Prepare the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes if desired.
You can certainly leave the skin on if you prefer a more rustic hash.
Dice the potatoes into approximately ½-inch cubes.
Try to keep the pieces relatively uniform.
Place the diced potatoes in a bowl of cold water while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
This helps remove some excess surface starch.
When you're ready to cook, drain the potatoes thoroughly.
Then pat them dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
Don't skip the drying step.
Wet potatoes steam.
Dry potatoes brown.
And we want those potatoes golden.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Place a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
A cast-iron skillet is wonderful for this recipe, but any large skillet will work.
Add the ground beef.
Break the meat into small pieces using a wooden spoon or spatula.
Cook for approximately 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
If the skillet contains a large amount of grease, carefully drain most of it.
Leave approximately a tablespoon of fat in the pan.
Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Potatoes
Return the skillet to medium-high heat.
If the pan looks dry, add:
1 tablespoon olive oil
Add the diced potatoes.
Spread them into a relatively even layer.
Now comes one of the most important secrets to good hash.
Leave them alone.
It's tempting to constantly stir potatoes.
Don't.
Allow them to cook undisturbed for approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
This gives the bottom surface time to develop a golden crust.
Stir the potatoes.
Then allow another side to brown.
Continue cooking for approximately 10 to 15 minutes total.
The potatoes should begin to soften and develop golden edges.
Step 4: Add the Onion
Add the diced onion to the skillet.
Stir it into the potatoes.
Cook for another 4 to 5 minutes.
The onion will soften and become translucent.
As it cooks, it releases moisture that can help loosen some of the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Those browned bits are flavor.
Don't waste them.
Use your spatula to gently scrape them into the potatoes.
Step 5: Add the Garlic and Seasonings
Add the minced garlic.
Cook for approximately 30 seconds.
You should immediately smell that wonderful garlic aroma.
Now add:
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried thyme
- Remaining salt
- Black pepper
Stir until the potatoes and onions are evenly coated.
Cook for another minute.
Heating the seasonings briefly in the skillet helps release their flavor.
Step 6: Return the Beef to the Skillet
Add the browned ground beef back to the pan.
Stir everything together.
Reduce the heat to medium.
Continue cooking for approximately 5 minutes, allowing the beef and potatoes to heat together.
Taste the hash.
Add additional salt or black pepper if needed.
At this point, the potatoes should be tender inside with golden edges, and the beef should be distributed throughout the skillet.
The Secret to Truly Crispy Hamburger Hash
If there's one thing that separates ordinary hash from wonderful hash, it's texture.
You want tender potatoes.
But you also want crispy pieces.
Here's how to get them.
Use a Large Skillet
Crowding traps steam.
If the skillet is too small, the potatoes will cook but won't brown properly.
Dry the Potatoes
Surface moisture prevents browning.
Pat the diced potatoes thoroughly dry.
Don't Stir Constantly
Potatoes need contact with the hot skillet.
Give them several minutes between stirring.
Use Medium-High Heat
Low heat softens potatoes.
Higher heat helps create a golden crust.
Let the Finished Hash Sit
Once everything is combined, spread the hash across the skillet.
Leave it undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes.
The bottom will develop one final layer of crisp, savory goodness.
My Favorite Cheesy Hamburger Hash Variation
If I'm cooking for people who love cheese, this is usually the version I make.
Once the hash is completely cooked, sprinkle:
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
over the top.
Reduce the heat to low.
Cover the skillet with a lid.
Cook for approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
When you remove the lid, the cheese should be completely melted and wonderfully gooey.
Sharp cheddar is my favorite, but you can also use:
- Colby Jack
- Monterey Jack
- Pepper Jack
- Mozzarella
A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack is particularly good.
Turn It Into Breakfast Hash
This recipe makes an incredible breakfast.
Once the hamburger hash is cooked, use the back of a spoon to create four small wells in the mixture.
Crack one egg into each well.
Cover the skillet.
Cook over medium-low heat until the egg whites are set and the yolks are cooked to your preference.
Sprinkle with black pepper and chopped green onions.
Serve directly from the skillet.
Add hot coffee and toast, and breakfast is ready.
Easy Hamburger Hash Variations
One of the reasons hamburger hash has remained popular for generations is that you can easily adapt it to whatever is in the refrigerator.
Bell Pepper Hamburger Hash
Add one diced bell pepper with the onion.
Red or green bell peppers both work beautifully.
Mushroom Hamburger Hash
Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms.
Cook them after browning the beef and before adding the potatoes.
Allow the mushrooms to become golden.
Spicy Hamburger Hash
Add:
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Chopped jalapeños
or
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Pepper Jack cheese is also delicious on the spicy version.
Bacon Hamburger Hash
Cook 4 to 6 slices of chopped bacon in the skillet.
Remove the crispy bacon.
Cook the potatoes in a small amount of the bacon fat.
Stir the bacon back into the hash before serving.
Yes, it's as good as it sounds.
Vegetable Hamburger Hash
Add vegetables such as:
- Corn
- Peas
- Carrots
- Green beans
This is a wonderful way to use small amounts of leftover vegetables.
What to Serve with Hamburger Hash
Hamburger hash is a complete meal by itself, but a simple side can round out dinner.
Try serving it with:
- Green salad
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted broccoli
- Buttered corn
- Dinner rolls
- Biscuits
- Fried eggs
- Fresh sliced tomatoes
For a classic comfort food dinner, I love serving it with warm biscuits.
The biscuits are perfect for scooping up those little pieces of beef and potato left on the plate.
Can I Use Frozen Potatoes?
Yes.
Frozen diced hash brown potatoes can make this recipe even faster.
There's usually no need to thaw them completely.
Add the frozen potatoes to the hot skillet and cook according to the package directions until golden and tender.
Then continue with the recipe.
Keep in mind that frozen potatoes may release additional moisture.
Give them enough space in the skillet and avoid overcrowding.
Can I Use Leftover Cooked Potatoes?
Absolutely.
In fact, cooked potatoes make hamburger hash incredibly fast.
Dice the cold cooked potatoes.
Brown the ground beef.
Remove the beef from the skillet.
Add the potatoes directly to the hot pan.
Because they're already cooked, you only need to brown them.
This usually takes approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
Then add the onions, seasonings, and beef.
Leftover baked potatoes are especially good for hash.
How to Store Leftover Hamburger Hash
Allow the hash to cool.
Transfer it to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
I actually think the flavor becomes even better after sitting overnight.
The potatoes absorb more of the savory beef and seasoning flavors.
The Best Way to Reheat Hamburger Hash
The skillet is the best method.
Heat a small amount of oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the leftover hash.
Spread it into an even layer.
Allow it to cook undisturbed for several minutes.
Stir.
Then brown another side.
This method brings back some of those crispy edges.
You can also microwave the hash, but the potatoes will be softer.
Can You Freeze Hamburger Hash?
Yes.
Allow the cooked hash to cool completely.
Transfer it to a freezer-safe container.
Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheat in a hot skillet.
The potato texture may become slightly softer after freezing, but the hash will still be flavorful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Are My Potatoes Still Hard?
The potato pieces may be too large.
Cutting potatoes into small ½-inch cubes helps them cook more quickly.
If your potatoes are browned but still firm inside, add 2 tablespoons of water to the skillet and cover it for 3 to 5 minutes.
The steam will help soften the centers.
Remove the lid and continue cooking to restore the crispy exterior.
Why Is My Hamburger Hash Soggy?
Too much moisture or an overcrowded skillet is usually the problem.
Dry the potatoes thoroughly and use a large pan.
Also, avoid stirring constantly.
Do I Have to Peel the Potatoes?
No.
Potato skins add texture and can be left on.
Simply scrub the potatoes thoroughly before dicing.
Can I Use Ground Turkey?
Yes.
Ground turkey works well.
Because it's leaner than ground beef, you may need a little extra olive oil or butter when cooking the potatoes.
Can I Add Worcestershire Sauce?
Absolutely.
Add 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce to the browned ground beef for extra savory flavor.
It's one of my favorite additions.
The Kind of Dinner That Never Goes Out of Style
There's a reason recipes like Classic Hamburger Hash have been cooked in family kitchens for generations.
It doesn't pretend to be fancy.
It doesn't require expensive ingredients.
And it certainly doesn't leave you with every pot and pan in the kitchen waiting to be washed.
It's simply a skillet filled with savory beef, golden potatoes, soft onions, and plenty of comforting flavor.
The kind of dinner you spoon onto a plate while it's still sizzling.
The kind everyone eats without asking what complicated ingredients you used.
And the kind of meal that somehow tastes even better when eaten at the kitchen table on a quiet evening.
Sometimes, simple really is best.
