Ground Beef And Sweet Potato Hash

Name: Ground Beef And Sweet Potato Hash
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional); 4 eggs (optional, for serving)

Highlighted under: Home Kitchen Classics

I love whipping up this Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash for a hearty meal that's packed with flavor. The combination of savory ground beef and naturally sweet potatoes creates a delightful balance that satisfies my cravings. It's not just easy to make but also perfect for any time of the day—be it breakfast or dinner. Plus, with just one pan to clean, I can spend more time enjoying the delicious result. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it'll become a go-to in your kitchen too!

Created by

Lydia Spencer

Last updated on 2026-02-07T20:57:40.997Z

On a chilly evening, I decided to combine my love for sweet potatoes with ground beef, and the result was a warm, comforting hash that exceeded my expectations. As I sautéed the sweet onions and garlic, the delightful aromas filled my kitchen, prompting immediate hunger. I learned that using sweet potatoes not only brings a hint of sweetness but also packs in nutrients and fiber compared to regular potatoes.

This dish also provided a perfect canvas for spices; I experimented with paprika and cumin, which brought out the flavors beautifully. Serving it with an egg on top elevated the dish, giving it that breakfast feel that makes it so versatile. Try adding some fresh herbs for a burst of color and freshness!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A hearty, nutritious start to your day or a satisfying dinner option
The sweet and savory combination that tantalizes the taste buds
One-pan cleanup makes it a convenient choice for busy weeknights

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the sweet potatoes. Their natural sweetness complements the savory flavors of ground beef beautifully. When selecting sweet potatoes, look for those that are firm and smooth-skinned. After peeling and dicing them, the goal is to cook them until they are tender yet still hold their shape. Aim for a golden-brown exterior, indicating caramelization, which enhances their sweetness and adds depth to the dish's flavor profile.

Ground beef is another significant player here, providing essential protein and substance. For this recipe, I recommend using a beef with around 80% lean content; this will render enough fat for flavor without creating a greasy hash. If you choose to opt for leaner ground beef, consider adding a bit more olive oil while cooking to prevent the dish from becoming dry.

Techniques for a Perfect Hash

Creating a well-balanced hash involves layering flavors, and technique plays a key role in that. When sautéing the onion and garlic together, aim to keep the heat around medium to avoid burning the garlic. A common mistake is to rush this step. Look for the onion to become translucent, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes; this allows the sweetness to develop and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Mixing in the spices at the right time is crucial for optimal flavor. Once the beef is browned, sprinkle the smoked paprika and ground cumin. This allows the heat to activate the spices, releasing their aromatic oils into the meat for maximum flavor infusion. A good indicator of readiness is when your kitchen starts to smell wonderfully fragrant, inviting everyone to the table.

Serving and Storage Tips

This Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. While I love it topped with a fried egg for added protein and richness, feel free to experiment with different toppings like avocado slices, feta cheese, or fresh herbs to enhance the dish. Serving it with a side of whole grain toast or a fresh salad can round out the meal perfectly, making it suitable for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water helps revive the dish's texture. Alternatively, you can freeze portions for up to 2-3 months, making this a perfect make-ahead option for busy nights. Just remember to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a flavorful meal:

Main Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
4 eggs (optional, for serving)

These ingredients come together to create a delicious dish!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your hash:

Cook the Sweet Potatoes

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and starting to brown.

Sauté the Aromatics

Push the sweet potatoes to one side of the skillet. In the cleared space, add the remaining olive oil, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.

Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Stir everything together in the skillet until well combined. If desired, serve topped with a fried egg and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Enjoy your delicious and hearty meal!

Pro Tips

For added texture, try incorporating bell peppers or spinach into your hash. You can also experiment with different proteins like turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Variations to Explore

While this recipe is fantastic as is, you can easily switch up ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For a lighter option, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Both options will provide protein while keeping the hash leaner, though they might require extra seasoning to keep the flavor profile rich.

If you're looking to add more vegetables, bell peppers, or zucchini can be added alongside the onion and garlic. These additions not only increase the nutritional value but also add unique textures, enhancing the overall dish. Cook the vegetables just until tender—around 5 minutes—before adding the beef to ensure they don't become mushy.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

A common issue when making hash is uneven cooking of the sweet potatoes. To avoid this, make sure to cut them into equal-sized cubes. Additionally, overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming rather than browning. Use a large skillet and keep the sweet potatoes in a single layer for the best results. If necessary, cook in batches if your skillet is small.

Another potential pitfall can occur when seasoning. It's easy to under-season the dish, so taste as you go! Start with a small amount of salt, and gradually adjust. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it out once it's in.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, you can substitute regular potatoes or even cauliflower for a lower-carb option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

→ Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can freeze the hash in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just reheat thoroughly before serving.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

You can add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños while cooking for an extra kick.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Of course! Substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils and adjust the spices to your liking.