Description
This Ground Beef Skillet with Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini is a wholesome and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for a quick, nutritious dinner. Packed with tender ground beef, sweet potatoes, and fresh zucchini, seasoned with paprika, cumin, and chili powder, it offers a hearty balance of protein and vegetables with a hint of spice. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a convenient and satisfying dish ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef
Vegetables
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 zucchinis, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for extra heat
Oils & Garnishes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the oil. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they begin to soften but are not fully tender yet.
- Add Zucchini and Seasonings: Stir in the zucchini slices, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the zucchini is tender and the sweet potatoes are cooked through.
- Combine Beef and Veggies: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and mix everything together thoroughly. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to heat through evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle the dish with red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if preferred.
- To save time, use pre-diced sweet potatoes and pre-sliced zucchini.
- Make sure to not overcrowd the skillet to allow vegetables to cook evenly.
- This dish pairs well with a side of steamed rice or a fresh green salad.
