Hamburger Hash
Hamburger Hash is an easy, hearty one-pan comfort meal made with browned ground beef, tender potatoes, onions, and simple seasonings. Everything cooks together in one skillet, creating crispy golden potatoes and savory beef in every bite. It’s inexpensive, filling, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 4 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional
Directions
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes if desired and cut them into small, evenly sized cubes.
Keeping the pieces around ½ inch helps them cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior without remaining hard in the center.
2. Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula as it browns.
Once cooked, transfer the beef to a plate and drain excess grease if necessary.
3. Cook the Potatoes
Add the olive oil and butter to the same skillet.
Add the diced potatoes in an even layer.
Season with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Cook for approximately 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes begin to brown.
4. Add the Onion
Stir in the diced onion.
Continue cooking for another 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and the potatoes become golden on the outside.
Add the minced garlic during the final minute and stir until fragrant.
5. Finish Cooking the Hash
Return the browned ground beef to the skillet.
Pour in the beef broth and stir everything together.
Cover the skillet and cook over medium-low heat for approximately 5–8 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Remove the lid and continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate and the potatoes to crisp again.
6. Add Cheese
If using cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the top.
Cover the skillet for 1–2 minutes, just until the cheese melts.
7. Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
For an extra hearty breakfast-style meal, top each serving with a fried or sunny-side-up egg.
Tips for Perfect Hamburger Hash
Cut the potatoes evenly: This helps every piece finish cooking at the same time.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet: If the potatoes are packed too tightly, they’ll steam instead of becoming golden and crispy.
Let the potatoes sit: Give them a couple of minutes undisturbed between stirs to develop a delicious browned crust.
Use the same skillet: The browned bits left behind by the beef add extra flavor to the potatoes.
Delicious Variations
Cheesy Hamburger Hash
Add plenty of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese at the end.
Breakfast Hash
Top with fried eggs and serve with hot sauce.
Vegetable Hamburger Hash
Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, peas, or corn.
Spicy Hamburger Hash
Add diced jalapeños and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
BBQ Hamburger Hash
Stir in a few tablespoons of barbecue sauce just before serving for a sweet and smoky twist.
Creamy Hamburger Hash
Stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream after removing the skillet from the heat.
Serve this hearty hamburger hash straight from the skillet with warm biscuits, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables for a satisfying meal the whole family can enjoy.