Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash

Name: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Home Comfort Recipes

I absolutely love this Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash because it's a comforting and hearty meal that can be enjoyed any day of the week. Cooking with sweet potatoes not only adds a natural sweetness but also contributes a vibrant color, making this dish visually appealing. I've experimented with various spices to elevate the flavor, and the end result is a dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that always leaves my family asking for seconds!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-30T19:46:28.180Z

During one of those busy weeknights, I decided to whip up something quick yet nutritious, and that's when this Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash came to life. I found that incorporating fragrant spices like paprika and cumin adds depth to the beef while the sweet potatoes provide a delightful contrast in texture and taste. It’s surprising how such simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that feels so indulgent!

One tip I’ve learned is to cook the sweet potatoes until they are just tender before adding the beef. This ensures that everything cooks evenly while keeping the sweet potatoes creamy and delicious. Trust me, it’s a game changer that makes this hash simply irresistible!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich flavors of seasoned ground beef complemented by sweet potatoes
Quick and easy to make, ideal for busy weeknights
Nutritious and filling, perfect for the whole family

Understanding the Ingredients

Sweet potatoes stand as the star ingredient in this dish, contributing natural sweetness and a creamy texture when cooked. Their vibrant orange color not only makes the hash visually appealing, but they are also packed with vitamins and minerals. When selecting sweet potatoes, choose firm ones with smooth skin. Avoid any that have soft spots or blemishes, as these can indicate spoilage.

Ground beef is another key ingredient, providing rich, savory flavors that balance the sweetness of the potatoes. For a leaner option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken, but keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time and seasoning since poultry has a milder flavor. Always opt for a quality cut that is at least 80% lean to ensure moisture and flavor. Searing the beef to a golden brown gives a depth of flavor that truly enhances this dish.

Techniques for Perfecting Your Hash

When cooking the sweet potatoes, be patient. Allow them to cook undisturbed for a few minutes after adding to the skillet until they start to caramelize slightly. This not only enhances their sweetness but also adds a nice texture. Stirring too frequently can lead to uneven cooking. If they are cooking too quickly, adjust the heat to medium-low to ensure they cook through without burning.

Incorporating spices at the right time is crucial. Stirring in the paprika and cumin after the beef is browned ensures that the spices become aromatic and their flavors fully develop. Letting the mixture cook for an additional 3–5 minutes allows the seasonings to meld beautifully into the dish. Taste before finishing; adding a touch more salt or pepper can elevate the overall flavor significantly.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

This Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash makes for a fantastic breakfast or brunch. Consider topping it with a fried or poached egg for added richness. The creamy yolk pairs wonderfully with the textures of the hash, creating a more filling meal. You can also serve it with avocado slices or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a fresh twist.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. For longer storage, consider freezing the hash in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Simply defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating whenever you're ready to enjoy it again.

Ingredients

For the Hash

1 pound ground beef
2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Prepare 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 until they start to soften, stirring occasionally.

Cook the Beef

Push the sweet potatoes to one side of the skillet. In the empty side, add another tablespoon of olive oil and the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic.

Add Spices and Combine

Once the beef is cooked through and the onions are translucent, add paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine everything, allowing the flavors to meld for another 3-5 minutes.

Serve and Garnish

Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious and hearty ground beef and sweet potato hash!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, you can top the hash with a fried egg. This dish is also a great way to use up leftover vegetables you have on hand.

Storage and Reheating

Once you've prepared your Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add it back to a skillet and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the hash seems dry, add a tablespoon of beef broth or water to help revive its moisture without compromising flavor.

For longer storage, this dish can be frozen. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little space for expansion, since food can swell as it freezes. This can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave until heated through.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to experiment with the spices in your Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash. If you're in the mood for a bit of heat, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños can elevate the dish. Alternatively, teriyaki or soy sauce can be introduced for an Asian twist. Just remember to balance flavors with additional salt and pepper as needed.

You can also include other vegetables to enhance the dish’s nutritional profile. Bell peppers, zucchini, or even chopped kale can be added alongside the onions, providing additional texture and flavor while maintaining the overall integrity of the hash. Just be mindful of cooking times, as some vegetables may require longer or shorter cooking times than sweet potatoes.

Meal Prep Ideas

This recipe is great for meal prepping. You can batch cook several servings at once and portion them into containers for quick meals throughout the week. Prepare a larger amount of diced sweet potatoes and store them separately in the fridge; that way, you can quickly add them to the skillet with the beef at a later date.

For a streamlined prep experience, consider dicing the sweet potatoes and onions ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator, making it easy to whip up this hearty meal in just about 20 minutes on a busy weeknight. This method not only saves time but helps maintain the dish’s freshness and flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the hash ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stove before serving.

→ What can I substitute for ground beef?

You can easily substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian option.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

If you enjoy spice, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking the beef.

→ Can I freeze leftover hash?

Yes, let it cool completely and store in an airtight container. It should keep well for up to 3 months.