This savory hash perfectly balances the sweet, tender cubes of sweet potato with richly seasoned ground beef, creating a comforting and nourishing dish ideal for breakfast or brunch. The vibrant colors of the red bell pepper and fresh herbs add visual appeal, while the warm spices infuse every bite with a cozy, inviting flavor.
Ideal for busy mornings or weekend brunches, this dish is quick to prepare and easy to customize. Add a perfectly cooked egg on top for extra protein or swap ground beef for turkey or plant-based alternatives. Whether you’re fueling up for the day or enjoying a comforting dinner, this hash is a flavorful, wholesome choice that satisfies every time.
Full Recipe:
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1 pound ground beef
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2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
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2 large eggs (optional, for serving)
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced sweet potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes until they begin to soften.
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Add chopped onion and red bell pepper to the skillet; cook for another 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender.
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Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, and cumin; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Push the vegetables to the side of the pan and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
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Mix the beef and vegetables together and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 2 minutes to let flavors meld.
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Optional: In a separate pan, fry or poach eggs to serve on top of the hash.
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Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 400 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
Why Beef and Sweet Potato Hash is a Perfect Meal
Beef and sweet potato hash is a wonderfully balanced dish that combines rich, savory flavors with the natural sweetness of root vegetables. This hearty meal is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, making it incredibly versatile. The combination of ground beef and sweet potatoes creates a satisfying texture and flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of palates. What makes this dish especially appealing is how it marries the nutritional benefits of lean protein and complex carbohydrates, ensuring you get both energy and nourishment in every bite.
Nutritional Benefits of the Key Ingredients
Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse. They are rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, which help support immune function and promote healthy skin and eyes. Their natural sweetness comes from complex carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy release rather than the quick spike and crash caused by simple sugars. Ground beef contributes high-quality protein essential for muscle repair and maintenance. It also provides important nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which are vital for red blood cell production and neurological function.
Combining these ingredients offers a balanced meal that supports energy levels throughout the day while providing essential micronutrients. The dish also includes vegetables such as onions and bell peppers, which add dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. These components make this hash a well-rounded, nutrient-dense option that supports overall health and wellness.
The Appeal of One-Pan Meals
One-pan meals like this beef and sweet potato hash are popular for a reason. They save time on cooking and cleanup, making them ideal for busy households or anyone wanting a quick yet wholesome meal. Cooking all ingredients together in a single skillet allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes complements the smoky, savory notes from the seasoned beef, while the onions and bell peppers add a subtle crunch and brightness.
For people juggling work, family, and personal commitments, recipes like this offer a convenient and satisfying solution without sacrificing taste or nutrition. It’s also very adaptable—you can add or swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or dietary preferences.
Flavor Profile and Seasoning
This dish balances smoky, savory, and sweet flavors with the help of spices such as smoked paprika and ground cumin. Smoked paprika imparts a deep, earthy warmth that complements the beef’s rich flavor. Cumin adds a slightly nutty and peppery note that elevates the overall taste without overpowering it. Garlic and onions provide aromatic depth and a mild sweetness when sautéed, enhancing the complexity of the dish.
The seasoning is simple yet effective, allowing the natural flavors of the beef and sweet potatoes to shine. Salt and pepper finish the dish with a classic touch, bringing out the savory components. For a fresh contrast, garnishing with chopped parsley or cilantro adds brightness and a pop of color.
Versatility and Customization
One of the best features of this hash is how customizable it is. You can easily modify it to suit different dietary needs or taste preferences. For instance, if you prefer poultry, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef. For a vegetarian or vegan option, sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based meat substitutes can replicate the texture and heartiness.
You can also switch up the vegetables based on the season or what’s available. Adding zucchini, kale, or spinach can boost the veggie content and add new textures and flavors. If you like heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes can give it a spicy kick.
The optional addition of eggs—fried, scrambled, or poached—on top of the hash makes it a complete meal with additional protein and richness. This makes it a popular choice for brunch or weekend breakfasts, where people crave a satisfying dish that feels indulgent but is still wholesome.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
This beef and sweet potato hash is ideal for meal prep because it stores well and reheats nicely without losing texture or flavor. You can make a large batch ahead of time, portion it out, and keep it refrigerated for up to four days. This makes it perfect for busy mornings when you want a quick, nutritious meal without extra effort.
To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or use a microwave. Adding a fresh egg on top during reheating can refresh the dish and make it feel like it’s just been cooked.
If freezing, place the hash in airtight containers and consume within two months for optimal taste and texture. When thawing, it’s best to defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Why This Recipe is Great for Families
This hash is a crowd-pleaser that suits both kids and adults. The flavors are familiar and comforting, and the sweet potatoes add a mild sweetness that tends to appeal to children’s palates. It’s also nutrient-dense, helping families ensure everyone gets a balanced meal with plenty of vitamins, minerals, and protein.
Because it’s easy to make in one skillet and can be doubled or tripled, it’s perfect for feeding a family with minimal hassle. Plus, it works well as a flexible meal—serve it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, depending on your family’s schedule.
Sustainability and Health Consciousness
Using sweet potatoes and ground beef responsibly sourced can be part of a more sustainable diet. Sweet potatoes require less water and fewer resources to grow compared to many other staples, making them an eco-friendly carbohydrate choice. Opting for grass-fed or organic ground beef where possible supports better animal welfare and can provide a higher nutrient profile.
This recipe also fits well within many health-conscious diets because it focuses on whole foods, lean protein, and nutrient-rich vegetables while avoiding processed ingredients. It’s naturally gluten-free, which makes it suitable for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Perfect for Any Season
While hash dishes are often associated with fall and winter due to their warmth and heartiness, this beef and sweet potato hash works beautifully year-round. Sweet potatoes are available in many regions for much of the year, and the fresh bell peppers and herbs add vibrant summer colors.
In cooler months, you can add warming spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a seasonal twist. In warmer seasons, serve it alongside a crisp salad or fresh fruit for a lighter, balanced meal.
Conclusion
Beef and Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash is an outstanding dish that combines flavor, nutrition, and convenience in one skillet. It’s ideal for those who want a wholesome, satisfying meal that doesn’t require complicated preparation. The balance of protein-rich beef and vitamin-packed sweet potatoes offers sustained energy and nourishment, making it a smart choice for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
Its adaptability, from swapping proteins to adding different vegetables or spices, means this recipe can be customized to suit any taste or dietary need. Whether you’re cooking for a family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a comforting, delicious dish, this hash delivers on all fronts.
The combination of bold flavors, vibrant colors, and simple cooking technique ensures it will become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Embrace the ease and deliciousness of this classic dish—it’s the perfect way to start your day or wind down with a wholesome meal.