Name: Tex-Mex Sweet Potato Hash with Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or leaner for a healthier option); 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and diced); 1 small onion (diced); 1 bell pepper (red, green, or yellow, diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 jalapeño (optional, diced for extra heat); 1 cup canned black beans (drained and rinsed); 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with green chilies for extra flavor); 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil); 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon oregano; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro (for garnish); 1 lime (cut into wedges for serving); 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack, optional); 2 fried or poached eggs (optional, for serving)

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Introduction

This Tex-Mex Sweet Potato Hash with Ground Beef is a vibrant and hearty dish that’s perfect for any meal. Packed with bold spices, tender sweet potatoes, and savory ground beef, it’s a flavorful one-pan wonder that comes together quickly. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this hash hits the spot.

A black skillet filled with a colorful mix of diced orange sweet potatoes, browned ground meat, black beans, and small pieces of red bell pepper and purple onion. The dish is topped with melted light yellow cheese scattered unevenly across the surface and sprinkled with bright green chopped cilantro. The ingredients create a textured, layered look with the sweet potatoes on top and beans mixed throughout. The skillet rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (80/20 or leaner for a healthier option)
2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and diced)
1 small onion (diced)
1 bell pepper (red, green, or yellow, diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 jalapeño (optional, diced for extra heat)
1 cup canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with green chilies for extra flavor)
2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
1 lime (cut into wedges for serving)
1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack, optional)
2 fried or poached eggs (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients. Dice the sweet potatoes into small, bite-sized cubes for even cooking. Chop the onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño if using, then mince the garlic. Gather all the spices and have them ready for seasoning.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute to let the spices bloom, then transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables. In the same skillet, add more oil if necessary and add the sweet potatoes. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and start to crisp. Add the onions, bell peppers, and jalapeño, cooking until tender, about 5 more minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Combine Everything. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Stir in the black beans and diced tomatoes, mixing well. Cover and simmer for 5–7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro. Squeeze lime wedges over the top for brightness. Serve as is or add shredded cheese and a fried or poached egg for extra richness.

Tips & Variations

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add corn or diced zucchini for extra vegetable variety.
Use sweet potato fries left over from another meal to save prep time.
Top with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream for creaminess.
For less heat, omit the jalapeño or remove the seeds before dicing.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. If using eggs, it’s best to add them fresh when serving.

How to Serve

This dish shows a close-up of a cooked mix in a white bowl, with a close view of layers. The bottom layer has crumbly cooked ground meat, dark red kidney beans, and small pieces of red onion. On top are big cubes of bright orange roasted sweet potatoes with a slightly crispy texture. Thin melted cheese strings spread unevenly over the meat and sweet potatoes, creating a creamy look. The whole dish is sprinkled with fresh chopped green cilantro leaves adding a fresh touch. The bowl is set on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the ground beef and add extra black beans or cooked lentils for protein. You can also add more veggies like mushrooms or zucchini to keep it hearty.

How can I make the sweet potatoes cook faster?

Cut the sweet potatoes into smaller, uniform cubes to speed up cooking. You can also parboil them for a few minutes before sautéing to reduce cooking time.