One-Pan Ground Beef Skillet with Zucchini & Sweet Potatoes – High Protein Dinner

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready for a cozy, hearty dinner that’s bold in flavor but beautifully simple?

There’s a special kind of comfort in a one-pan skillet meal—the kind that fills the kitchen with warm aromas, uses everyday ingredients, and comes together without fuss. This Ground Beef Skillet with Zucchini & Sweet Potatoes is exactly that: a rustic, satisfying dish that feels both homey and nourishing. 🥘✨

In many traditional kitchens, the skillet (or heavy pan) is the hero—used to build flavor layer by layer. First you soften onion and garlic, then brown the meat until rich and savory, and finally let vegetables soak up all those delicious juices. Here, sweet potatoes bring a gentle natural sweetness, while zucchini adds a fresh, tender bite that keeps everything balanced. Paprika and oregano give that familiar, comforting seasoning you’ll want to smell again and again.

The best part? It’s flexible. You can make it a little cheesier, a little spicier, or keep it light and clean. It’s also a wonderful meal for families because it’s colorful, filling, and easy to serve. One pan, one happy table. 💛

Let’s cook it the traditional, practical way—simple steps, real flavor, and a meal that makes you feel cared for.

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 pound ground beef
• ▢ 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• ▢ 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
• ▢ 1 medium onion, diced
• ▢ 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ▢ Salt and pepper, to taste
• ▢ 1 teaspoon paprika
• ▢ 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ▢ 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional: cheddar, mozzarella, or blend)
• ▢ Fresh parsley, chopped (to garnish)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prep your vegetables: dice sweet potatoes, slice zucchini, dice onion, and mince garlic.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add onion and sauté 2–3 minutes until slightly translucent and fragrant.
4. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds (don’t let it burn).
5. Push onion/garlic to the side, add ground beef, and break it up. Cook 5–7 minutes until browned.
6. Drain excess fat if needed. Add paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, then mix well.
7. Add diced sweet potatoes. Stir to combine. Add a few tablespoons of water if sticking, cover, and cook 7–8 minutes, stirring sometimes, until starting to soften.
8. When sweet potatoes are fork-tender, add zucchini. Cook uncovered 5–7 minutes until tender but still a bit crisp.
9. If using cheese, sprinkle on top, cover 1–2 minutes until melted. 🧀
10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve right away!

Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 25 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 35 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~430 (varies with fat % and cheese)
🍽️ Servings: 4

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩‍🍳🍽️