This Southwest Sweet Potato Hash is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings together crispy sweet potatoes, protein-rich beans, and zesty spices in one skillet. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of textures and bold southwestern flavors makes this a standout meal any time of day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Satisfying: From prep to plate in just 20 minutes – perfect for those evenings when you’re starving and short on time.
One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor as all those delicious ingredients mingle together.
Versatile: Works beautifully for breakfast, lunch, or dinner – top it with an egg for a complete meal any time of day.
Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins from sweet potatoes, beans, and fresh vegetables – it’s comfort food you can feel good about eating.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show, providing natural sweetness, hearty texture, and loads of nutrients. Their subtle sweetness balances the savory spices perfectly.
Yellow Bell Pepper: Adds a fresh crunch and subtle sweetness while bringing beautiful color to the dish.
Red Onion: Provides an aromatic base and slight sharpness that mellows beautifully when cooked.
Jalapeño: Brings that essential Southwest heat. Remove the seeds for milder heat or leave them in if you like things spicy.
Canned Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tangy flavor. The juice helps create a light sauce that brings everything together.
Black Beans: Delivers plant-based protein and that distinctive Southwestern character. Make sure to rinse them well to remove excess sodium.
Cumin: The essential spice for Southwest flavor – earthy, warm, and slightly nutty.
Garlic Powder: Provides flavor without the risk of burning that fresh garlic might have in this high-heat cooking method.
Cilantro: Fresh, bright, and the perfect finishing touch. If you’re in the cilantro-averse camp, substitute with flat-leaf parsley.
Eggs: Optional but highly recommended! That runny yolk creates a luxurious sauce that takes this hash to the next level.
Avocado: Adds creaminess and healthy fats that balance the spices beautifully.

Variations

Protein Powerups

Add crispy chorizo, ground turkey, or pulled rotisserie chicken for extra protein. For vegetarians, crumbled tempeh or tofu works wonderfully.

Veggie Swaps

Try butternut squash instead of sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile. Toss in some corn kernels for extra sweetness and texture, or add kale in the final minutes of cooking for additional nutrients.

Spice Adjustments

Smoked paprika adds wonderful depth and smokiness. A dash of chipotle powder creates a rich, smoky heat. Taco seasoning can substitute for the individual spices if that’s what you have on hand.

Dairy Addition

Sprinkle with cotija cheese, sharp cheddar, or pepper jack in the last minute of cooking for a melty, delicious topping.

How to Make Southwest Sweet Potato Hash

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced sweet potatoes and cook, turning regularly, until they develop a nice brown exterior and soften inside, about 7-8 minutes. This is the foundation of your hash – don’t rush this step!

Step 2: Add the Aromatics

Toss in the red onions, bell peppers, and jalapeños, continuing to cook for about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally. You want the vegetables to soften but maintain some texture. Season generously with salt and pepper – these layers of seasoning make all the difference.

Step 3: Incorporate Beans and Spices

Add the tomatoes, black beans, cumin, and garlic powder, stirring to combine everything evenly. The tomato juice will deglaze the pan, picking up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Step 4: Finish and Garnish

Stir in the fresh cilantro immediately, then remove from heat. If using eggs, create small wells in the hash and crack eggs directly into them, or serve the hash topped with separately fried eggs. Garnish with sliced avocado and extra cilantro for freshness and visual appeal.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Dice Size Matters: Cut sweet potatoes into uniform, small cubes (about 1/2 inch) for faster, more even cooking.
High Heat is Your Friend: Don’t be afraid of a hot skillet – it creates those delicious crispy edges on the sweet potatoes that make this dish special.
Layer Your Seasonings: Season at multiple stages rather than all at once – add salt and pepper to the sweet potatoes, then again when you add the vegetables.
Patience with Potatoes: Resist the urge to stir constantly. Letting the sweet potatoes sit undisturbed for a minute or two between stirs helps them develop a wonderful caramelized exterior.
Pre-cook Shortcut: For truly busy nights, use pre-cooked sweet potatoes or leftover roasted sweet potatoes from a previous meal to cut the cooking time in half.

How to Serve

Breakfast Style

Top with a runny fried egg and serve with warm corn tortillas for a hearty start to your day. A side of fresh fruit balances the savory flavors perfectly.

Lunch Bowl

Serve over a bed of mixed greens with a simple lime vinaigrette for a nutrient-packed lunch bowl. Add sliced radishes for extra crunch.

Dinner Entrée

Pair with a simple side salad dressed with lime juice and olive oil. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or shrimp seasoned with the same southwestern spices.

Drinks Pairing

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp Mexican lager, a citrusy Paloma, or a sparkling water with lime for a non-alcoholic option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled hash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together!

Freezing

While you can freeze this hash for up to 3 months, the texture of the sweet potatoes will soften upon thawing. If planning to freeze, slightly undercook the vegetables so they don’t become mushy when reheated.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a skillet with a touch of olive oil to revive the crispy texture. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but you’ll lose some of the textural contrast that makes this dish special.

Meal Prep

This hash works exceptionally well for meal prep! Make a double batch on Sunday, portion into containers, and enjoy throughout the week. Add fresh avocado and an egg just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! White or red potatoes work wonderfully in this recipe. They’ll need about the same cooking time but won’t have that signature sweetness that balances the spicy elements. Consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to compensate for the flavor difference.

My hash turned out soggy rather than crispy. What went wrong?
The most common cause is overcrowding the pan or adding the tomatoes too early. Make sure your skillet is large enough to allow steam to escape, and get those sweet potatoes and vegetables nicely browned before adding the tomatoes and beans. Also, higher heat helps create those crispy edges we’re looking for.

How can I make this recipe vegan?
Simply skip the eggs! The hash itself is completely plant-based. For added protein, consider adding some crumbled tofu seasoned with turmeric for color and nutritional yeast for a savory boost. The avocado provides that creamy element that you might miss from the egg yolk.

Can I prepare components of this ahead of time to make dinner faster?
Definitely! Dice the sweet potatoes, peppers, and onions up to two days in advance and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. You can even pre-cook the sweet potatoes and refrigerate them, then just heat everything together for an ultra-quick meal in under 10 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Southwest Sweet Potato Hash is more than just a meal—it’s a colorful celebration of flavors that comes together in minutes. Whether you’re serving it for a weekend brunch or a quick weeknight dinner, it’s sure to become a regular in your cooking rotation. The combination of crispy sweet potatoes, protein-rich beans, and zesty spices creates something truly special that tastes like it took much longer than 20 minutes to prepare. Give this versatile dish a try—your taste buds and your schedule will thank you!

Southwest Sweet Potato Hash Recipe