Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash with Onions is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the savory richness of ground beef with the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes. Caramelized onions add depth and aroma, while a careful blend of spices elevates the overall taste.

This dish is versatile enough to serve as a filling breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a comforting dinner. It’s a one-pan wonder that is both simple to prepare and full of layers of flavor.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly smoky flavors. The combination of ground beef and sweet potatoes creates a satisfying texture, while the onions provide a soft caramelized sweetness.

It’s also incredibly flexible: you can add your favorite vegetables, adjust the spices to taste, or serve it with eggs for a complete breakfast. The one-pan method minimizes cleanup, making it a practical and delicious meal for busy days.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it delivers comfort food with a healthy twist. Sweet potatoes provide vitamins and fiber, while ground beef adds protein, making it a balanced meal.

The dish is full of flavor, easy to make, and visually appealing with its golden cubes of sweet potato and caramelized onions. It’s a recipe that satisfies the taste buds while being versatile enough to suit different mealtime occasions.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time 15 minutes
Cooking Time 25–30 minutes
Total Time 40–45 minutes
Servings 4
Calories Approximately 350–400 calories per serving
Course Main Course / Breakfast
Cuisine American / Comfort Food

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add diced sweet potatoes and a pinch of salt.
• Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are just tender.
• Remove sweet potatoes from the skillet and set aside.

2. Cook the Onions

• In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.
• Add diced onions and cook for 5–6 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
• Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.

3. Brown the Ground Beef

• Push onions to the side of the skillet and add ground beef.
• Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through.
• Season with smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Combine Ingredients

• Return the cooked sweet potatoes to the skillet.
• Stir everything together and cook for another 2–3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

5. Garnish and Serve

• Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro.
• Serve hot as a main dish or alongside eggs for breakfast.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Dice Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cut sweet potatoes into small cubes.
2. Cook Sweet Potatoes: Sauté in olive oil until tender.
3. Cook Onions: Sauté onions until caramelized, then add garlic.
4. Brown Beef: Cook ground beef with spices until fully browned.
5. Combine Ingredients: Mix sweet potatoes, onions, and beef together.
6. Finish and Serve: Garnish with herbs and serve hot.

How to Serve This Recipe

• Serve as a hearty breakfast with fried or poached eggs on top.
• Enjoy as a lunch or dinner with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
• Pair with hot sauce or salsa for added flavor.

Recipe Tips

• Cut sweet potatoes into small, uniform cubes to ensure even cooking.
• For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce while cooking the beef.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan to allow sweet potatoes and onions to caramelize properly.
• Leftovers taste great reheated in a skillet or microwave.

Variations

Spicy Version

• Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the skillet.

Vegetable-Loaded

• Include bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition.

Low-Carb Option

• Substitute sweet potatoes with cauliflower cubes for a keto-friendly version.

Cheesy Twist

• Sprinkle shredded cheese over the hash and cover the skillet until melted.

Freezing and Storage Time

Refrigeration

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing

• Cool completely, place in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or oil if needed.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large non-stick or cast-iron skillet
• Spatula or wooden spoon for stirring
• Knife and cutting board for vegetables

FAQ

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a leaner version.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and store in the fridge; reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

How do I prevent sweet potatoes from sticking?
Cook in enough oil and avoid constant stirring at the beginning; allow them to brown slightly.

Can I add other spices?
Absolutely! Curry powder, coriander, or even a dash of cinnamon can add unique flavors.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it reheats well and maintains its flavor, making it ideal for lunches or dinners.

Conclusion

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash with Onions is a versatile, flavorful, and satisfying dish that combines the sweetness of tender sweet potatoes with the savory richness of ground beef. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it’s easy to prepare, highly adaptable, and full of flavor. This dish not only tastes incredible but also provides a balanced meal with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. It’s a recipe that quickly becomes a favorite for both busy weekdays and leisurely weekends.