Hey hearty meal lovers! I’m Meriem, and today I’m sharing one of my favorite weeknight solutions: 🥩🍠 Savory Ground Beef Skillet with Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini. It’s warm, filling, and full of natural sweetness and savory flavor that’s incredibly satisfying.
I first made this skillet as a clean-out-the-fridge dinner, and now it’s a go-to. Sweet potatoes bring a subtle sweetness, zucchini offers freshness, and beef makes it all so comforting. Plus, you only need one pan and 30 minutes. What more could you want?
This recipe pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or a dollop of sour cream for a hearty, balanced plate. If you’re a fan of my Spicy Ground Beef Fajita Rice Bowls or Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry, this will earn a spot in your dinner rotation!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Skillet Recipe
- 🍳 One-pan meal – Less cleanup, more flavor.
- 🍠 Nutritious ingredients – Sweet potatoes and zucchini are packed with fiber and vitamins.
- 🥩 Lean protein – Ground beef brings satisfaction and balance.
- ⏱️ Quick & easy – Done in just 30 minutes.
- 🧂 Bold yet simple seasoning – Paprika and garlic create amazing flavor with minimal effort.
What you will need & Substitutions
- 🥩 1 lb ground beef (450g) – Lean (85–90%) is ideal. Sub with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- 🥔 2 cups diced sweet potatoes (300g) – Use orange or white sweet potatoes. Butternut squash is a good swap.
- 🥒 2 cups sliced zucchini (200g) – Adds hydration and balance. Yellow squash works too.
- 🧅 1 small onion (100g), diced – Sweet or red onions both work.
- 🧄 1 tsp minced garlic (1–2 cloves) – Fresh or pre-minced garlic.
- 🥄 1 tbsp olive oil (15ml) – For sautéing. Avocado or canola oil are great alternatives.
- 🧂 ½ tsp salt + 🌶️ ¼ tsp black pepper – Basic seasoning.
- 🌿 1 tsp paprika – Adds mild spice and color. Use smoked paprika for more depth.
- 🌱 2 tbsp chopped parsley – Fresh finish. Sub with cilantro or chives if preferred.
Equipment Needed
- ✅ Large nonstick or cast iron skillet
- ✅ Wooden spoon or spatula
- ✅ Cutting board and sharp knife
- ✅ Measuring spoons
- ✅ Mixing bowl (optional)
Step-by-Step Directions with Tips
Follow these detailed steps to create a savory ground beef skillet:
Sauté Aromatics
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and 1 tsp garlic and sauté for 2–3 minutes, until fragrant and soft.
🥄 Tip: Stir frequently to prevent garlic from burning.
Cook Ground Beef
Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until browned. Drain excess fat.
🥄 Tip: For extra flavor, don’t stir too much at first—let it get a sear!
Add Sweet Potatoes & Seasoning
Stir in 2 cups diced sweet potatoes, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper, and 1 tsp paprika. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
🍠 Steam tip: Add a tablespoon of water and cover to soften potatoes faster.
Add Zucchini
Add 2 cups sliced zucchini, stir, and cook uncovered for 5–7 minutes, until tender but still vibrant.
🥄 Tip: Slice zucchini into ¼-inch half-moons for even cooking.
Finish & Serve
Remove from heat, sprinkle with 2 tbsp fresh parsley, and serve hot in bowls or over quinoa, rice, or greens.
🥄 Tip: Reserve a pinch of parsley for final plating to enhance presentation.
🥄 Tip: Let rest for 1–2 minutes to meld flavors before serving
Topping Suggestions
- Sour Cream Dollop: Creamy and tangy for richness.
- Shredded Cheddar: Melty and savory for indulgence.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy kick for bold palates.
- Sliced Green Onions: Fresh and mild for color.
- Toasted Pumpkin Seeds: Crunchy and nutty for texture.
- Lemon Zest: Bright and citrusy for a twist.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 350
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Serving Suggestions
Make it a complete meal with:
- Crusty Bread Perfect for soaking up juices.
- Side of leafy green salad
- Toasted whole grain pita
- Mashed Cauliflower Creamy and low-carb side.
- Sparkling Water Lemon-infused for a refreshing sip.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Storage:
- Store skillet mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Tip: Store parsley separately to maintain its freshness.
- Freezing:
- Freeze cooled skillet mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Tip: Portion into single servings for easy meals.
- Reheating:
- Microwave: Reheat for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway, until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth for 5–7 minutes.
- Tip: Refresh with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil after reheating,.
Ingredient Substitutions Recap
Olive Oil → Avocado Oil: Neutral, high-heat substitute.
Ground Beef → Ground Turkey: Leaner protein option.
Sweet Potatoes → Butternut Squash: Sweet, creamy swap.
Zucchini → Yellow Squash: Similar texture and flavor.
Paprika → Chili Powder: Spicier, bold alternative.
FAQs
Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?
Yes! Just thaw and pat dry before cooking to avoid sogginess.
How do I keep ground beef leftovers from getting soggy?
Reheat gently and avoid overcooking the zucchini the first time.
Can I add other vegetables in ground beef skillet?
Yes! Add ½ cup diced carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers with the zucchini, keeping total veggies under 4 cups to balance flavors.
Ground Beef Skillet with Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups diced sweet potatoes
- 2 cups sliced zucchini
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, cooking until browned, about 5-7 minutes, then drain excess fat.
- Stir in diced sweet potatoes, salt, black pepper, and paprika, cooking for 10 minutes until potatoes soften.
- Add sliced zucchini, stirring well, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve warm in bowls or plates.
This 🥩🍠 Savory Ground Beef Skillet with Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini brings bold, homey flavor and wholesome ingredients to your dinner table with minimal fuss. It’s easy, affordable, and flexible—a real hero for weeknight cooking!
Loved it? Be sure to try my Spicy Ground Beef Fajita Rice Bowls or Colorful Sweet Potato and Black Bean Bowl next. 💬 Leave a comment and tag your creation with #SkilletWithMeriem!
