Name: Easy Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large sweet potato, diced into 1/2-inch cubes; 3/4 yellow onion, finely chopped; 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped (about 1/4-inch pieces); 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend); 4 tbsp olive oil (divided; preferably California Olive Ranch); 1 3/4 tsp Morton Kosher salt; 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1 1/2 tsp chili powder; 3/4 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/4 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp oregano; 1 pinch red pepper flakes

Ingredients

4 tbsp olive oil

1 large sweet potato, diced into 1/2-inch cubes

1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)

3/4 yellow onion, finely chopped

1 green bell pepper, finely chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 3/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

1 1/2 tsp chili powder

3/4 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp smoked paprika

1/4 tsp oregano

1 pinch red pepper flakes

Instructions

Step 1: Dice the sweet potato into 1/2-inch cubes for even cooking. Finely chop the yellow onion and green bell pepper into 1/4-inch pieces, and mince the garlic. In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, paprika, smoked paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes to create your spice blend.

Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the ground beef and cook without stirring for 2-3 minutes to develop a crust. Break it up with a spoon and continue cooking until no pink remains and the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes total. Drain excess grease, leaving just enough to coat the pan.

Step 3: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Push vegetables aside and add the minced garlic to the empty space, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet and stir to combine with the beef and aromatics. Sprinkle the prepared spice blend over everything and stir well to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Reduce heat to medium and cook the hash, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and slightly caramelized on the edges. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to add flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use an 80/20 ground beef blend for better moisture and flavor in the dish.

For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce when serving.

Swap sweet potatoes for regular potatoes or add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for variety.

Prep all ingredients and measure spices before cooking to ensure a smooth, quick process and prevent burning the garlic and aromatics.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Keep in mind the flavor will be milder, so you might want to increase the spices slightly to enhance taste.

How do I prevent the sweet potatoes from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to use enough oil and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Scraping up the browned bits helps release the flavorful fond, preventing sticking and adding depth to the dish.