Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is an all-in-one meal that brings together hearty and nutritious ingredients in one easy-to-make dish. The sweet potato adds a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory ground beef, while the zucchini provides a light, fresh contrast. With just a handful of seasonings, this skillet comes together quickly and is full of flavor. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.

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)

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

Directions

1. Cook the ground beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove excess grease if necessary. Season with salt and pepper, and set the beef aside.
2. Cook the sweet potatoes: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the cubed sweet potato and cook over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potato is tender and lightly browned.
3. Add the aromatics and zucchini: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the sweet potatoes, and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and fragrant. Then, stir in the diced zucchini and cook for another 4-5 minutes, until the zucchini softens.
4. Combine everything: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and mix everything together. Add the smoked paprika, dried oregano, and additional salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Garnish and serve: Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add greens: Toss in some spinach or kale for added nutrition and color.
• Spicy option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Different veggies: Swap zucchini for bell peppers, mushrooms, or even eggplant for a different flavor profile.
• Sweet potato alternative: You can use butternut squash or carrots in place of sweet potatoes for a similar texture and sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a substitute for ground beef in this recipe, though the flavor may be a bit milder.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this skillet ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat before serving.

3. Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?

Fresh sweet potatoes work best for this dish, but if you use frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and dried before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.

4. How do I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish an extra kick.

5. Can I use other vegetables besides zucchini and sweet potato?

Absolutely! Feel free to use vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli instead of or in addition to zucchini and sweet potato.

6. Can I make this dish without olive oil?

You can use any cooking oil you prefer, such as avocado oil or coconut oil. Olive oil gives a nice flavor but is not essential to the dish.

7. Can I freeze this skillet?

Yes, this dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Reheat thoroughly in the microwave or skillet when ready to serve.

8. How do I make this dish lower in carbs?

To make this dish even lower in carbs, you can substitute sweet potatoes with cauliflower or another low-carb vegetable like turnips.

9. Can I add cheese to this dish?

Yes! A sprinkle of shredded cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, would melt beautifully on top of the hot skillet for a cheesy variation.

10. What should I serve with this dish?

Serve this skillet with a simple side salad, cauliflower rice, or even a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is a flavorful, filling, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s quick to make, packed with healthy ingredients, and can be easily customized to your liking. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the many variations, this skillet dish will keep you satisfied and coming back for more!

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