Description
This Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal combining tender ground beef, sweet potatoes, and fresh zucchinis, seasoned with warm spices like paprika, cumin, and optional turmeric. Ready in 30 minutes, this wholesome skillet dish is perfect for a nutritious and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Oils
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Cook the sweet potatoes: In the same skillet, add the diced sweet potatoes. Cook over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sweet potatoes are tender and starting to brown slightly. If the skillet gets too dry, add a bit more olive oil or a splash of water.
- Add the vegetables: Add the diced onion, garlic, and zucchini to the skillet. Cook for another 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.
- Season the skillet: Sprinkle the paprika, cumin, turmeric (if using), salt, and pepper over the vegetables. Stir to coat evenly and allow the spices to toast for about 1 minute.
- Combine the beef: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and mix everything together. Continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and everything to heat through.
- Serve and garnish: Once the sweet potatoes are tender and the mixture is well-combined, remove from heat. Serve the skillet warm, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro.
- Enjoy: Serve as a standalone dish or pair it with a side of rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a more filling meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Adjust the spices to your taste, adding chili powder or cayenne for heat.
- To make this dish vegetarian, swap the ground beef for cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro according to preference for garnish.
- For a gluten-free meal, serve with quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of traditional grains.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
