Hearty Beef and Sweet Potato Hash Recipe

Hearty Beef and Sweet Potato Hash Recipe: A Cozy Morning Fix

Golden morning sunlight streams through the kitchen window as this hearty beef and sweet potato hash simmers with rustic charm.

Sizzling skillet aromas dance with rich, tender beef and caramelized sweet potato chunks.

Home cooks adore this simple one-pan marvel that combines robust flavors in every delectable bite.

The recipe blends smoky seasonings with earthy root vegetables and premium ground beef.

Crispy edges and tender centers create a perfect textural symphony that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this unpretentious, nourishing meal that feeds both body and soul.

Dig in and savor every mouthwatering spoonful of comfort on a plate.

Cooking Gear for Beef and Sweet Potato Hash

  • Large skillet: Essential for cooking and combining all ingredients evenly.
  • Wooden spoon: Perfect for breaking up ground beef and stirring mixture.
  • Chef's knife: Needed for dicing onions, peppers, and cubing sweet potatoes.
  • Cutting board: Provides clean surface for ingredient preparation.
  • Measuring spoons: Help accurately add spices like cumin and chili powder.
  • Can opener: Required if using canned black beans.
  • Cheese grater: Optional for shredding cheese as final topping.
  • Lid: Helps simmer and steam sweet potatoes during cooking process.

Fry and Finish Instructions for a Balanced Hash

  • Skillet Preparation

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high warmth, creating a perfect cooking surface for your flavorful meal.

  • Beef Foundation

Brown ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles, allowing delicious caramelization and rich meat flavors to develop.

  • Vegetable Harmony

Introduce sweet potatoes and diced onions into the skillet, blending textures and creating a colorful base for the dish.

  • Spice Awakening

Sprinkle cumin, paprika, and chili powder over the mixture, transforming the ingredients with deep, warming notes and aromatic complexity.

  • Simmering Magic

Lower heat and cover the skillet, letting ingredients meld together and sweet potatoes soften into tender, comforting bites.

  • Final Touches

Uncover and allow excess moisture to evaporate, concentrating flavors and creating slightly crispy edges on the sweet potatoes.

  • Cheese and Herbs

Optional cheese melting adds creamy richness, while fresh herbs bring bright, fresh notes that elevate the entire dish.

Additions: Greens, Cheese, or Seasoning Tips

  • Beef and Sweet Potato Hash Cooking Tips & Variations
  • Potato Perfection: Choose firm, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for the best texture and caramelization during cooking.
  • Meat Flexibility: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a different protein profile that keeps the dish exciting.
  • Spice Adventure: Experiment with different spice blends like smoked paprika, cayenne, or za'atar to create unique flavor variations that match your taste preferences.
  • Quick Skillet Hack: Use a cast-iron skillet for better heat distribution and a delicious crispy bottom that adds extra texture to the hash.
  • Leftover Magic: Transform remaining hash into breakfast by topping with a fried egg or use as a filling for breakfast burritos the next morning.

Serve Hash for Brunch or Busy Weeknights

  • Brunch Delight: Pair this hearty hash with a sunny-side-up egg for a protein-packed morning meal that'll kickstart your day with incredible flavor.
  • Taco-Style Twist: Serve the beef and sweet potato hash in warm tortillas, topped with fresh salsa, sour cream, and extra cilantro for a Mexican-inspired feast.
  • Vegetable Side Harmony: Complement the dish with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables to balance the rich, meaty flavors and add extra nutrition.
  • Quick Meal Transformation: Use leftovers as a filling for stuffed peppers or as a topping for nachos, creating a completely new meal with minimal effort.

Storing Hash for Fast Reheats

  • Fridge Fresh Storage: Seal cooled hash in airtight containers, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days. Refrigeration helps maintain flavor and texture without compromising ingredient quality.
  • Quick Reheat Strategy: Warm portions in skillet over medium heat, adding splash of broth to restore moisture. Stirring frequently prevents drying and maintains original delicious taste.
  • Freezer Meal Preparation: Pack completely cooled hash in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Flat storage maximizes space, allowing easy stacking and saving up to 2-3 months of meal potential.
  • Portion Control Tip: Divide hash into individual serving sizes before storing. This technique enables quick grab-and-go meals, reduces waste, and supports meal planning efficiency for busy schedules.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Sweet Potato Hash Ingredient Breakdown

For Protein and Flavor Base:
  • Ground Beef: Rich, hearty protein that adds deep savory notes and creates a satisfying texture.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that infuses intense flavor and provides subtle warmth.
For Vegetable and Texture Foundation:
  • Sweet Potatoes: Nutrition-packed root vegetable bringing natural sweetness and creamy consistency.
  • Onion: Adds depth and aromatic base with subtle sweetness when caramelized.
  • Bell Pepper: Contributes crisp texture and bright color with mild peppery undertones.
  • Black Beans: Protein-rich legume offering earthy flavor and additional textural complexity.
For Seasoning and Enhancement:
  • Olive Oil: High-quality cooking fat that helps distribute heat and develop flavors.
  • Ground Cumin: Warm, earthy spice that provides southwestern culinary character.
  • Paprika: Adds mild pepper warmth and beautiful reddish color to the dish.
  • Chili Powder: Introduces gentle heat and robust southwestern essence.
  • Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that balances overall taste profile.
  • Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and aromatic complexity.
For Optional Finishing Touches:
  • Shredded Cheese: Creamy topping that melts beautifully and adds rich indulgence.
  • Cilantro: Fresh herb offering bright, zesty garnish with authentic mexican flair.
  • Parsley: Alternative herb with mild, clean flavor for garnishing.
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Hearty Beef and Sweet Potato Hash Recipe

Hearty Beef and Sweet Potato Hash Recipe


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4.9 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Hearty beef and sweet potato hash delivers a comforting one-pan meal inspired by rustic American cooking traditions. Home cooks appreciate this simple skillet dish packed with robust flavors and satisfying textures that keep you coming back for more.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 ml) chili powder
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth or water (optional)
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepping Station: Cubing sweet potatoes, dicing onions, chopping bell peppers, and thoroughly rinsing black beans.
  2. Sautéing Foundation: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, sautéing onions until translucent, then quickly introduce minced garlic for an aromatic base.
  3. Meat Transformation: Add ground beef, breaking it down systematically until achieving a rich golden-brown color, ensuring complete cooking and flavor development.
  4. Spice Infusion: Sprinkle ground cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper over the meat and onion mixture, thoroughly incorporating these seasonings to create a robust flavor profile.
  5. Vegetable Integration: Fold in sweet potato cubes, reducing heat to medium-low, and introduce beef broth to create a moist cooking environment; cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Final Flourish: Add bell peppers and black beans during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing them to warm through while maintaining their texture; remove lid to reduce excess liquid and concentrate flavors.
  7. Finishing Touch: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the hash, letting it melt luxuriously, and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a vibrant, fresh finish.

Notes

  • Potato Precision: Cut sweet potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Moisture Management: Keep an eye on liquid levels during cooking; add small amounts of broth if the mixture becomes too dry to prevent burning and maintain optimal tenderness.
  • Spice Strategy: Toast spices briefly before adding other ingredients to enhance their depth and release more robust flavor profiles.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Remove skillet from heat when adding cheese to prevent overcooking and achieve a perfectly smooth, creamy cheese topping.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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