Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet
A wholesome one-skillet meal packed with lean ground beef, tender sweet potatoes, sauteed zucchini, onions, and Mediterranean herbs. It’s flavorful, colorful, and satisfying — with a lovely balance of protein, fiber, and healthy carbs.
Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced small
2 medium zucchini, diced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons tomato paste (or 1/2 cup canned tomatoes)
1/4 cup water or broth
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Optional: crumbled feta or a dollop of Greek yogurt on top
Instructions:
Saute Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 30 seconds.
Brown the Beef:
Add ground beef. Break it apart and cook until browned and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, and paprika. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add Sweet Potatoes:
Stir in sweet potatoes and tomato paste. Add water or broth. Cover and let simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender.
Add Zucchini:
Toss in the zucchini and stir to combine. Cover again and cook another 5–7 minutes, or until zucchini is tender but not mushy.
Finish:
Taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and, if desired, crumbled feta or Greek yogurt.
Notes & Tips:
Dice the sweet potatoes small for quicker cooking.
Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Want extra greens? Add a handful of spinach or kale in the final minutes of cooking.
To make it spicy, add chopped jalapeno or more red pepper flakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats beautifully.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: What can I serve with it?
Serve with a simple side salad, crusty bread, or over quinoa/rice for extra carbs.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 380
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 28g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 8g