Easy Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash

By August 24, 20264 min read
Ground Beef Recipes, freshly made and ready to serve
Ground Beef Recipes, freshly made and ready to serve
Main Course

Ground Beef Recipes

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash is a hearty, one-pan meal ready in 30 minutes. Uses 6 ingredients and pairs well with a side of bread.

Ground beef is a kitchen staple that melts into rich, savory dishes with the right method.

Hash uses leftover meat and vegetables, making it ideal for weeknights. No need for fancy tools.

Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness that balances the meat's saltiness. It's all about layering flavors.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

1

Cheesy layers melt into each bite. No need for a slow cooker—just one pan.
2

Uses ingredients you already have. Satisfies cravings without hours in the kitchen.
3

Texture is crispy on top, tender underneath. Perfect for pairing with crusty bread.

About the Ingredients

1 lb (450g) ground beef

Choose 85% lean for less grease. Substitute with turkey or plant-based crumbles if preferred.

2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs/680g)

Peel and dice for even cooking. Use regular potatoes if sweet ones are unavailable.

1 diced onion

White or yellow onions work best. Red onion adds a sharper flavor if you like it.

2 cloves garlic, minced

Fresh garlic is key, but jarred will do in a pinch. Add early for milder taste.

2 cups (480ml) beef broth

Low-sodium broth is better. Use vegetable broth if you're avoiding meat entirely.

1 cup (150g) cheddar cheese, grated

Sharp cheddar adds tang. Colby-Jack or mozzarella can be swapped for different textures.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté onions

Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft and fragrant. This releases their natural sweetness.

2. Cook ground beef

Add beef to the pan. Break it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat for lighter texture.

3. Add sweet potatoes

Toss in diced sweet potatoes. Coat in the beef mixture and stir. Season with salt and pepper as you go.

4. Pour in broth

Add beef broth, bring to a simmer. Cover and cook 15 minutes. This softens the potatoes and melds flavors.

5. Stir in cheese

Remove from heat. Stir in grated cheddar until melted and glossy. Let sit 2 minutes before serving to avoid clumps.

6. Garnish and serve

Top with fresh parsley and extra cheese. Serve with crusty bread or a fried egg for a protein boost.

Pro Tips

1

Brown the beef first. It builds a deeper flavor base for the dish.
2

Roast the sweet potatoes before adding to the pan. Adds caramelized depth.
3

Melt the cheese gradually. Overmixing can make it clumpy and greasy.
4

Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of aroma.

How to Store Ground Beef Recipes

Refrigerator

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid curdling the cheese.

Freezer

Portion into meal-sized containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Heat on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally to redistribute the cheese.

Delicious Variations

  • Swap sweet potatoes for butternut squash. Adds a nutty, earthy note.
  • Add frozen peas or corn for extra color and crunch. Thaw before mixing in.
  • Use shredded cooked chicken instead of beef. Great for a meatless version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen ground beef?

Yes, but add it directly to the pan without thawing. It might release more liquid, so simmer longer.

Q: How to make it vegetarian?

Replace ground beef with lentils or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth and skip the cheese if desired.

Q: What if I don't have a Dutch oven?

Use a regular skillet. Just watch the heat and don't let it dry out. Add broth as needed.

Q: Can I add other veggies?

Absolutely. Carrots, celery, or kale work well. Cook them with the onions for even flavor.

Try this hash for a quick, satisfying meal. Adjust the spices to your taste. Share your version in the comments—what’s your favorite way to use ground beef?

Ground Beef Recipes

Ground Beef Recipes

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash is a hearty, one-pan meal ready in 30 minutes. Uses 6 ingredients and pairs well with a side of bread.

15 minPrep time35 minCook time6Servings285 kcalCalories

🧂 Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs/680g)
  • 1 diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
  • 1 cup (150g) cheddar cheese, grated

📋 Instructions

  1. 1Sauté onions — Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft and fragrant. This releases their natural sweetness.
  2. 2Cook ground beef — Add beef to the pan. Break it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat for lighter texture.
  3. 3Add sweet potatoes — Toss in diced sweet potatoes. Coat in the beef mixture and stir. Season with salt and pepper as you go.
  4. 4Pour in broth — Add beef broth, bring to a simmer. Cover and cook 15 minutes. This softens the potatoes and melds flavors.
  5. 5Stir in cheese — Remove from heat. Stir in grated cheddar until melted and glossy. Let sit 2 minutes before serving to avoid clumps.
  6. 6Garnish and serve — Top with fresh parsley and extra cheese. Serve with crusty bread or a fried egg for a protein boost.
👨🍳 Chef's Note: The cheese should be smooth but not runny. If it separates, whisk in a splash of broth.

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Course: Main Course

Simple Cooker Recipes

Nutrition (per serving): 285 kcal · 12g protein · 22g carbs · 9g fat

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