This Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is a hearty and nutritious skillet meal that brings together wholesome vegetables and savory beef in one delicious dish. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a balanced dinner packed with flavor and texture.

The combination of tender ground beef, tender-crisp zucchini, and naturally sweet roasted sweet potatoes creates a comforting harmony on your plate. Easy to prepare and full of vibrant colors, this skillet meal is sure to become a favorite in your rotation.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Use lean ground beef for tender texture and rich, savory flavor with less grease.
• Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds mild sweetness and a tender-crisp bite to the dish.
• Sweet potato: Cubed sweet potatoes provide natural sweetness and a dense, creamy texture when cooked.
• Onion: Finely chopped onion adds aromatic depth and a subtle sweetness to the skillet.
• Garlic cloves: Minced garlic infuses the dish with warm, pungent flavor enhancing the beef.
• Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is used for sautéing and bringing out flavors while keeping it healthy.
• Tomato paste: Adds a concentrated tomato flavor and subtle tanginess that enriches the sauce.
• Ground cumin: Provides a warm, earthy spice that complements the beef and vegetables well.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky, sweet depth that elevates the dish’s complexity.
• Salt and black pepper: Season to enhance all flavors perfectly and balance the taste.
• Fresh parsley: Finely chopped parsley adds a fresh, bright herbal note at the end.
• Beef broth: Used to deglaze the pan and create a light, savory sauce coating the ingredients evenly.

Instructions

Prepare the vegetables

Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Slice the zucchini into half-moons to ensure they cook quickly and retain their texture.

Cook the ground beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through. This step builds a deep, savory foundation for the dish.

Sauté onions and garlic

Add finely chopped onions to the skillet with the beef and cook until translucent and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma without burning.

Add spices and tomato paste

Mix in tomato paste, ground cumin, and smoked paprika, stirring well to coat the beef mixture. This step intensifies flavor and adds a delicious smoky, earthy undertone.

Cook sweet potatoes

Add cubed sweet potatoes and stir to combine. Pour in beef broth to deglaze the pan and create steam that will help cook the sweet potatoes evenly while infusing flavor.

Simmer until tender

Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Let the mixture simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender and cooked through.

Incorporate zucchini

Add sliced zucchini last to maintain its texture and freshness. Cook uncovered for another 5 minutes until zucchini is tender but not mushy, preserving a pleasant bite.

Season and garnish

Season the skillet with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley to add color and a refreshing herbal note.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to preserve texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This skillet pairs wonderfully with a side of leafy greens or a simple mixed salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread or warm tortillas for a heartier option.

FAQs

Can I use frozen zucchini instead of fresh?

Fresh zucchini is preferred for better texture, but frozen can be used if thoroughly thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture.

What can I substitute for beef broth?

Vegetable broth or water with a splash of soy sauce can be used as alternatives if beef broth is unavailable.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when cooking onions for a spicy kick.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well and can be made a day in advance for meal prepping or quick dinners.

Can I add other vegetables?

Feel free to add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to increase nutritional variety and color.

What sides complement this skillet?

Serve alongside a fresh salad, steamed rice, or crusty bread for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet

Lana

A hearty and nutritious skillet dish combining savory ground beef, tender zucchini, and sweet potato for a balanced and flavorful meal perfect for any dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

• 1 large skillet for cooking ingredients
• 1 knife for chopping vegetables
• 1 cutting board for prepping ingredients
• 1 spatula for stirring

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 medium zucchinis diced
• 1 large sweet potato peeled and diced
• 1 small onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add chopped onions and garlic, sauté until translucent.
• Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
• Add diced sweet potato, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes until tender.
• Stir in diced zucchini and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
• Cook uncovered for another 5-7 minutes until zucchini is soft and flavors combine.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
• Swap sweet potato with regular potatoes for a milder taste.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.