Five-Ingredient Sweet Potato Hash

Name: Five-Ingredient Sweet Potato Hash
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 medium sweet potatoes, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste

Highlighted under: Easy Cooking Recipes

I absolutely love whipping up my Five-Ingredient Sweet Potato Hash for a quick and delicious meal. This dish showcases the wonderful flavors of sweet potatoes, which I find both comforting and satisfying. By keeping the ingredient list short, I can focus on the quality of each component. This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings or relaxed brunches. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-13T12:01:31.398Z

Making this Five-Ingredient Sweet Potato Hash was a game-changer for me. I was looking for a simple yet satisfying dish that didn’t require tons of time or ingredients. When I tried combining sweet potatoes with just a few key items, I was amazed at how flavorful it turned out. The sweetness of the potatoes paired wonderfully with the savory elements, creating a perfect balance that I could enjoy any day of the week.

One tip I found helpful is to ensure that the sweet potatoes are cut into even pieces. This way, they cook uniformly, achieving that crispy-outside, tender-inside texture we all love. Each time I make this hash, I find new ways to customize it, adding spices or herbs depending on my mood. It's versatile and absolutely delightful!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        The natural sweetness of the potatoes contrasts perfectly with savory seasonings.
It's quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy mornings.
Full of flavor with just five simple ingredients, it's a hassle-free dish.

      

Getting the Right Texture

Achieving the perfect texture in your Five-Ingredient Sweet Potato Hash is crucial. When cooking the sweet potatoes, aim for a golden, crispy exterior while ensuring the insides remain tender. Stirring occasionally during the 15-minute cooking period helps them brown evenly. If you notice that they're sticking to the pan, consider adding a dash more olive oil, or reduce the heat slightly to avoid burning the outside while the inside cooks.

For added texture, you can try cubing the sweet potatoes into smaller pieces. This will not only speed up cooking times but also increase the crispy surface area. Keep an eye on them; smaller cubes may take as little as 10-12 minutes to achieve that coveted golden brown color.

Ingredient Substitutions

While the original recipe calls for red bell pepper and onion, feel free to swap these out based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Yellow or green bell peppers work beautifully in this dish, while a shallot can add a milder onion flavor if desired. For those who appreciate a little heat, diced jalapeños or other spicy peppers can be a fantastic substitute.

If you’re looking to reduce carbs, you might experiment with other vegetables like zucchini or butternut squash, though the cooking time may vary. Just keep in mind that different veggies will alter the overall flavor profile, so adjust your seasonings accordingly.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This sweet potato hash keeps well in the refrigerator, making it an ideal make-ahead meal. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in an airtight container. Simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This reheating method ensures the hash regains its crispy texture, rather than becoming soggy in the microwave.

If you’re planning to enjoy leftovers, consider storing the ingredients separately to maintain freshness. For example, you can cook the sweet potatoes and veggies ahead of time but combine them right before serving to preserve both texture and flavor. This way, each component stays vibrant and tasty, even a few days later.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 medium sweet potatoes, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Make sure to wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly before chopping.

Instructions

Sauté Vegetables

In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they are tender.

Cook Sweet Potatoes

Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, season with salt and pepper, and cook them for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally, allowing them to crisp up and cook evenly.

Serve and Enjoy

Once tender and browned, remove the hash from heat. Serve hot, and enjoy your easy and flavorful dish!

You can top this hash with a fried egg or your favorite sauce for an extra layer of flavor!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider sprinkling some smoked paprika or garlic powder when cooking for an extra kick.

Serving Suggestions

This dish can serve multiple roles in your meal planning. It stands alone very well but can also be the perfect base for protein additions. Top your hash with fried or poached eggs for a hearty brunch or mix in black beans for a satisfying vegan dinner. The options are nearly endless and can be easily adapted based on your dietary preferences.

Garnishing your sweet potato hash with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley adds a burst of freshness. Additionally, a sprinkle of feta or avocado on top can elevate the dish with creamy richness, bringing more depth to each bite. Experimenting with different toppings can keep this dish exciting every time you make it.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your sweet potatoes aren't cooking through after the suggested time, it could be due to the size of your cubes. If they are larger than 1-inch pieces, consider cooking them a bit longer, approximately 5-8 minutes more, until they are both crispy and tender. Patience is key here, as undercooked potatoes can make the dish less appealing.

Another common issue is achieving a uniform cook. If you find that the sweet potatoes are browning too quickly but are still firm inside, reduce the heat just a touch. Cooking over medium-low instead of medium can help them finish cooking through without burning the exterior. Always feel free to adjust the heat based on how your ingredients are reacting.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling this recipe up for a larger crowd is simple and straightforward! For every additional four servings, just increase the amount of each ingredient accordingly. If cooking double or more, be sure to use a larger pan or split the cooking into batches to ensure even cooking. A cold pan can lead to steaming rather than sautéing, which will affect the overall texture.

Conversely, if you want to prepare a smaller portion, simply divide the amounts by half. Sweet potatoes can be challenging to halve due to their size, so I recommend cooking them but keeping leftover portions for quick meals throughout the week. Just store them in the fridge without any added toppings to maintain their freshness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sweet potatoes and veggies in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator and sauté them when you're ready to serve.

→ What can I substitute for sweet potatoes?

You can use regular potatoes or other root vegetables, but keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly.

→ Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

Absolutely! All the ingredients are plant-based, making it a great option for vegans.

→ How can I customize this hash?

Feel free to add spices, herbs, or additional vegetables like spinach or kale for a nutritious boost.