Name: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 small onion, chopped; 1 bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp ground cumin; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Optional: red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, fried eggs for serving

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Ground beef and sweet potato hash is a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal that’s both comforting and nutritious. I love how the sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes balances the savory richness of the ground beef. With a touch of spice and plenty of color, it’s a satisfying dish I can enjoy for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s quick, versatile, and made with simple ingredients. It’s naturally gluten-free, packed with protein and fiber, and perfect for meal prep. Whether I’m looking for a filling breakfast topped with a fried egg or an easy dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes, this hash always hits the spot.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
Onion, chopped
Bell pepper, diced
Garlic, minced
Olive oil
Smoked paprika
Ground cumin
Salt
Black pepper
Optional: red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, or fried eggs for serving

Directions

I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
I add the sweet potatoes and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and brown.
I push the sweet potatoes to the side and add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns.
Once the beef is mostly cooked, I add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. I sauté everything together for another 5–7 minutes.
I season with paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if I want a little heat.
I continue cooking until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and everything is well combined.
I garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot—sometimes with a fried egg on top for extra richness.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4. It takes me about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so I can have it ready to eat in 30 minutes or less.

Variations

Sometimes I add spinach or kale toward the end for an extra dose of greens. I’ve also swapped ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives. If I want it a little sweeter, I toss in a handful of corn or a dash of cinnamon. For a Tex-Mex twist, I stir in black beans and a squeeze of lime.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it in short intervals until hot. It’s great for meal prep—I usually make a big batch and portion it out for quick meals.

FAQs

Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?

Yes, I’ve used frozen diced sweet potatoes when I’m in a rush. I just thaw them slightly and reduce the cooking time a bit.

What type of ground beef works best?

I like using 85/15 ground beef for flavor without too much grease, but leaner versions work just fine too.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely. I swap the beef for lentils, chickpeas, or a plant-based ground meat alternative and it turns out great.

Is this dish spicy?

Not unless I add red pepper flakes or hot sauce. I keep it mild for a more balanced flavor and spice it up when I want a kick.

What’s the best way to serve it?

I love it topped with a runny fried egg or avocado slices. It also works great as a filling for tacos or wraps.

Conclusion

Ground beef and sweet potato hash is one of my go-to meals when I need something quick, filling, and full of flavor. I love how it uses basic ingredients but delivers big taste and comfort. Whether I serve it up for breakfast or dinner, it always leaves me feeling satisfied and ready to make it again.