The Best Savory Beef and Sweet Potato Hash Recipe Ever Made

Beef and sweet potato hash brings comfort to your plate with unexpected culinary magic.

This hearty dish combines rustic ingredients that dance together in perfect harmony.

Home cooks appreciate bold flavor combinations that feel simultaneously familiar and adventurous.

Strategic layering of tender meat and caramelized vegetables creates a satisfying meal that transcends ordinary dinner routines.

Balanced textures merge crispy edges with soft, rich interiors for maximum enjoyment.

Personal kitchen experiments often yield delightful surprises like this robust one-pan wonder.

Imagine a meal that promises warmth, nourishment, and pure satisfaction in every delectable bite.

Savory Beef Hash with Sweet Potato Goodness

• This beef and sweet potato hash delivers a powerhouse meal packed with protein, complex carbohydrates, and vibrant spices in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• The recipe offers incredible flexibility, allowing home cooks to swap ingredients like different proteins, add vegetables, or adjust spice levels to suit individual taste preferences and dietary needs.
• The dish combines tender ground beef, soft sweet potatoes, and optional crispy edges, creating a satisfying mouthfeel that keeps every bite interesting and delicious.
• Preparation requires minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single pan, reducing kitchen mess and making this recipe a dream for home cooks seeking efficient meal solutions.

Ingredients for Beef and Sweet Potato Hash

• Ground Beef: Rich and hearty protein that becomes the main substance of the dish, choose lean ground beef for healthier option.
• Black Beans: Adds extra protein and fiber, provides nice texture and earthy flavor.

• Sweet Potatoes: Provides natural sweetness and substantial base, select firm potatoes with smooth skin.
• Onion: Adds depth and aromatic foundation to the dish, yellow or white varieties work best.
• Bell Pepper: Contributes color and mild sweetness, optional but recommended for extra nutrition.
• Garlic: Delivers intense flavor and aromatic complexity, fresh cloves preferred over pre-minced.

• Ground Cumin: Brings warm, earthy undertones characteristic of southwestern cuisine.
• Paprika: Offers mild smoky flavor and beautiful reddish color.
• Chili Powder: Provides gentle heat and robust flavor profile.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and balances other ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and completes seasoning blend.

• Olive Oil: Creates initial cooking base and prevents sticking.
• Beef Broth: Helps create moisture and prevents burning.
• Shredded Cheese: Adds creamy richness if desired.
• Cilantro, Parsley: Fresh herbs for bright garnish and additional flavor.

Cooking Instructions for a Balanced Breakfast Hash

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

Wash and peel sweet potatoes. Cut them into small, uniform cubes. Dice the onion finely. Mince the garlic. If using bell peppers, chop them into small pieces. Drain and rinse black beans if you’re including them.

Step 2: Heat the Cooking Surface

Place a large skillet on the stovetop. Pour olive oil and heat over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers slightly.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Toss diced onions into the hot skillet. Cook until they turn soft and slightly translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and stir quickly for 30 seconds to release its wonderful aroma.

Step 4: Brown the Beef

Introduce ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small crumbles. Cook until the beef turns a rich brown color and no pink remains, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Build the Flavor Profile

Sprinkle ground cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper over the beef. Add cubed sweet potatoes and mix thoroughly to ensure every piece gets coated with spices.

Step 6: Create Moisture and Simmer

If the skillet looks dry, pour beef broth or water. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Final Vegetable Addition

During the last 5 minutes of cooking, add bell peppers and black beans if using. This keeps them warm and maintains their texture.

Step 8: Reduce and Concentrate

Remove the lid and let excess moisture evaporate. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender and the mixture looks slightly crispy.

Step 9: Finish and Serve

If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and let it melt. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve hot directly from the skillet for a rustic, comforting meal.

Tips for Crispy Edges and Flavor Depth

• Dice Strategically: Cut sweet potatoes into uniform, small cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Brown Beef Perfectly: Allow ground beef to develop a deep, caramelized color by not overcrowding the pan and resisting the urge to stir constantly.
• Spice Balance Matters: Toast spices briefly before adding other ingredients to enhance their flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
• Moisture Management: Keep a close eye on liquid levels during simmering, adding small amounts of broth if the hash becomes too dry to prevent burning.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Remove skillet from heat when adding cheese and cover briefly to create a creamy, evenly melted topping without overcooking.

Store and Reheat Without Getting Soggy

• Refrigerate: Store leftover beef and sweet potato hash in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled hash to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated hash in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Microwave is another quick option, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring between each to ensure even temperature distribution.

Side Pairings for This Hearty Hash

• Pair with Zesty Red Wine: Choose a bold, fruity red like Zinfandel or Syrah that complements the rich beef and sweet potato flavors, cutting through the dish's heartiness with its robust character.
• Serve with Crisp Mexican-Style Lager: A light, refreshing beer like Modelo Especial or Pacifico will balance the spicy cumin and chili powder, providing a clean palate cleanser between bites.
• Create a Fresh Herb Salad Side: Whip up a quick salad with mixed greens, quick-pickled red onions, and a bright lime vinaigrette to add brightness and acidity that contrasts the hash's warmth.
• Top with Tangy Crema: Drizzle Mexican crema or a quick sour cream mixed with lime zest and chopped cilantro to add a creamy, cooling element that enhances the dish's spicy undertones.

Ingredient Swaps to Keep It Interesting

• Southwest Spice Boost: Replace ground cumin with chipotle powder and add diced green chiles for an intense, smoky flavor profile that elevates the heat and complexity of the dish.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Swap ground beef for lamb, incorporate crumbled feta cheese, and season with oregano and za'atar spice blend to create a Middle Eastern-inspired hash.
• Vegetarian Power Bowl: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra firm tofu, increase black beans, and add roasted red peppers for a protein-packed meatless version that maintains hearty textures and rich flavors.
• Quick Breakfast Skillet: Top the hash with a fried egg and serve with a side of hot sauce, transforming the recipe into a satisfying morning meal that brings together classic breakfast elements with robust, savory ingredients.

Questions About Making Beef Hash Answered

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work great in this recipe. Just adjust cooking time to ensure the meat is fully cooked.

• How do I store leftovers of this beef and sweet potato hash?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.

• Are sweet potatoes really necessary for this dish?

Sweet potatoes add wonderful flavor and nutrition, but you can substitute with regular potatoes or even butternut squash if needed. The key is to cut them into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your spices and broth are certified gluten-free if you have strict dietary needs.

Savory Beef And Sweet Potato Hash Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty beef and sweet potato hash delivers comfort on a plate with rich, satisfying flavors from a perfect blend of tender meat and caramelized vegetables. Rustic skillet magic brings warmth to your table, inviting you to savor every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (1 lb) lean ground beef

Vegetables:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon (½ tsp) chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup beef broth or water (optional)
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, drizzling olive oil across the surface to create an even coating for cooking.
2. Transform sweet potatoes into uniform cubes, finely chop onions, and prepare bell peppers while ensuring black beans are thoroughly rinsed and drained.
3. Introduce diced onions into the heated skillet, allowing them to become translucent and release their aromatic essence, which occurs within 3-4 minutes.
4. Infuse the skillet with minced garlic, releasing its fragrant notes for approximately 30 seconds, then introduce ground beef, systematically fragmenting the meat with a wooden utensil until achieving a rich, golden-brown coloration.
5. Incorporate cubed sweet potatoes alongside an ensemble of spices – ground cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper – thoroughly mixing to ensure a comprehensive spice distribution.
6. If the mixture appears parched, introduce beef broth or water, reducing heat to medium-low, then cover and allow the ingredients to meld and soften for 12-15 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent adherence.
7. During the final cooking phase, integrate bell peppers and black beans, maintaining their structural integrity while thoroughly warming them.
8. Eliminate excess liquid by removing the lid and allowing the mixture to gently reduce for an additional 2-3 minutes, concentrating flavors.
9. For an indulgent finale, scatter shredded cheese across the surface, permitting it to melt luxuriously, and crown the dish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley as a vibrant garnish.

Notes

• Customize your hash by adding bell peppers or black beans for extra nutrition and flavor variety.
• Ensure ground beef is thoroughly browned to develop rich, deep flavors and prevent any raw meat texture.
• Use medium-low heat during simmering to help sweet potatoes soften without burning or sticking to the skillet.
• Check potato tenderness by piercing with a fork; they should be soft but not mushy for perfect texture.
• Optional cheese melting adds creamy richness, while fresh herbs provide bright, fresh finishing notes.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in a skillet for best texture restoration.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg