Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet: 5 Easy & Delicious Steps

Name: Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet: Your One-Pan Weeknight Lifesaver
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1–2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lb ground beef (85/15 lean); 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes; 2–3 tablespoons water; 1 medium zucchini, chopped; Handful of fresh parsley, chopped

Jump to Recipe

You ever have one of those nights where the thought of washing a single extra pan makes you want to order takeout? Yeah, me too. That’s why this Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is a game-changer.

It’s one of those dishes that hits every checkbox: one pan, under 30 minutes, packed with nutrients, and—most importantly—it tastes like comfort. Sweet potatoes bring the cozy, ground beef keeps it hearty, and zucchini adds a fresh crunch that balances everything out. Whether you’ve got hungry kids, a tired partner, or just yourself to feed, this one’s a weeknight winner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let me break it down for you:

Quick Cook: Dinner in under 30 minutes. Faster than delivery.
Nutritionally Balanced: Carbs, protein, and veggies in every bite.
Meal Prep Friendly: Stays tasty for days. Great for lunches.
Flavor Bomb Combo: Earthy sweet potatoes + savory beef + light zucchini = harmony.

Ingredient Highlights

Here’s what you need—and why it matters:

Ground Beef (Lean): Flavorful but not greasy. Go for 85/15 if you can.
Sweet Potatoes: Natural sweetness + fiber. Dice ‘em small for quick cooking.
Zucchini: Adds lightness and texture. Don’t let it go mushy!
Smoked Paprika: That warm, smoky edge makes the whole thing pop.
Garlic & Onion: Always the flavor base—don’t skip ‘em.
Olive Oil: For sautéing and that rich, silky finish.
Fresh Parsley: Adds brightness at the end—don’t underestimate it.

Fresh ingredients for ground beef sweet potato skillet including zucchini, sweet potatoes, garlic, and parsley.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Get these right and the dish will shine:

Dice Sweet Potatoes Evenly: About ½-inch pieces. Too big? They’ll take forever.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Spread things out so they sear, not steam.
Cover to Steam the Potatoes: This speeds things up and keeps them tender.
Zucchini Goes Last: You want tender-crisp, not soggy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through this like you’re in my kitchen—step by step, no fluff.

Step-by-step skillet cooking: sautéed onions, browned beef, steamed sweet potatoes, and zucchini.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil looks shimmery—not smoking—toss in your diced onions.

Cook them for 2–3 minutes until they start turning translucent. Then add the minced garlic. Stir continuously for another 30–60 seconds. You’re not looking for dark brown here—just a golden edge and that toasty aroma. (Burnt garlic? That’s a one-way ticket to bitter town.)

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Crumble in your ground beef. Don’t dump and walk away—use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up into small chunks. Season with salt and smoked paprika (about 1 tsp each to start).

Let it cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes to get that good sear on one side—then stir. This part is key: browning builds flavor. Cook until it’s no longer pink and you’ve got some caramelization on the meat, about 6–8 minutes total.

Step 3: Add the Sweet Potatoes + Season Again

Toss in your evenly diced sweet potatoes. Think ½-inch cubes so they cook evenly and quickly. Season again—just a bit of salt, pepper, and maybe another pinch of paprika for depth.

Give everything a good stir to coat. Then, add a splash (2–3 tablespoons) of water to help the potatoes steam. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat slightly. Let it cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring once or twice. When a fork goes in with just a little resistance—they’re ready.

Step 4: Add the Zucchini (Quick-Cook It!)

Uncover the pan and toss in your chopped zucchini. Make sure the pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking.

Stir to combine, and let it cook uncovered for 4–5 minutes. You want them to soften slightly but still hold their shape and have a little crunch—zucchini turns to mush fast if overcooked, so keep your eyes on it.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Parsley

Kill the heat. Sprinkle a handful of chopped fresh parsley over the skillet. This brings freshness and color that lifts the whole dish.

Give it a final stir, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed—maybe a final crack of black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil. Then serve it hot, straight from the skillet.

Finished ground beef sweet potato skillet topped with parsley in a rustic pan.

Serving Suggestions

This skillet is a one-pan wonder, but if you want to get fancy:

Serve with a crisp green salad.
Add a dollop of Greek yogurt on top.
Pair with crusty bread or toast.
Add a fried egg—hello breakfast-for-dinner.

Variations / Substitutions

Make it your own:

Swap the Meat: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Go Vegetarian: Sub in lentils, chickpeas, or crumbled tofu.
Boost the Heat: Add chili flakes or chopped jalapeños.
Cheese It Up: Sprinkle feta or shredded cheddar before serving.
More Greens? Throw in spinach or kale at the end.

Storage & Leftovers

This skillet loves leftovers:

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Lasts up to 2 months—great for batch prep.
Reheat: Add a splash of water and warm on the stove, or microwave it.

More Ground Beef Recipes You’ll Love

If this Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet hit the spot, you’ll want to check out some of my other crowd-pleasing, weeknight-friendly recipes:

Try my Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet for a twist that leans a bit lighter but keeps all the comfort.
Craving pasta? This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef brings rich, indulgent flavors to the table—perfect for a cozy night in.
For a skillet that brings serious bite, my Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is a must-try—crispy edges, tender potatoes, big flavor.
Meal-prepping? The High Protein Beef Pasta is packed with nutrients and made to fuel your week.
And don’t sleep on my Best Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe, a classic comfort dish that hits all the right notes.

Key Benefits of Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet

Benefit	Why It Matters
One-Pan Simplicity	Less mess, less cleanup—perfect for busy nights.
Fast & Efficient	Ready in under 30 minutes, from prep to plate.
Nutritionally Balanced	Combines protein, complex carbs, and vegetables in one meal.
Flavor-Packed	Sweet, savory, smoky—layers of taste in every bite.
Versatile	Easy to swap ingredients for dietary needs or what’s in your fridge.
Meal Prep Friendly	Stores well, reheats beautifully—ideal for make-ahead lunches or dinners.
Family-Approved	Kid-friendly and satisfying for even picky eaters.
Gluten & Dairy-Free	Naturally fits many dietary preferences without extra effort.

FAQs About Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet

Is it good for meal prep?

Absolutely. Holds up well in the fridge and freezer.

Can I use something other than sweet potatoes?

Yes—try butternut squash, carrots, or even Yukon Golds.

Can I double the recipe?

Go for it—just use a bigger pan.

Is it dairy-free?

It sure is—unless you add cheese.

Can I add a sauce?

Drizzle with tahini, hot sauce, or even pesto.

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

Nope. Just wash it well and slice.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is colorful, hearty, and feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s a recipe you’ll come back to week after week—whether you’re feeding the whole crew or just need a nourishing lunch.

It’s filling without being heavy. Fresh, but still indulgent. One pan, minimal mess, maximum flavor.

Make it once, and it’ll be your weeknight hero. Now go grab that skillet—dinner’s waiting.

Looking for more simple, flavor-packed meals like this one? Invite you to visit my page on Pinterest for fresh ideas, meal prep inspo, and kitchen tips that actually work.

Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet: Your One-Pan Weeknight Lifesaver

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