Description
Ground beef zucchini sweet potato skillet delivers a hearty one-pan meal that saves time and satisfies hunger with minimal cleanup. Packed with protein and vegetables, this simple dinner comes together quickly for families craving a nutritious and delicious weeknight solution.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 medium zucchini
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Cooking Liquid:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Peel 2 medium sweet potatoes and dice them into ½-inch cubes. Finely chop 1 medium yellow onion and 2 medium zucchini into uniform pieces smaller than the sweet potato cubes.
- Pour 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil into a large skillet, heating to medium temperature (350°F). Add diced onions and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for exactly 2 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Raise skillet temperature to medium-high (375°F). Crumble 1 pound lean ground beef into the pan, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until meat browns completely.
- Introduce sweet potato cubes, diced zucchini, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika into the skillet. Thoroughly mix ingredients, ensuring even seasoning and coating.
- Reduce heat to medium-low (325°F). Allow vegetables and beef to simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of sweet potatoes.
- Check sweet potato tenderness with a fork. Remove skillet from heat when vegetables reach desired softness and beef is fully cooked through.
Notes
- Choose sweet potatoes that are firm and free from soft spots for the best texture in your skillet.
- Cutting vegetables into uniform small pieces helps them cook evenly and creates a better mix of flavors.
- For a lower-fat version, select lean ground beef or swap it with ground turkey for a lighter protein option.
- If you prefer extra spice, sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne when seasoning the dish for a subtle kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-24 minutes
- Category: One-Skillet
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 367 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 745 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg