Name: Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 1 lb ground beef; 1 clove garlic, minced; ½ cup finely diced onion; ½ cup diced red bell pepper; 2½ cups diced sweet potatoes; ¼ cup beef broth or water; 1 medium zucchini, quartered and sliced; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; ⅓ cup tomato passata or tomato sauce; ½ tsp dried oregano; ⅛ tsp crushed red pepper (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Optional: cooked cauliflower rice for serving

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A hearty, wholesome skillet dinner that brings together ground beef, sweet potatoes, and zucchini in a savory, slightly tangy tomato-Dijon sauce. This one-pan wonder is perfect for weeknight meals or a nutritious meal prep option.

Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s quick, balanced, and packed with flavor. It all comes together in one pan, which makes cleanup a breeze. The sweet potatoes add a hint of sweetness, the zucchini keeps things fresh, and the ground beef makes it satisfying. Whether I need a fast dinner or a make-ahead lunch, this dish never fails.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 lb ground beef
1 clove garlic, minced
½ cup finely diced onion
½ cup diced red bell pepper
2½ cups diced sweet potatoes
¼ cup beef broth or water
1 medium zucchini, quartered and sliced
1 tsp Dijon mustard
⅓ cup tomato passata or tomato sauce
½ tsp dried oregano
⅛ tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: cooked cauliflower rice for serving

directions

I start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
I add the ground beef and garlic, cooking for about 7 minutes while breaking the meat apart until it’s browned. Then I remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same pan, I sauté the onion and red bell pepper for 3–4 minutes until softened.
I stir in the sweet potatoes and broth, cover the skillet, and let them cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Then I add the zucchini and cook for another 3 minutes until everything is tender.
I return the beef to the skillet and stir in the Dijon mustard, tomato sauce, oregano, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper. I cook it all together for another 1–2 minutes.
Finally, I garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 to 5 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, making it a quick 30-minute meal from start to finish.

Variations

I sometimes swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken when I want a leaner option.
For extra veggies, I throw in mushrooms, spinach, or even diced carrots.
I like to spice it up with smoked paprika or cayenne pepper when I’m in the mood for heat.
Sprinkling a little shredded cheese on top during the last minute of cooking adds a creamy twist.
When I want a low-carb version, I skip the sweet potatoes and serve it over cauliflower rice.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.
To freeze, I portion the dish into containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
I reheat it in the microwave for about 2 minutes or on the stove with a splash of broth to keep it moist.

FAQs

Can I use a different ground meat?

Yes, I often use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, and it works great.

What if my zucchini is large?

I cut it into small, even pieces so it cooks evenly and blends well with the rest of the ingredients.

How spicy is this recipe?

It’s very mild by default. I adjust the spice level by adding more or less crushed red pepper.

Can I make this for meal prep?

Absolutely! I divide it into containers and store it with cauliflower rice for easy grab-and-go lunches.

Is this recipe low-carb?

It can be! Just skip the sweet potatoes and load up on the zucchini or serve it over cauliflower rice.

Conclusion

This ground beef zucchini sweet potato skillet has quickly become a go-to for me. It’s fast, flavorful, and adaptable to whatever I have on hand. Whether I’m looking for a quick dinner or prepping meals for the week, this dish always delivers.