Sheet-Pan Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash is a simple and hearty meal that combines the savory flavors of seasoned ground beef with the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes. Everything cooks together on one pan, making it an easy dish to prepare and clean up after. The sweet potatoes get perfectly tender and caramelized, while the ground beef adds a nice, juicy bite that really fills you up.
I love making this hash when I want something comforting but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. What I really like is how all the flavors come together without any extra fuss — just a little seasoning and some fresh herbs if you have them on hand. It feels like a home-cooked meal even on busy weeknights. Plus, it’s great for leftovers the next day, reheated with a fried egg on top for a quick breakfast or lunch.
One of my favorite ways to serve this dish is straight from the pan with a simple green salad on the side. I also think it’s fun to add some spicy ketchup or hot sauce for a little kick. This hash is perfect for anyone who wants a wholesome, filling dinner that’s ready fast but doesn’t feel rushed or plain. Trust me, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This gives the dish a rich, meaty flavor and protein. For a leaner option, pick 90% lean beef or swap with ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian twist, try crumbled tofu or lentils with extra spices.
Sweet Potatoes: They add sweetness and softness that balance the savory beef. You can swap with regular potatoes or butternut squash if you like. Just dice all veggies in similar sizes so they cook evenly.
Spices (Smoked Paprika & Cumin): These create warm, smoky flavors. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or chili powder works. Ground coriander or a pinch of cinnamon can add nice depth too.
Eggs: Placed on top to bake gently in the oven, they add creaminess and extra protein. Feel free to skip the eggs or serve with fried eggs on the side if preferred.
How Can I Get Both Crispy Potatoes and Tender Beef on One Sheet Pan?
Balancing textures when roasting meat and veggies together can be tricky. The trick is to cook the sweet potatoes first, then add the cooked beef:
- Roast diced sweet potatoes for about 15 minutes to start softening and crisping.
- Cook ground beef separately in a skillet with onions and spices, so it browns nicely without releasing too much moisture on the pan.
- Combine beef and sweet potatoes on the sheet pan, then crack eggs on top and bake to finish. This layering keeps the potatoes crispy, and the beef juicy and flavorful.
This staged cooking helps get the perfect mix of crispy edges and tender bites all in one pan, without sogginess. For extra crispness, spread everything out so there’s space for air circulation.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large sheet pan – perfect for roasting everything together and easy to clean up afterward.
- Skillet or frying pan – helps brown the ground beef and sauté onions before adding to the pan.
- Mixing bowl – for tossing the sweet potatoes with oil and spices to coat evenly.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – great for breaking up the beef and stirring ingredients without scratching pans.
- Measuring spoons – make seasoning easy and accurate.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter protein option that still cooks quickly.
- Add diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies and color that roast well on the sheet pan.
- Swap sweet potatoes for regular potatoes or butternut squash for a different sweetness and texture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese on top before baking eggs for a melty, cheesy twist.
Sheet-Pan Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Hash:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional for slight heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Eggs and Garnish:
- 4 large eggs
- Fresh mint or parsley leaves for garnish
- Red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)
- Cherry tomatoes, optional for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and roast the sweet potatoes first, then another 15-20 minutes to cook the beef mixture and bake the eggs. In total, expect around 35-40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced sweet potatoes in a bowl with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper, and half the smoked paprika and cumin. Spread them evenly on a large, greased or parchment-lined sheet pan. Roast for about 15 minutes to start softening and crisping.
2. Cook the Beef Mixture:
While the sweet potatoes roast, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic, ground beef, remaining smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Break up the beef with a spatula and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
3. Combine and Add Eggs:
Remove the sheet pan from the oven and add the cooked beef and onion mixture to the sweet potatoes. Toss gently to combine. Use a spoon to make 4 small wells in the mixture. Carefully crack an egg into each well.
4. Bake to Finish:
Return the sheet pan to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the eggs reach your preferred level of doneness. For firmer yolks, bake a little longer.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh mint or parsley and optional red pepper flakes. Serve immediately with cherry tomatoes on the side if you like.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the ground beef before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the microwave’s defrost setting. This ensures even cooking and prevents excess moisture in the pan.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover hash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. If eggs are included, they’re best eaten within a day for optimal texture.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles, cooked lentils, or crumbled tofu. Adjust the seasoning to your taste and cook similarly for great flavor and texture.
How Do I Adjust the Recipe for More Spice?
Feel free to increase the chili powder or add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the ground beef mixture. You can also garnish with extra red pepper flakes to give the dish a nice kick.
