Southwest Sweet Potato Hash Recipe
If you’re craving a vibrant, hearty, and nourishing meal, the Southwest Sweet Potato Hash Recipe will absolutely win you over. This is a skillet dish that’s loaded with colorful veggies, big Southwestern flavor, and a medley of textures, all anchored by golden, caramelized sweet potatoes. Whether you’re whipping it up for breakfast, brunch, or a simple supper, the combination of smoky spices, creamy black beans, and bright pops of fresh herbs makes each bite something special. Get ready to fall in love with this easy, flavor-packed favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of simple, familiar ingredients can create something so bold and delicious. Every element here brings its own magic—sweetness, crunch, creaminess, or spice—and together, they deliver a perfectly balanced and satisfying Southwest Sweet Potato Hash Recipe.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the potatoes and veggies achieve that irresistible golden color.
- Sweet potatoes: The star of the hash—earthy, naturally sweet, and the perfect canvas for all these Southwestern flavors.
- Red bell pepper: Offers a burst of sweetness and vibrant red color, making every forkful pop.
- Green bell pepper: Contrasts beautifully with the red pepper, bringing crunch and a gentle bite.
- Red onion: Its mild, almost sweet flavor mellows perfectly when sautéed, blending into the dish.
- Garlic: Because what hash is complete without that savory garlic aroma wafting through the kitchen?
- Chili powder: Kicks the flavor up a notch with its signature smoky, spicy touch.
- Smoked paprika: Lends depth and a hint of smoldering warmth.
- Cumin: This earthy spice is a must for authentic Southwestern character.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a little extra fire—add a pinch or more to taste.
- Salt: Boosts all the flavors and tones down the sweetness of the potatoes.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of bite.
- Black beans: Creamy, hearty, and protein-packed, they make the hash a satisfying meal on their own.
- Corn kernels: Bring golden color and juicy pops of sweetness—fresh or frozen both work great!
- Fresh cilantro: Tossed in at the end for zingy herbal freshness and gorgeous green flecks.
- Lime juice: Brightens everything up and balances the earthy, smoky flavors.
- Green onions: For crunch and a bit of sharpness right before serving.
- Avocado slices and fried eggs (optional): Spoon these over the top for an over-the-top, restaurant-worthy finish!
How to Make Southwest Sweet Potato Hash Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Sweet Potatoes
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and let them cook, stirring only occasionally. You want them to begin breaking down and turning golden on the edges—this caramelization is where so much of the flavor comes from. If you prefer them extra crispy, let the cubes sit undisturbed for a few minutes between stirs so they develop those irresistible browned spots.
Step 2: Add the Veggies
Once the sweet potatoes start to soften (about 8 to 10 minutes in), toss in the red and green bell peppers, red onion, and garlic. Sauté everything together for another five minutes, just until the onions are becoming translucent and the peppers have lost their raw edge but still have a bit of crunch. The kitchen will smell incredible at this stage—full of savory, sweet, and garlicky notes.
Step 3: Season to Perfection
Sprinkle in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, optional cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat all the veggies evenly. The spices will bloom in the heat and their fragrance will transform every bite, building a savory backbone for the entire dish.
Step 4: Add the Beans and Corn
Next, fold in the black beans and corn kernels. These only need a few minutes—just enough to heat them through and mingle their flavors with everything else in the pan. The black beans bring heartiness, while the corn offers a hint of sweetness that echoes the potatoes.
Step 5: Finish with Freshness
Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately stir in the freshly chopped cilantro and a generous squeeze of lime juice. This last step brings a burst of freshness and ensures your Southwest Sweet Potato Hash Recipe is bright, zesty, and irresistible to the very last bite. Sprinkle with green onions just before serving.
How to Serve Southwest Sweet Potato Hash Recipe

Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference! Top your hash with avocado slices for creamy richness, a sprinkle of extra cilantro or green onions for color and crunch, or a perfectly fried egg for that gorgeous runny yolk. Add a shake of hot sauce if you love a kick!
Side Dishes
This Southwest Sweet Potato Hash Recipe pairs beautifully with warm tortillas, a side of salsa, or a crisp green salad. For brunch gatherings, serve it alongside fresh fruit or a cooling dollop of Greek yogurt on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your presentation! Spoon the hash into baked potato halves for a fun twist, use it as a robust filling for breakfast burritos, or pile it on a bed of greens for a wholesome salad bowl. It’s also fantastic as a taco or tostada filling for a lively dinner spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply let the hash cool to room temperature, then transfer it into an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days—perfect for quick lunches or easy meal-prep breakfasts!
Freezing
You can freeze your cooked Southwest Sweet Potato Hash Recipe, too! Pack cooled hash into a freezer-safe container or individual portions in zip-top bags. It will keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To bring out the best flavor and texture, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with just a splash of oil. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works, but the stove-top method will help maintain that wonderful crispness.
FAQs
Can I make this Southwest Sweet Potato Hash Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! This hash is completely plant-based as written, but just skip the optional fried eggs and you’ve got a 100 percent vegan dish. The hearty beans and potatoes are filling all on their own.
Which potatoes are best for this recipe?
Sweet potatoes are key for their color, flavors, and nutrition in this hash, but you can mix in a regular potato if you want even more variety and texture.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s mostly smoky and mild, but you control the heat by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper. Start with a pinch and add more if your crew loves a fiery bite.
Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen?
Definitely! Just make sure to drain your canned corn before adding it to the skillet. The flavor stays sweet and juicy either way.
What can I substitute for cilantro?
If cilantro’s not your favorite, try chopped fresh parsley for a milder green note, or simply leave it out and let the lime juice shine for brightness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a colorful, flavor-packed skillet dish that never fails to impress, this Southwest Sweet Potato Hash Recipe is your new go-to. Gather up a few pantry staples, bring a little sizzle to your kitchen, and enjoy every vibrant, satisfying forkful. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
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Southwest Sweet Potato Hash Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This Southwest Sweet Potato Hash recipe is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines sweet potatoes, bell peppers, black beans, and corn, seasoned with a blend of spices. It’s a satisfying vegetarian breakfast or brunch option that’s also gluten-free.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Hash:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Avocado slices and fried eggs for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook sweet potatoes: Add sweet potatoes and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add vegetables: Add bell peppers, red onion, and garlic, and cook for another 5 minutes until tender.
- Season: Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Add beans and corn: Add black beans and corn, cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Finish: Remove from heat, stir in cilantro and lime juice. Garnish with green onions. Serve warm as is or with avocado slices and fried eggs.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, let the sweet potatoes cook undisturbed for a few minutes to get browned edges.
- This hash is great for filling breakfast burritos.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwest American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 11 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg