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Savory Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet Hash Recipe

ground beef sweet potato skillet hash - featured image

A one-skillet meal featuring crispy sweet potatoes and savory ground beef, ready in under 40 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep, this budget-friendly hash is customizable and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes (about 3 cups)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
  • Hot sauce of your choice (optional)
  • Fried or poached eggs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients first. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into ½-inch cubes. Dice the onion and bell pepper. Mince the garlic. Slice the green onions and chop the cilantro for garnish.
  2. Pat the sweet potatoes dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove excess moisture. Transfer to a large bowl.
  3. Toss sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon cumin, ¼ teaspoon chili powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and a pinch of pepper until every cube is coated. Set aside.
  4. Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes.
  5. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the hot skillet. Add the seasoned sweet potato cubes in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on the bottom. Stir and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until tender and crispy. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  6. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until onion is translucent and starting to brown. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Push the aromatics to one side of the pan. Add the ground beef to the empty space, breaking it up. Let it cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to sear, then break into smaller pieces. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining spice blend (remaining smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper) over the beef mixture. Stir and cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  9. Return the cooked sweet potatoes to the skillet. Stir gently to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  10. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve hot with avocado slices, a fried egg, or hot sauce if desired.

Notes

Pat sweet potatoes dry for best browning. Don’t stir them too much—let them develop a golden crust. Drain most of the beef fat but leave about a tablespoon for flavor. Season in layers for complex flavor. For extra crispy sweet potatoes, broil them for 2-3 minutes after cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, sweet potato, skillet hash, one-pan meal, weeknight dinner, meal prep, gluten-free, budget-friendly