Sheet-Pan Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash is a simple, hearty meal that brings together savory ground beef and sweet, tender sweet potatoes all roasted together on one pan. You get a great mix of flavors and textures – crispy edges on the potatoes, juicy beef, and a touch of warmth from spices that make each bite comforting and tasty.
I love making this dish because it’s so easy to prepare and clean up is a breeze. Everything cooks at once, so I don’t have to stand by the stove watching multiple pans. Plus, it’s really flexible – I sometimes add bell peppers, onions, or a sprinkle of cheese on top to change it up depending on what I have in the fridge.
My favorite way to enjoy this hash is with a fried egg on top and a little hot sauce on the side. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a filling weekend brunch. Whenever I make it, everyone at the table asks for seconds because it’s just that good and satisfying without any fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the protein star of the dish. I like using 80/20 beef for a good balance of flavor and fat, which keeps the hash juicy. For a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken, but add a bit more oil to avoid dryness.
Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes give a nice naturally sweet contrast. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, regular potatoes work too, though they’ll be less sweet and more neutral. Just adjust the roasting time if they’re larger pieces.
Onion and Garlic: These build foundational flavor. Yellow onions are my go-to for roasting because they get sweet and soft. Fresh garlic adds a subtle kick—feel free to add more if you love that flavor.
Spices: Smoked paprika and cumin bring warmth and earthiness. If you want it spicier, adding chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper is easy. Adjust based on your taste buds!
Eggs (Optional): Topping the hash with fried or baked eggs adds richness and makes it extra filling. If you prefer vegan options, skip the eggs or try avocado slices for creaminess.
How Do You Get Crispy and Tender Sweet Potatoes on the Sheet Pan?
Balancing tenderness and crispiness with sweet potatoes is all about size, temperature, and timing.
- Dice sweet potatoes into small, even cubes around 1/2-inch so they cook evenly.
- Roast at 400°F (200°C) to get a nice caramelized edge without drying them out.
- Start by roasting them alone with onions for 15 minutes—this softens them up.
- After adding ground beef, roast for another 10–15 minutes. This helps the potatoes crisp up while finishing cooking.
- Use a generous but not excessive amount of olive oil to promote browning and avoid sticking.
Check them with a fork before finishing to make sure they’re tender inside and have those lovely golden edges you want in a hash!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Rimmed baking sheet – perfect for roasting the sweet potatoes and beef without spills.
- Large skillet – use it to brown the ground beef and cook garlic evenly.
- Mixing bowl – great for tossing sweet potatoes and onions with spices and oil.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – helps break up the meat and mix ingredients smoothly.
- Knife and cutting board – essential for dicing sweet potatoes and onions safely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meal that still tastes great.
- Add bell peppers or diced zucchini for extra veggies and a colorful twist.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese on top before the final roast for melty goodness.
- Mix in smoked sausage slices with the beef for a smoky, hearty flavor boost.
Sheet-Pan Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 1 medium onion, peeled and diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for some heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 2-4 eggs (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This meal takes about 10 minutes to prepare and roughly 30 minutes to cook in the oven, including roasting the sweet potatoes, browning the ground beef, and combining everything. If you add eggs on top, include another 5 minutes of cooking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables and Start Roasting:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced sweet potatoes and onion in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Spread them evenly on a large rimmed baking sheet and roast for about 15 minutes to soften and lightly brown.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
While the veggies roast, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned (about 5-7 minutes). In the last minute, add the minced garlic and season with salt and pepper.
3. Combine and Finish Roasting:
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and mix the cooked ground beef into the sweet potatoes and onions. Spread it out evenly, then return to the oven. Roast for another 10-15 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender with some crispy edges.
4. Optional Eggs and Garnish:
If you like, crack 2-4 eggs on top of the hash during the last 5 minutes of cooking and bake until the eggs are cooked how you like them. Remove from the oven, sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro on top, and serve warm. Add hot sauce or avocado slices if you want extra flavor.
Looking for more hearty dinners? Try our flavorful Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet or bring a little magic to the table with a festive Witches’ Cauldron Beef Stew.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen ground beef, but make sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This helps it brown evenly and prevents extra moisture from making the hash soggy.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook the beef and roast the sweet potatoes a day in advance. Store everything separately in airtight containers in the fridge and combine or reheat together just before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or oil if the hash seems dry.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Hash?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms work great. Just add them along with the sweet potatoes and onions to ensure they cook through evenly.