Description
Hearty ground beef zucchini sweet potato skillet brings Mediterranean warmth to dinner tables with robust flavors and nutritious ingredients. Balanced textures and simple preparation make this one-pan meal perfect for home cooks craving a satisfying and quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Vegetables:
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled & diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Cooking Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Crumble ground beef into the pan, breaking it into small pieces while cooking.
- Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until beef turns golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes. Eliminate any excess grease.
- Introduce diced sweet potatoes along with smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly mix ingredients and cover skillet, allowing potatoes to soften for 8-10 minutes. Stir periodically to prevent sticking.
- Fold in zucchini and tomato paste, ensuring even coating of all ingredients. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until zucchini reaches a tender consistency without becoming overly soft.
- Remove skillet from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the surface for a vibrant finish and aromatic touch.
- Serve immediately while the dish remains hot, offering a nutritious and flavorful one-pan meal.
Notes
- Lean protein swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, lower-fat version.
- Keep zucchini crisp by adding it later in the cooking process to prevent overcooking and maintain its texture.
- Enhance meal prep by cooking extra portions and storing in airtight containers for quick weekday lunches.
- Boost nutrition by sprinkling nutritional yeast or adding additional herbs like thyme for deeper flavor complexity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 342 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 506 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg