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Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato

Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet for Quick Dinner Bliss

This Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is a quick, satisfying meal with savory ground beef, zucchini, and sweet potatoes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Skillet
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil Provides healthy fats for cooking; substitute with canola or avocado oil if needed.
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Main protein source, offers flavor and richness; can be replaced with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Adds aromatic flavor; use minced garlic or garlic powder if fresh isn’t available.
  • 1 medium Onion Diced; contributes sweetness and depth; yellow or white onions can be used interchangeably.
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper Diced; adds sweetness and color; other bell pepper colors can also be used.
  • 2 cups Sweet Potatoes Diced; provides natural sweetness and starch; regular potatoes can be substituted but will alter the flavor profile.
  • 1 cup Beef Broth Adds moisture to the dish; vegetable broth can be used for a lighter taste.
  • 1 medium Zucchini Quartered; offers freshness and texture; any summer squash can serve as a substitute.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard Enhances flavor complexity; omit if desired, or use whole grain mustard for a different texture.
  • 1 cup Tomato Passata Adds acidity and richness; any preferred tomato sauce can be used.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Provides earthy herbal notes; Italian seasoning can be used as an alternative.
  • to taste Crushed Red Pepper Optional; adds a kick of heat; omit for a milder dish or adjust to taste.
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning; use to personal preference.
  • to taste Black Pepper Essential for seasoning; use to personal preference.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley Chopped for garnish; adds a fresh, aromatic finish.

Equipment

  • Large Cast Iron Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to shimmer for about 1 minute, indicating it’s ready.
  2. Add 1 pound of ground beef and 2 minced garlic cloves into the hot skillet. Break up the beef using a spatula and cook for approximately 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and no pink remains. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add 1 diced onion and 1 diced red bell pepper. Sauté these vibrant vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
  4. Stir in 2 cups of diced sweet potatoes along with 1 cup of beef broth. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the mixture to steam for 5-6 minutes.
  5. Add 1 medium zucchini, quartered into thick slices, into the skillet. Stir everything together and cook uncovered for an additional 3 minutes, just until the zucchini is crisp-tender.
  6. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, mixing it with Dijon mustard, 1 cup of tomato passata, and spices including dried oregano, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an extra 1-2 minutes.
  7. To finish, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over your delicious ground beef zucchini sweet potato skillet. Serve hot or store in airtight containers for meal prep.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 180IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Ensure sweet potatoes are uniformly diced for even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the skillet. Use a lid during the steaming process to harness heat and moisture; this speeds up sweet potato cooking significantly.

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