Ground Beef Zucchini Dish

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

This ground beef, zucchini, and sweet potato skillet is a hearty one-pan dish that's both nutritious and easy to make. Start by cooking sweet potatoes until tender, then brown lean ground beef while adding flavorful seasonings like cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Sauté onions and garlic to enhance aroma, and toss in fresh zucchini for a vibrant, crisp texture. Combine everything in the skillet for a perfectly balanced meal, finished with chopped parsley. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it's gluten-free and paleo-friendly, offering a healthy and satisfying option for the whole family.

Casey
Updated on Mon, 02 Jun 2025 20:05:34 GMT
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This one-pan ground beef skillet has become my go-to solution for busy weeknights when I need something nutritious yet satisfying on the table quickly. The combination of lean protein, vibrant vegetables, and warming spices creates a meal that feels both comforting and nourishing.

I first created this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed to clean out my refrigerator. What started as a simple kitchen cleanout turned into one of my family's most requested meals, especially on nights when we need something hearty without the fuss.

Ingredients

  • Lean ground beef provides excellent protein while keeping the dish less greasy. Look for 90/10 or 85/15 for best results
  • Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and hearty texture. Choose firm ones with smooth skin for best results
  • Zucchini brings freshness and lightness to balance the dish. Select medium sized ones for optimal flavor
  • Yellow onion creates the aromatic foundation. A medium onion provides just the right amount
  • Fresh garlic cloves add essential depth. Always use fresh over jarred for better flavor
  • Olive oil helps vegetables caramelize. Extra virgin adds subtle flavor
  • Ground cumin provides earthy warmth. Toast briefly before adding for enhanced aroma
  • Paprika adds mild sweetness and beautiful color. Spanish varieties work particularly well
  • Chili powder brings optional heat that can be adjusted to taste
  • Salt and pepper enhance all other flavors. Kosher salt works best
  • Fresh parsley brightens the finished dish. Italian flat leaf variety has more flavor than curly

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook Sweet Potatoes
Heat your largest skillet over medium heat until you can feel warmth hovering your hand above it. Add olive oil and swirl to coat the entire surface. Add sweet potato cubes in a single layer as much as possible and let them cook undisturbed for 3 minutes before stirring. Continue cooking for 10 minutes total, stirring occasionally until they develop golden edges and yield easily when pierced with a fork. The key is patience here to develop flavor.
Brown the Ground Beef
Using the same skillet after removing sweet potatoes, add the ground beef without additional oil. Break it into small pieces using a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook until no pink remains, about 6 minutes, stirring frequently. The browning creates essential flavor compounds that make the dish more savory. Once browned, drain excess fat if needed but leave a little for flavor. Add all seasonings directly to the meat and stir well to coat every piece.
Add Vegetables
Add diced onion and minced garlic directly to the seasoned beef. Cook until onions become translucent and garlic becomes fragrant, about 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it will turn bitter. Add zucchini and reserved sweet potatoes back to the pan, gently folding everything together. The residual heat will cook the zucchini perfectly while maintaining its bright color and slight crunch.
Final Touch
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. A pinch more salt often brings all flavors into focus. Remove from heat and sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley. The contrast of bright herbs against the colorful vegetables creates visual appeal while adding a fresh flavor note to finish the dish.
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My favorite thing about this recipe is how the sweet potatoes develop caramelized edges that create little pockets of sweetness throughout the dish. My husband who typically dislikes sweet potatoes always cleans his plate when I make this skillet dinner.

Make Ahead Options

This skillet meal actually improves in flavor after a day in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep. Cook everything as directed but wait to add the fresh parsley until just before serving. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a tablespoon of water or broth to maintain moisture and heat gently in a covered skillet or microwave.

Easy Substitutions

This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully in place of beef for a lighter option. Red bell peppers can replace or supplement zucchini for additional color and sweetness. Regular potatoes can substitute for sweet potatoes if preferred, though cooking time may vary slightly. For additional vegetables, spinach or kale can be stirred in during the final minutes of cooking until just wilted.

Serving Suggestions

While completely satisfying on its own, this versatile skillet can be customized for different dietary needs. Serve over cauliflower rice for an extra vegetable boost or with a simple side salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. For family members needing more carbohydrates, this pairs beautifully with quinoa or brown rice. A dollop of guacamole or sliced avocado adds healthy fats and creaminess that complements the spices perfectly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute the sweet potatoes with regular potatoes?

Yes, regular potatoes can be used, but note that they may take slightly longer to cook than sweet potatoes. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This skillet dish stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days and can be reheated for quick and convenient meals.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

For a complete meal, pair this skillet with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables. It’s also great on its own as a low-carb option.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils to create a vegetarian version of this skillet.

→ What can I use instead of zucchini?

You can replace zucchini with other vegetables like bell peppers, green beans, or even eggplant, based on your preference.

Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet

A simple, hearty skillet meal with beef, zucchini, and sweet potatoes for a satisfying dinner.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Paleo

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 500g lean ground beef
02 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
03 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes
04 1 small onion, diced
05 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 1 tablespoon olive oil
07 1 teaspoon ground cumin
08 1 teaspoon paprika
09 ½ teaspoon chili powder
10 Salt and pepper, to taste
11 Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 01

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are fork-tender. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 02

In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat, then season with cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.

Step 03

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Add the zucchini and cooked sweet potatoes back into the skillet. Stir everything together, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the zucchini to soften but remain vibrant.

Step 04

Adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  1. Serve this meal on its own for a low-carb, filling option, or pair with a side salad for added fiber. This dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner and supports a healthy lifestyle.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 318
  • Total Fat: 17.3 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 21.5 g
  • Protein: 20.4 g