7. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it stores and reheats beautifully. It’s a great meal prep option!

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is your new go-to for quick, healthy, and satisfying dinners. With just one pan and under 30 minutes, you’ll have a comforting meal packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers every time.

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Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet

Why You’ll Love Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet