Ground Beef And Sweet Potato Hash
Highlighted under: Everyday Comfort Food Recipes
I love making Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash for a hearty and satisfying meal. This recipe has become a family favorite, especially during busy weeknights when I need something quick and nourishing. The combination of savory ground beef with the natural sweetness of the potatoes creates a delightful balance of flavors. Plus, it's versatile! You can add in whatever veggies you have on hand, making it a great way to use up leftovers. Trust me, this dish is as comforting as it is delicious.
When creating my Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash, I discovered that cooking the sweet potatoes beforehand really enhances their flavor and texture. I like to boil them for a few minutes, which not only softens them but allows them to caramelize beautifully when I sauté them later. This method ensures that every bite has that delightful sweet and savory combination that I crave.
Another tip I’ve learned over time is to let the beef brown properly before adding the vegetables. This step builds a rich foundation of flavor for the entire dish. I often experiment with spices too, like paprika or cumin, to give it an extra kick. The end result? A filling meal that's full of color and taste!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Savory beef flavor combined with sweet potato sweetness
- Easy to make and great for meal prep
- Customizable with any vegetables you have on hand
The Importance of Flavor Balance
The combination of savory ground beef and the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes creates a delightful contrast that enhances the overall flavor profile of this dish. The rich, umami notes from the beef pair beautifully with the earthy sweetness from the potatoes, which not only provides nutrition but also adds a unique texture. This balance is key to making your Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash feel both wholesome and satisfying in every bite.
Smoked paprika plays a crucial role in this recipe by adding depth and a subtle smokiness that complements the sweetness of the potatoes. If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce to the mix. Additionally, don't hesitate to experiment with different spice blends to suit your taste preferences. Each will bring its distinct flair to this comforting dish.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is highly customizable, making it a great canvas to showcase any vegetables you have on hand. Feel free to swap out the bell pepper for zucchini or add some spinach for an extra boost of color and nutrients. If you're looking to reduce carbohydrates, you could even substitute half of the sweet potatoes with cauliflower rice, maintaining a similar texture while lowering the carbs.
For those following specific dietary restrictions, ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of ground beef for a leaner option. Alternatively, sautéed mushrooms or lentils can provide a delicious plant-based substitute for meat while retaining that hearty texture. Think of this recipe as a flexible framework; you can easily adjust ingredients to match your dietary needs and personal tastes.
Ingredients
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Boil diced sweet potatoes in salted water for about 10 minutes or until just tender. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Add Vegetables
Stir in onions, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Combine and Season
Add the boiled sweet potatoes to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, try incorporating your favorite hot sauce or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Prepared Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This dish reheats beautifully on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture if needed. You can also microwave individual servings for a quick meal.
If you want to prepare it in advance, consider cooking the sweet potatoes and ground beef separately, then combining them right before serving. This helps keep the sweet potatoes from becoming too mushy during storage. Reheating the dish in a nonstick skillet can revive that crispy texture, which is a delightful contrast to the soft potatoes.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your sweet potatoes turn out too mushy, it could be due to overcooking them during the boiling step. Aim for just tender—about 10 minutes should suffice. If they are soft before adding them to the skillet, reduce the cooking time next time or try parboiling them for a shorter duration. A quick check by poking with a fork should provide just a little resistance.
Another common issue can be excess liquid from the vegetables. To minimize this, make sure to drain any excess fat from the beef thoroughly and keep the heat high enough for the veggies to cook down without steaming. If you find that the final dish is too wet, simply continue to cook on medium heat, stirring frequently until the moisture evaporates and the dish reaches your desired consistency.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and is a leaner option.
→ How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can replace the beef with black beans or lentils for a hearty vegetarian version.
→ Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Just make sure to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
→ What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as zucchini, spinach, or broccoli.
Ground Beef And Sweet Potato Hash
I love making Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash for a hearty and satisfying meal. This recipe has become a family favorite, especially during busy weeknights when I need something quick and nourishing. The combination of savory ground beef with the natural sweetness of the potatoes creates a delightful balance of flavors. Plus, it's versatile! You can add in whatever veggies you have on hand, making it a great way to use up leftovers. Trust me, this dish is as comforting as it is delicious.
Created by: Jessica Brown
Recipe Type: Everyday Comfort Food Recipes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
Boil diced sweet potatoes in salted water for about 10 minutes or until just tender. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Stir in onions, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the boiled sweet potatoes to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Top with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash!
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, try incorporating your favorite hot sauce or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 25g