Ground Beef And Sweet Potato Hash

Name: Ground Beef And Sweet Potato Hash
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Hearty Collection

I absolutely love making Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash for a hearty breakfast or a satisfying dinner. This dish combines the rich, savory flavor of ground beef with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, creating a deliciously balanced meal. It's quick to prepare, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish, and it's incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it on its own or topped with a fried egg for an extra boost. Trust me—you’ll find yourself craving this comforting dish again and again!

Created by

Hester Lockwood

Last updated on 2026-04-11T13:01:23.136Z

When I first stumbled upon Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash, I was amazed by how much flavor could come from such simple ingredients. I experimented with different spices and found that a touch of smoked paprika and garlic really elevates the dish. The sweet potatoes caramelize beautifully, adding a wonderful texture to the hearty beef. It's a one-skillet wonder!

One of my favorite things about this recipe is its versatility. You can add in whatever veggies you have on hand, like bell peppers or onions. I also love serving this hash topped with a poached egg; the runny yolk adds a creamy richness that ties everything together. It’s sure to become a go-to meal for busy mornings or cozy dinners.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

The savory ground beef perfectly complements the sweet potatoes
Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy days
Customizable: add your favorite vegetables or spices

The Role of Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and texture to this hash, which perfectly balances the savory ground beef. When cooking, look for the sweet potatoes to become tender and slightly caramelized at the edges, which typically takes about 10 minutes over medium heat. Their slight crispiness contrasts nicely with the softness of the beef and onions, creating a satisfying bite. If you're lucky enough to find them, purple sweet potatoes can add a striking color and even more antioxidants to this dish.

If you prefer a more subtle flavor, try using orange or yellow sweet potatoes, which will blend seamlessly with the beef. Don't forget to peel them—this not only enhances their sweetness but also ensures that they cook evenly. If you need to save time, you can also buy pre-diced sweet potatoes or frozen options, although fresh ones will provide the best texture.

Customizing Your Hash

This Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash is highly adaptable. Feel free to throw in other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to boost the nutritional content and flavor. Add them after the beef has browned, allowing them time to soften and integrate into the dish. Each addition will offer a new layer of flavor—just remember that adjustments in cooking times might be necessary based on the veggies you choose.

If you want to spice things up, consider adding cubed jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for heat. Alternatively, fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary can enhance the overall taste profile. Personalize your dish by experimenting with spices you enjoy—this dish can easily become your canvas for culinary creativity.

Making It Ahead and Storing

One of the best things about this hash is its make-ahead potential. You can prepare the sweet potatoes and ground beef mixture in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and develop even more. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, then simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. This is perfect for busy mornings when you need something quick.

If you're looking to store it longer, consider freezing the hash. Divide it into portions and stash them away in freezer-safe bags or containers, where it can last for about three months. When you're ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, or opt for a microwave option—just be sure to stir occasionally to prevent uneven heating.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious hash:

Ingredients

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

Make sure to prepare all the ingredients before you start cooking for a smoother cooking process.

Instructions

Follow these steps to cook the Ground Beef and Sweet Potato 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 start to soften and brown.

Add Beef and Onion

Push the sweet potatoes to the side of the skillet. In the cleared space, add another tablespoon of olive oil, then the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir everything together.

Season and Serve

Add minced garlic and smoked paprika to the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Enjoy this delicious hash on its own or topped with an egg for an extra treat!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. This dish also reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep!

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Beef

To ensure your ground beef cooks evenly, break it up into small pieces as it browns. Using a wooden spoon or spatula can help you achieve this texture. Cook over medium-high heat until it's fully browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If you notice any liquid pooling in the skillet, drain it off to avoid a soggy hash. Proper seasoning at this stage is crucial; sprinkle salt and pepper generously to enhance the beef's flavor.

When selecting ground beef for this recipe, go for a mix of 80/20 or 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio. This will provide enough fat for flavor without being excessively greasy. If you want to make a leaner version, ground turkey or chicken also works great, but you may need to add an extra tablespoon of olive oil for moisture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty hash topped with a fried or poached egg for a comforting breakfast or brunch option. The runny yolk adds a rich creaminess that pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory flavors. For added texture, consider topping it with crispy fried shallots or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy finish.

If you're looking to expand the meal into a full dinner, consider pairing the hash with a simple side salad of mixed greens drizzled with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad will cut through the richness of the hash, creating a balanced dining experience. You can also serve this alongside whole grain toast for a heartier meal.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your sweet potatoes aren't cooking evenly, try cutting them into uniform pieces, about ½-inch dice. This ensures they cook at the same rate. Also, avoid overcrowding the skillet—cook in batches if necessary to allow for proper caramelization. If they still seem hard, cover the skillet for a few minutes to steam them while they continue to soften.

In case your hash sticks to the skillet, ensure you're using enough oil during cooking. A non-stick pan can also alleviate this issue. Another tip is to periodically stir the mixture to prevent any one area from burning while allowing the flavors from the bottom to incorporate throughout.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute and will work well in this recipe.

→ How can I make this dish vegan?

You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative and use olive oil instead of butter.

→ What can I serve with this hash?

It pairs beautifully with a side of sautéed greens or a fresh salad.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.