This Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet (Meal Prep) is a total game-changer for busy weeknights and anyone craving bold, colorful, nourishing meals with minimal fuss. You get hearty ground beef, caramelized sweet potatoes, crisp-tender zucchini, and zippy tomato sauce all in one skillet—plus, it meal preps like an absolute dream!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 Minutes: From start to finish, this skillet comes together fast—and it’s genuinely meal prep friendly for the whole week.
- Perfect for Balanced Eating: Loaded with protein, fiber, and veggies, this dish will keep you fueled with zero guilt (and zero boredom!).
- Big Flavor, Simple Ingredients: Every ingredient shines, from sweet potatoes to savory ground beef, elevated by zesty Dijon and herbs.
- Customizable for Any Taste: Swap the veggies or protein—Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet (Meal Prep) adapts to every craving and dietary need.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is proof that you don’t need a mile-long ingredient list for a knockout meal. Each component not only adds to the flavor, but also creates gorgeous color and texture—so every bite tastes vibrant, satisfying, and fresh.
- Extra virgin olive oil: For rich flavor and to help everything caramelize beautifully in the skillet.
- Ground beef: The hearty star of the show—use lean for less grease, or regular for extra juiciness.
- Garlic clove, minced: Just enough to infuse the skillet with irresistible aroma and flavor.
- Diced onions: Tiny pieces melt down for natural sweetness and savory depth.
- Red bell peppers: Sweet, colorful crunch—feel free to use any color you love!
- Sweet potatoes, diced: Their natural sweetness balances the savory beef and tangy sauce, plus they get delightfully tender.
- Beef broth or water: Adds a touch of moisture to steam and soften the veggies.
- Zucchini, quartered: Tender, mild zucchini soaks up all the skillet flavors and provides fresh green color.
- Dijon mustard: A tiny spoonful brightens up the whole dish—don’t skip it!
- Tomato passata or tomato sauce: Brings everything together with rich, saucy goodness.
- Dried oregano: Earthy and aromatic; gives that cozy, Italian-style vibe.
- Crushed red pepper (optional): Adds a little kick if you like gentle heat.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste—don’t be shy!
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Bright, herbal finish—add right at the end for the most flavor.
- Cauliflower rice (for meal prep): Makes every portion lighter, lower-carb, and super satisfying.
Variations
One of my absolute favorite things about the Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet (Meal Prep) is how easy it is to switch things up—just tweak the protein, veggies, or sauce and you’ll have a brand new dinner every week. Get creative with swaps that fit your pantry and cravings!
- Swap the Protein: Use ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based crumbles for a new flavor profile.
- Mix Up the Veggies: Try adding mushrooms, spinach, kale, or yellow squash for extra color and nutrients.
- Go Spicy or Smoky: Add chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, or a can of green chilies for a deeper or hotter flavor.
- Make It Cheesy: Top with shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a sprinkle of parmesan in the last few minutes of cooking for ooey-gooey results.
How to Make Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet (Meal Prep)
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef and minced garlic and break up the meat with a wooden spoon. Sauté until the beef is browned and no longer pink—about 7 minutes. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside, but leave the flavorful juices in the skillet for the veggies.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Toss the diced onions and red bell peppers into the same skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are soft and the peppers start picking up a little color. You can add a small splash of oil if things start to stick.
Step 3: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Add the diced sweet potatoes and pour in the beef broth or water. Cover the skillet with a lid—this step is essential for steaming the sweet potatoes quickly. Stir occasionally, and let them cook for about 5-6 minutes, until just fork-tender but not mushy.
Step 4: Add Zucchini
Stir in the quartered zucchini. Cook, uncovered, for about 3 minutes so the zucchini becomes bright green and tender while still holding its shape. Keep things moving to avoid any veggies sticking or overcooking.
Step 5: Finish with Sauce and Seasonings
Return the browned ground beef to the skillet. Add Dijon mustard, tomato passata or sauce, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper if desired. Season well with salt and black pepper. Stir to combine and let everything simmer for 1-2 minutes, just until piping hot and the flavors meld.
Step 6: Meal Prep Assembly
Divide the cauliflower rice into five meal prep containers. Top each with a generous scoop of the skillet mixture. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, cover tightly, and stash in the fridge for your week of incredible lunches (or dinners!).
Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet (Meal Prep)
- Uniform Dicing for Sweet Potatoes: Take the time to dice your sweet potatoes evenly—this ensures they all cook through at the same rate, no crunchy bits or mushy messes!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Use a large skillet to make sure everything caramelizes properly instead of steaming; crowded pans lead to soggy veggies.
- Boost Flavor with the Fond: After browning the beef, don’t wash out the skillet! Those browned bits on the bottom add tons of flavor to your veggies.
- Meal Prep Like a Pro: Let the skillet mixture cool slightly before portioning into containers to avoid excess moisture and keep your cauliflower rice perfectly fluffy all week.
How to Serve Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet (Meal Prep)
Garnishes
Finish this Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet (Meal Prep) with a flourish of chopped fresh parsley or basil for bright, herbaceous color and an added fresh flavor boost. If you’re feeling extra, a dollop of Greek yogurt or a grating of parmesan adds creamy, tangy notes that complement the skillet perfectly.
Side Dishes
This meal really is made to be eaten on its own (especially for meal prep!), but if you’re serving it for dinner, pair it with a simple green salad, roasted asparagus, or quick garlic bread. For a little extra crunch, try a sprinkle of roasted pepitas or sunflower seeds on top right before serving.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this skillet into colorful meal bowls layered over steamed cauliflower rice, mixed greens, or even quinoa. You can also stuff the mixture into hollowed bell peppers or serve it as a filling for lettuce wraps for a portable, party-friendly twist! For family dinners, bring the whole skillet straight to the table for a cozy, shareable presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store the cooked Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet (Meal Prep) in airtight glass or BPA-free plastic containers in the refrigerator. Everything stays fresh and delicious for up to four days, making weekday grab-and-go meals totally effortless.
Freezing
The skillet mixture (without the cauliflower rice) freezes beautifully. Let it cool, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for quick, ready-to-eat meals.
Reheating
The fastest way to reheat your Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet (Meal Prep) is in the microwave—just 2 minutes per portion and you’re set! For best texture, you can reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water until warmed through.
FAQs
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Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatless option like lentils or plant-based crumbles all work wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
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Do I have to use cauliflower rice for meal prep?
Nope—swap in brown rice, quinoa, or traditional white rice if you prefer, or skip the rice and serve alongside mixed greens for a lighter meal.
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Should I peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeling is totally optional! If the skins are clean and you like extra fiber and texture, leave them on. Otherwise, peel them for a softer bite in the skillet.
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How do I keep the vegetables from getting mushy when reheating?
For best results, don’t overcook the veggies during the original preparation and reheat meals gently—either briefly in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of liquid to prevent drying out.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet (Meal Prep) is honestly one of those recipes I make again and again—and it never gets old. It’s nourishing, colorful, packed with flavor, and truly sets you up for comforting, fuss-free meals all week long. Give it a try and see just how tasty meal prep can be!
Print
Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet is a flavorful and nutritious meal prep option that is perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with protein, vegetables, and delicious seasonings, it’s a satisfying dish that can be easily reheated throughout the week.
Ingredients
For the Skillet:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 cup onions, diced (cut very small)
- 1/2 cup red bell peppers, diced
- 2 1/2 cups sweet potatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 1 medium zucchini, quartered
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup tomato passata or tomato sauce of your choice
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnishing
For the Meal Prep:
- 5 cups cauliflower rice
Instructions
- In a cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and garlic. Cook for about 7 minutes until the meat is no longer pink. Remove the meat from the pan and set aside.
- Add the onions and red bell peppers to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes or until the onions are soft. Add a little bit of olive oil if necessary.
- Add the sweet potatoes and beef broth. Cook for 5-6 minutes with a lid on the skillet. Stir occasionally.
- Add the zucchini and cook for 3 minutes.
- Return the ground beef to the skillet and mix everything together. Add Dijon, tomato passata, oregano, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes more.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- For Meal Prepping:
- Divide the ground beef zucchini sweet potato mixture into 5 portions and place over cauliflower rice in containers.
- Cover with a lid and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat in the microwave for about 2 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can swap the ground beef for any other ground meat.
- Feel free to swap the red bell peppers for any other color.
- Ensure the sweet potatoes are diced uniformly for even cooking.
- Store the meal prep in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat the meal prep in the microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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