Spicy-Sweet Plantain and Ground Beef Hash

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Caramelized plantains sweetened with a hint of heat, paired with savory ground beef and warm spices for a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of day. This american-inspired beef (whole30, paleo) ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 2, 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: 20 min Serves 2 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
  2. Step 2: Add 10 oz ground beef, breaking it into small pieces, and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and no longer pink, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 medium plantains (sliced into 1/4-inch rounds), 1/2 cup diced onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 4-5 minutes until plantains begin to caramelize and onion is translucent.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 8-10 minutes until plantains are tender and flavors meld, stirring occasionally.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped cilantro just before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy-Sweet Plantain and Ground Beef Hash take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Spicy-Sweet Plantain and Ground Beef Hash?

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 ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy-Sweet Plantain and Ground Beef Hash?

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 Spicy-Sweet Plantain and Ground Beef Hash for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.

Is Spicy-Sweet Plantain and Ground Beef Hash whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, paleo, keto based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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