Pan-Fried Sweet Potato and Kale Hash with Bacon

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, savory hash featuring tender sweet potatoes, hearty kale, and smoky bacon, perfect for breakfast or dinner. This american-inspired comfort food ready in about 45 minutes pairs sweet potato, bacon, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large skillet, cook 4 chopped bacon slices over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving 2 tbsp bacon fat in the skillet.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 diced medium onion to the skillet with the bacon fat and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened and golden.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2-inch diced sweet potatoes and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes begin to soften.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups chopped kale, 1 tsp smoked paprika, salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until kale wilts and potatoes are tender.
  5. Step 5: Return crispy bacon to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 2 more minutes to heat through.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Sweet Potato and Kale Hash with Bacon take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Fried Sweet Potato and Kale Hash with Bacon?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep sweet potato from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Sweet Potato and Kale Hash with Bacon?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Fried Sweet Potato and Kale Hash with Bacon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Fried Sweet Potato and Kale Hash with Bacon?

American comfort food like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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