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A cast iron skillet is filled with Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash. Near the skillet is a stack of white plates with a blue rims, napkins and forks. A large white plate with garnishes sits below the skillet.

Southwest Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Hash

Layla @ Poppy Trail Table
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!
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Total Time 30 minutes
Course Breakfast, Main Course
Cuisine American, Mexican
Servings 6 servings
Calories 307 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Optional: microwave-safe bowl (if pre-cooking sweet potatoes)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and diced
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 1 cup black or pinto beans drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • salt & pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 307kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 20gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 454mgPotassium: 490mgFiber: 7gSugar: 11g
Nutrition Facts
Southwest Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Hash
Amount per Serving
Calories
307
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
11
g
17
%
Saturated Fat
 
3
g
19
%
Monounsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Cholesterol
 
47
mg
16
%
Sodium
 
454
mg
20
%
Potassium
 
490
mg
14
%
Carbohydrates
 
32
g
11
%
Fiber
 
7
g
29
%
Sugar
 
11
g
12
%
Protein
 
20
g
40
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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