This Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is a wholesome, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. With tender ground beef, naturally sweet sweet potatoes, and vibrant zucchini, this dish is packed with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes. It’s an easy-to-make, hearty dish that the whole family will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is a crowd-pleaser that’s as simple as it is satisfying. The ground beef offers a hearty base, while the sweet potatoes bring a gentle sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the dish. The zucchini adds a burst of freshness, and with just a few spices like smoked paprika and oregano, it’s all brought together beautifully. This recipe is also incredibly versatile—feel free to mix in other veggies or proteins based on what you have on hand. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights when you need a quick yet nutritious dinner.
Ingredients
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1 pound ground beef
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2 medium zucchinis, diced
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1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
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Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Brown the beef for 5-7 minutes, or until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease if needed.
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Add Sweet Potato & Seasonings: Stir in the sweet potato cubes and season with smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cover the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
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Add Zucchini: Add the diced zucchini to the skillet, cooking uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to soften while maintaining a slight crunch.
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Finish & Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm.
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Servings: 4 servings
Variations
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Use Different Protein: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
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Add More Veggies: You can stir in bell peppers, spinach, or corn during the last few minutes of cooking for extra color and flavor.
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Spicy Option: For a spicier twist, add chili flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce before serving.
Storage/Reheating
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Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover skillet in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve as they sit!
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Freezing: This dish freezes well—just spoon portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
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Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking. Alternatively, heat individual portions in the microwave.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, and the flavors will still work wonderfully with the sweet potatoes and zucchini.
Do I need to peel the sweet potato?
It’s up to you! Peeling the sweet potato will give you a creamier texture, but leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and a rustic feel.
Can I add more vegetables to this skillet?
Absolutely! You can stir in other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or even corn to customize the dish based on what you have on hand.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of chili flakes, diced jalapeño, or a splash of hot sauce just before serving for a bit of heat.
Is this dish gluten-free and dairy-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this skillet ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
How do I prevent the zucchini from becoming too soft?
To keep the zucchini from becoming mushy, cook it for just 5 minutes after adding it to the skillet. It should be tender but still slightly firm.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
While this recipe is naturally cheese-free, you can certainly sprinkle some shredded cheese on top when serving for a creamy addition.
What other sides go well with this skillet?
This dish pairs perfectly with a simple green salad, crusty bread, or herbed rice. For a larger meal, try serving it with roasted veggies or a tangy slaw.
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are fully cooked?
Check the sweet potatoes by piercing them with a fork. They should be tender and easily pierced through.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is the perfect solution for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dinner. Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a wholesome meal that’s both hearty and healthy. Plus, with its versatility and ease of preparation, it’s sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. Whether you’re making it for a family meal or meal prepping for the week, this recipe will not disappoint!

Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet
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- Author: Alice
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender ground beef, sweet potatoes, and vibrant zucchini. With minimal ingredients and a 30-minute cook time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying dinner.
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)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Brown for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink, draining any excess grease if necessary.
- Stir in cubed sweet potatoes, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Add diced zucchini and cook uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until tender but slightly crunchy.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- For a leaner version, swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
- Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or corn for added color and flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add chili flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, crusty bread, or herbed rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg