Name: Easy Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for flavor and moisture); 1 large sweet potato, diced into 1/2-inch cubes; 3/4 yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1/4-inch pieces); 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped (about 1/4-inch pieces); 4 garlic cloves, minced; 4 tbsp olive oil (California Olive Ranch preferred); 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)

3/4 yellow onion, finely chopped

1 green bell pepper, finely chopped into 1/4-inch pieces

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 and set aside. Finely chop the yellow onion and green bell pepper, and mince the garlic cloves. In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, paprika, smoked paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes.

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 up the beef with a spoon and continue cooking until no pink remains and it is nicely 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 onion and bell pepper and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and aromatic. Push the vegetables to the side, add the minced garlic to the empty space, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Add the diced sweet potato to the pan and stir to combine. Sprinkle the spice blend evenly over the mixture and stir well to coat everything.

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

Tips & Variations

Use an 80/20 beef blend to keep the hash juicy and flavorful, but leaner beef works if you prefer less fat.

Swap green bell pepper for red or yellow for a sweeter note.

Add chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley just before serving for brightness.

For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeño with the bell pepper.

FAQs

Can I use frozen sweet potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen diced sweet potatoes. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture to avoid soggy hash. Cooking times may be slightly shorter since the potatoes are partially cooked.

Is this dish gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it contains no wheat or gluten-containing ingredients. Just ensure that any spices you use are gluten-free certified if you have a sensitivity.