Savory Beef Sweet Potato

This hearty beef and sweet potato hash transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that works perfectly for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I discovered this recipe during a particularly busy week when I needed something filling that could use up leftover roast beef, and it quickly became a household favorite that my family requests regularly.

I first made this hash on a Sunday morning when I had leftover pot roast and some sweet potatoes that needed to be used. The combination of savory beef with naturally sweet potatoes creates such a perfect balance, and now it's become our go to way to repurpose any leftover beef.

Ingredients

• Cooked Beef: about 2 cups diced or shredded provides the savory protein foundation and works with any leftover roast beef, steak, or ground beef
• Sweet Potatoes: 2 large peeled and diced into half inch cubes bring natural sweetness and creamy texture that balances the savory elements perfectly
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium diced creates the aromatic base and adds subtle sweetness as it caramelizes
• Bell Pepper: 1 any color seeded and diced contributes crisp texture and vibrant color while adding mild sweetness
• Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: 2 tablespoons essential for proper sautéing and adds healthy fats that help absorb fat soluble vitamins
• Garlic: 2 cloves minced provides pungent depth and enhances all the other flavors in the dish
• Dried Herbs: 1 teaspoon each of thyme and rosemary add earthy notes that complement beef beautifully
• Smoked Paprika: half teaspoon gives subtle smoky warmth and depth of flavor
• Salt and Black Pepper: to taste crucial for proper seasoning and bringing out natural flavors
• Optional Garnishes: fresh parsley, cilantro, fried eggs, avocado slices, or hot sauce for customizing each serving

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:

Peel and dice your sweet potatoes into uniform half inch cubes to ensure even cooking throughout. The consistent size prevents some pieces from being mushy while others remain hard. Do this preparation step just before cooking to prevent the sweet potatoes from browning and oxidizing.

Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat the olive oil or avocado oil in a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat until the oil shimmers and moves freely across the pan. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking for 5 to 7 minutes while stirring occasionally. The onions should become translucent and the peppers should start to soften, creating the flavorful foundation for your hash.

Add Garlic and Spices:

Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika to the skillet. Cook for exactly one minute while stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning, which would create a bitter flavor. The spices will bloom in the warm oil, releasing their essential oils and filling your kitchen with incredible aromas.

Incorporate Sweet Potatoes:

Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet and stir thoroughly to coat them with the sautéed vegetables and aromatic spices. Season immediately with about half a teaspoon of salt and quarter teaspoon of black pepper. This initial seasoning helps draw out moisture and begins the flavor development process.

Cook the Sweet Potatoes:

Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium low to create a gentle steaming environment. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The sweet potatoes are ready when they pierce easily with a fork but still hold their shape. Add a tablespoon or two of water or broth if the pan becomes too dry.

Add the Cooked Beef:

Once the sweet potatoes reach perfect tenderness, add your diced or shredded cooked beef to the skillet. Gently fold the beef into the hash to warm it through without breaking up the sweet potatoes. Since the beef is already cooked, you only need to heat it thoroughly, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes.

Crisp it Up:

For the best texture, increase heat to medium high and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This creates lightly browned and slightly crispy edges on both the beef and sweet potatoes, adding wonderful textural contrast and deeper flavors through the Maillard reaction.

Taste and Adjust Seasoning:

Remove from heat and taste the hash carefully. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a pinch more smoked paprika to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. Remember that different cuts of beef have varying saltiness levels, so this final adjustment is crucial.

Serve and Garnish:

Serve the hash immediately while hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for color and brightness. Top with a fried egg for richness, avocado slices for creaminess, or your favorite hot sauce for heat.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover hash in the refrigerator for up to four days in airtight containers. For best results when reheating, use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil to restore some of the original crispiness. The microwave works in a pinch, but the texture won't be quite as appealing. For meal prep, portion the hash into individual containers and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Ingredient Substitutions

Sweet potatoes can be replaced with regular potatoes, butternut squash, or even cauliflower for lower carb options. Any cooked meat works wonderfully in place of beef, including turkey, chicken, pork, or even plant based protein crumbles. Fresh herbs can substitute for dried using a 3 to 1 ratio, and regular paprika can replace smoked paprika if that's what you have on hand. Bell peppers can be swapped for poblano peppers for mild heat or completely omitted if needed.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile hash pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For breakfast, serve alongside fresh fruit or yogurt. For lunch or dinner, consider adding a side of sautéed greens or roasted vegetables. The hash also makes an excellent filling for breakfast burritos or can be served over rice for a more substantial meal. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds wonderful tanginess that complements the sweet potatoes perfectly.

Cultural and Historical Context

Hash dishes have been popular in American cuisine since the 1800s, originally developed as a way to use leftover meats and vegetables efficiently. The word "hash" comes from the French "hacher," meaning to chop or mince. Sweet potato hash represents a modern evolution of this classic comfort food, incorporating the nutritional benefits and natural sweetness of sweet potatoes that have become increasingly popular in contemporary cooking. This dish embodies the American tradition of creating hearty, satisfying meals from simple, readily available ingredients.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use ground beef instead of roast beef?

Yes, ground beef works well. Just ensure it's fully cooked and drained before adding it to the hash.

→ How do I make the hash crispier?

Increase the heat to medium-high and cook uncovered for 5–7 minutes at the end to brown the edges.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Try adding zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. Just be mindful of moisture and cooking time adjustments.

→ Is this dish good for meal prep?

Yes, it stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats easily in a skillet or microwave.

→ What garnishes pair well with this dish?

Fried eggs, avocado slices, fresh herbs, or hot sauce all complement the savory-sweet flavors perfectly.