Description
This Sweet Potato & Zucchini Ground Beef Skillet is a hearty and nutritious one-pan meal combining tender roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed ground beef, and fresh zucchini slices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, the dish offers a balanced blend of savory spices like cumin and paprika to enhance the natural flavors while keeping the preparation simple and straightforward.
Ingredients
Scale
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 3 cups)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Sautéed Ground Beef and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the sweet potatoes.
- Roast Sweet Potatoes: Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- Brown Ground Beef: While the sweet potatoes roast, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s evenly browned.
- Season Meat: Stir in the cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the browned beef to evenly distribute the spices and develop rich flavors.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Cook Zucchini: Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender but still has a slight crispness.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the roasted sweet potatoes into the skillet, mixing all components thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary to balance the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the skillet as an optional garnish. Serve the dish warm for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes when seasoning the beef.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Roast the sweet potatoes ahead of time to reduce overall cooking time.
- If preferred, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end to brighten flavors.
- This dish stores well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
