Ground Beef & Veggie Skillet with Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini
🥘 Description
This one-pan ground beef and veggie skillet is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a quick, balanced meal. Tender sweet potatoes, juicy zucchini, and savory ground beef are cooked with simple spices and finished with fresh herbs. Great for meal prep, family dinners, or a healthy low-budget option.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
500 g (1 lb) ground beef
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes
2 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp cumin (optional)
½ tsp black pepper
½–1 tsp salt (to taste)
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
2–3 tbsp water or broth (if needed)
👩🍳 Instructions
Cook the sweet potatoes
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the sweet potato cubes and a pinch of salt.
Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mostly tender.
Remove from the pan and set aside.
Brown the ground beef
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft.
Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add ground beef, break it apart, and cook until browned and cooked through (6–8 minutes).
Drain excess fat if needed.
Season the beef
Add paprika, cumin, black pepper, chili flakes, and salt.
Stir well so the beef is evenly coated with spices.
Add vegetables
Return the cooked sweet potatoes to the skillet.
Add zucchini slices and mix everything gently.
Cook uncovered for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until zucchini is tender but not mushy.
Add a splash of water or broth if the pan looks dry.
Finish & garnish
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Turn off heat and sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro on top.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve as-is for a low-carb, gluten-free meal
Pair with rice, quinoa, or flatbread
Top with a fried egg or yogurt sauce for extra protein
🥗 Tips & Variations
Use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef
Add bell peppers or spinach for more veggies
Sprinkle feta cheese on top for a Mediterranean twist

