Sheet-Pan Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash is a simple, one-pan meal that brings together hearty ground beef and sweet potatoes roasted to tender, caramelized perfection. It’s sprinkled with colorful veggies and spices, making for a satisfying mix of flavors and textures. The best part? It all cooks together on a single sheet pan, which means easy prep and minimal cleanup.
I love making this hash on busy weeknights when I want something filling but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. The sweet potatoes add just the right touch of sweetness to balance the savory beef, and the spices bring everything to life without being overpowering. I sometimes toss in a fried egg on top for extra protein and a little richness that makes every bite even better.
This dish is great served straight from the oven with a side of greens or even wrapped up in a warm tortilla for a quick breakfast-for-dinner option. I always appreciate how flexible it is—perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. It’s one of those meals that feels like home and comes together so smoothly, I find myself going back for seconds every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: This adds rich flavor and protein. You can swap with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles if you want a lighter or vegetarian option.
Sweet potatoes: They bring natural sweetness and texture. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, try using butternut squash or regular potatoes, but adjust cooking time as needed.
Spices: Smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder create a warm, slightly smoky taste. Feel free to add more or less chili powder based on your heat preference.
Fresh herbs: Cilantro or parsley on top adds color and freshness. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley or even green onions work great.
Eggs (optional): Adding eggs makes it more filling and adds creaminess when you break the yolk. You can skip them or replace with avocado slices for creaminess.
How Can I Get Even Cooking on the Sheet Pan?
It’s important to spread ingredients evenly on the sheet pan. Here are my tips:
- Cut sweet potatoes into similar-sized cubes to cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; leave space so heat circulates well.
- Stir and flip the hash halfway through roasting. This helps both beef and potatoes brown nicely without burning.
- Cooking at 400°F ensures the sweet potatoes soften while the beef browns. If you want softer potatoes, bake a few minutes longer.
- For eggs, make small wells late in cooking and watch closely so the whites set but yolks stay runny.
Following these steps will give you a nicely roasted, flavorful hash every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large rimmed sheet pan – Perfect for roasting ground beef and sweet potatoes evenly without spilling.
- Mixing bowl – Helps toss sweet potatoes and season beef thoroughly before spreading on the pan.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – Great for stirring and flipping the hash halfway to cook it evenly.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – Makes dicing sweet potatoes and chopping herbs quick and safe.
- Oven mitts – Essential for safely handling the hot sheet pan.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Add chopped bell peppers or zucchini for extra color and crunch.
- Mix in black beans or chickpeas after roasting for added fiber and protein.
- Top with shredded cheese like cheddar or pepper jack just before serving for creamy richness.
How to Make Sheet-Pan Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder or cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 eggs (optional, for serving)
- Red pepper flakes or smoked paprika (for garnish of eggs, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to cook. If you decide to add eggs, include an extra 5 minutes baking time. Overall, you can have a delicious meal ready in approximately 30-40 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Sheet Pan:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large sheet pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Season the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, black pepper, and half of the smoked paprika and ground cumin. Mix well to coat evenly.
3. Spread Sweet Potatoes and Ground Beef:
Spread the sweet potatoes evenly on one side of the sheet pan. In the same bowl, combine the ground beef with minced garlic, remaining spices (smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder), salt, pepper, and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Mix thoroughly, then spread the beef on the other side of the pan in an even layer.
4. Roast and Stir:
Place the sheet pan in the oven and roast for about 20-25 minutes. Halfway through cooking, stir and flip the beef and sweet potatoes to ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice browned texture. The sweet potatoes should be tender and slightly caramelized, and the ground beef fully cooked.
5. Add Eggs (Optional):
If you’d like to add eggs, carefully create two small wells in the hash during the last 5 minutes of baking. Crack an egg into each well and return to the oven until egg whites are set but yolks remain runny, about 5 minutes.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley. If eggs were added, garnish with red pepper flakes or extra smoked paprika for color and flavor. Serve warm right from the pan or transfer to a dish. This hash goes great with a fresh green salad or wrapped in warm tortillas.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the ground beef before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or place the sealed package in cold water for quicker thawing. This ensures even cooking and prevents excess moisture on the pan.
Can I Make This Hash Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and roast the hash a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stove over medium heat until warmed through.
How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the oven or stove to maintain texture—microwaving can make sweet potatoes mushy.
What Can I Substitute for Sweet Potatoes?
You can swap sweet potatoes with butternut squash, regular potatoes, or even carrots. Just adjust the cooking time slightly based on how quickly the vegetable softens.
