Tex-Mex Sweet Potato Hash is a bold, hearty, and wholesome meal that brings together savory spices, vibrant veggies, and nourishing ingredients—all in one skillet. This recipe blends the satisfying richness of seasoned ground beef with the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, creating a balance of flavors that’s both comforting and exciting. Inspired by classic Tex-Mex flavors, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick weeknight dinner. The colorful medley of vegetables—peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach—makes each bite feel like a celebration of taste and texture.
Beyond its flavor, this dish is packed with nutritional benefits and fits a variety of dietary needs. It’s naturally gluten-free, can easily be made dairy-free, and is Whole30 and paleo adaptable. Best of all, it’s a one-pan meal, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum convenience. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up a crowd-pleasing dish on the fly, Tex-Mex Sweet Potato Hash delivers satisfaction with every forkful. It’s as versatile as it is delicious, and once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet—easy to make and even easier to clean up.
- Flavor-Packed: Taco seasoning and sautéed veggies give it bold, crave-worthy Tex-Mex flavor.
- Nutritious & Balanced: Packed with protein, fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins from whole food ingredients.
- Customizable: Easily adjust it for Whole30, paleo, vegetarian, or dairy-free diets.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well and reheats beautifully for quick meals all week.
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Taco seasoning
- Water
- Olive oil or avocado oil
- Sweet potato
- Sweet bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange)
- Red onion
- Mushrooms
- Spinach
Optional Toppings
- Fresh cilantro
- Green onions
- Avocado or guacamole
- Jalapeños
- Fried egg
- Sour cream
- Mexican blend cheese or cotija cheese
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the beef and add black beans or tofu for a plant-based twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or chipotle powder to amp up the heat.
- Egg on Top: A fried or poached egg makes it even more satisfying for brunch.
- Sheet Pan Method: Roast everything on a sheet pan for a hands-off cooking option.
- Different Protein: Try ground turkey, chicken, or chorizo for a flavorful change.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Add Taco Seasoning
Stir in taco seasoning and water. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the beef is well-coated and the sauce thickens. Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Sweet Potato
In the same skillet, heat olive or avocado oil. Add the cubed sweet potatoes and cook for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and lightly brown.
Step 4: Add Vegetables
Stir in diced bell pepper, red onion, and mushrooms. Cook for another 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the sweet potatoes are cooked through.
Step 5: Add Spinach
Toss in the spinach and cook until just wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Return the seasoned beef to the skillet and stir everything together until well mixed. Remove from heat and serve with your favorite toppings.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Dice sweet potatoes evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Use a cast iron skillet for even browning and great flavor.
- Pre-cook the sweet potatoes slightly in the microwave to speed up skillet time.
- Make your own taco seasoning for better flavor control and less sodium.
- Stir occasionally but not too often—let the veggies get a little caramelization.
How to Serve
Serve this hash hot and fresh straight from the skillet. It’s perfect topped with a fried egg for breakfast or with sliced avocado and a drizzle of hot sauce for lunch or dinner. Pair with a side of fresh fruit, tortillas, or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It’s great on its own or as a filling for tacos or burritos.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the hash cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil until warmed through, or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the ground beef with beans, tofu, or a plant-based meat alternative.
2. How do I keep sweet potatoes from getting mushy?
Cook them over medium heat and stir occasionally to allow them to brown and crisp up slightly.
3. Is this recipe Whole30 compliant?
Yes, as long as you use compliant taco seasoning and skip dairy toppings like cheese and sour cream.
4. Can I use regular potatoes instead?
Absolutely, though the sweet potatoes add a nice contrast to the spices.
5. Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook and refrigerate in portions for easy meals throughout the week.
6. What’s the best skillet to use?
A cast iron or nonstick skillet works well for even cooking and easy cleanup.
7. Is this dish spicy?
It depends on your taco seasoning. You can adjust the spice level by adding or omitting chili-based ingredients.
8. Can I add cheese?
Yes, shredded Mexican blend or crumbled cotija cheese adds delicious richness.
9. Can I serve this in tacos?
Definitely—use the hash as a filling for soft tacos or burritos.
10. How do I make it more filling?
Top it with a fried egg, avocado, or serve with a side of rice or tortillas.
Conclusion
Tex-Mex Sweet Potato Hash is a deliciously simple dish that brings bold flavor and wholesome ingredients to your table with minimal fuss. It’s a great way to get in a variety of veggies and protein in a single, satisfying meal. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping meals for the week, or whipping up a quick breakfast-for-dinner situation, this recipe adapts to your needs and tastes. With just one skillet and a few flavorful ingredients, you’ll have a meal that’s colorful, comforting, and completely crave-worthy.
PrintTex-Mex Sweet Potato Hash
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and flavorful dish combining seasoned ground beef, tender sweet potatoes, and a medley of colorful vegetables. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
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1 lb. ground beef
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3 Tbsp. taco seasoning (homemade or organic store-purchased)
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1/2 cup water
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1 Tbsp. olive oil or avocado oil
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1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into small cubes (about 2½ – 3 cups)
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1 sweet bell pepper, diced (red, yellow, or orange)
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1/2 medium red onion, diced
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1½–2 cups diced mushrooms, chopped
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2–3 cups spinach, roughly chopped
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Optional Toppings: Fresh cilantro, green onions, avocado, guacamole, jalapeños, fried egg, sour cream, Mexican blend cheese, or cotija cheese (omit sour cream and cheese if dairy-free/Whole30).
Instructions
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In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef with taco seasoning and water until browned. Remove from pan and set aside.
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In the same skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add sweet potato cubes, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for about 10–15 minutes until nearly cooked through.
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Add bell pepper, red onion, and mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté for about 3 minutes until vegetables are tender.
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Fold in spinach and cooked ground beef. Continue to cook until heated through and spinach is wilted.
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Serve with optional toppings as desired
Notes
For a dairy-free or Whole30 version, omit cheese and sour cream.
This dish is great for meal prep and reheats well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican