When you need a filling, comforting meal that comes together with simple ingredients, Hearty Hamburger Hash is the answer. This classic, old-fashioned dish is the kind of food that warms you from the inside out—rich, savory, and deeply satisfying. Made in one skillet with ground beef, potatoes, onions, and simple seasonings, hamburger hash is affordable, practical, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends at home.
Hamburger hash has long been a staple in home kitchens because it stretches ingredients without sacrificing flavor. It’s a no-frills recipe that delivers big comfort, making it ideal for feeding a family or using up pantry staples. The beef provides richness, the potatoes add heartiness, and the onions tie everything together with gentle sweetness. Best of all, this dish is incredibly versatile—you can adjust the seasoning, add vegetables, or top it with eggs or cheese depending on your mood.
Whether served on its own or paired with a simple side, this Hearty Hamburger Hash is the kind of meal that feels familiar, filling, and dependable—just the way comfort food should be.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 680 g (1½ lbs) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 900 g (2 lbs) potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 240 ml (1 cup) beef broth or water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or oregano (optional)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Detailed Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Before cooking, peel and dice the potatoes into evenly sized cubes, about 1–1.5 cm. Keeping the pieces uniform helps them cook evenly. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic so they blend smoothly into the dish.
Set everything aside so it’s ready to go—this recipe moves quickly once you start cooking.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks.
Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains. If there is excess grease, drain it carefully, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan for flavor.
Transfer the cooked beef to a plate and set aside.
3. Cook the Potatoes
In the same skillet, add the oil or butter. Once hot, add the diced potatoes in an even layer.
Cook over medium heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow the potatoes to sit undisturbed for a few minutes at a time so they develop a golden crust. This step is key to achieving the classic hash texture.
4. Add Onions and Garlic
Once the potatoes begin to soften and brown, add the chopped onion. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter.
5. Combine and Season
Return the browned ground beef to the skillet with the potatoes and onions. Stir to combine everything evenly.
Sprinkle in the paprika, salt, black pepper, thyme (or oregano), and onion powder if using. Stir well so the seasonings coat the meat and potatoes.
6. Add Broth and Simmer
Pour the beef broth into the skillet and stir gently, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits add extra flavor to the dish.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
7. Finish and Adjust
Remove the lid and let the hash cook for another 2–3 minutes if you want a slightly crispier texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Hearty Hamburger Hash is satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
- Fried or scrambled eggs on top
- Toast or crusty bread
- A simple green salad
- Steamed vegetables like peas or green beans
For breakfast or brunch, topping the hash with a sunny-side-up egg is especially delicious.
