This Southwest Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Hash is ready in 30 minutes and is a delicious smoky-sweet meal with so many variations and serving ideas, it's great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
Step 1: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or other neutral oil). Season the ground beef with salt & black pepper and cook over medium high heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease, leaving a tablespoon for cooking the vegetables.
Step 2: Add avocado or other neutral oil to the pan, if necessary. Add the diced sweet potatoes and onions to the skillet. Season with a pinch of salt. Cook for 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes start to soften.
Step 3: Stir in the onion and bell peppers. Cook for another 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add the beans and zucchini or any optional vegetables (like corn, kale, or jalapeño peppers). Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until all vegetables are tender.
Step 5: Add the ground beef back into the skillet. Add taco seasoning and ⅓ cup of water. Stir and let simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Serve immediately, garnished with cilantro, green onions, and avocado.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Breakfast: Serve with a fried egg on top for a hearty, protein-packed morning meal.
Tacos: put this flavorful dish in tortilla shells and serve as tacos
Rice: serve with white rice, brown rice or cauliflower rice
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Hollow out large bell peppers in a lightly oiled baking dish, fill them with the hash, top with cheddar cheese. Cover the pan with aluminum foil, and bake at 375° for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
Tips & Tricks
Dice Sweet Potatoes Evenly: For even cooking, ensure your sweet potato cubes are roughly the same size—about ½-inch cubes work best.
Use Pre-Cooked Ingredients for Speed: If you’re short on time, consider microwaving the diced sweet potatoes for 3-4 minutes before adding them to the skillet. Cooking time will vary between microwaves.
Make Your Own Taco Seasoning: For a homemade blend, combine 2 tablespoons chili powder, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flake, 1 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of cayenne for more heat.
Potatoes: Use russet potatoes instead of sweet potatoes if you prefer.
Diet Suitability:
Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free if using a gluten-free taco seasoning.
Paleo: Use a Paleo-compliant taco seasoning and skip the beans and corn.
Whole30: Omit the beans and corn, and ensure the taco seasoning is Whole30-approved.
Low Carb / Keto: Substitute sweet potatoes with cauliflower for a lower-carb version and adjust beans accordingly.
Refrigeration Instructions
For Cooked Hash: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation and sogginess.I do not recommend freezing this dish.