Hearty Hamburger Hash Recipe: A One-Pan Comfort Food Classic
Introduction
Nothing beats the aroma of a sizzling skillet filled with seasoned beef, golden potatoes, and tender vegetables coming together in one delicious meal. Hamburger hash is a true kitchen staple for busy families and food lovers alike. It brings together budget-friendly ingredients, bold flavor, and the kind of comfort that only home-cooked meals can deliver.
You do not need any fancy tools or chef-level skills to make this dish. All it takes is one pan and about half an hour of your time. The result is a warm and filling meal that satisfies hunger and brings people together. Whether you are looking to make a quick dinner on a weeknight or use up leftovers from the fridge, hamburger hash offers incredible flexibility. You can tweak it based on your taste preferences, what you have in the pantry, or your dietary needs.
Ground beef provides a rich and savory base. Potatoes give it structure and heartiness. Add in onions, peppers, and a blend of spices, and you have a dish that is as comforting as it is flavorful. You can make it spicy or keep it mild. Serve it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Reheat it the next day and it tastes just as good. Hamburger hash has remained a favorite for generations because it is easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always satisfying.
Ingredients Needed
Below is a simple chart listing the main ingredients for classic hamburger hash along with estimated calorie content per serving. These values are based on commonly used quantities and can vary depending on brands and substitutions.
| Ingredient | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef (80 percent lean) | 1 pound | 1152 |
| Russet potatoes | 3 medium | 330 |
| Yellow onion | 1 medium | 45 |
| Bell pepper (any color) | 1 large | 30 |
| Garlic cloves | 2 cloves | 8 |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | 240 |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | 0 |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon | 0 |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon | 6 |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tablespoon | 15 |
Total estimated calories: 1826
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 456
This makes a hearty portion for each person and can be stretched with extra vegetables or served with a side.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Start by prepping all your ingredients. Wash and dice the potatoes into small cubes for faster cooking. Dice the onion and bell pepper. Mince the garlic.
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add one tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the diced potatoes. Let them cook undisturbed for about five minutes. Stir occasionally after that so they brown evenly. Cook for around ten minutes or until they are golden and beginning to soften.
Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet and add the remaining olive oil to the empty space. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook until it is no longer pink and starts to brown slightly.
Stir the beef and potatoes together. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Let everything cook together for another five to seven minutes. The vegetables should soften and release their aroma. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute.
Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well so the flavors spread throughout the dish. Let it cook for another few minutes to let everything blend together. Try Hamburger Hash for a hearty meal, and don’t forget to explore the zesty flavors of Orange Peel Chicken for something different.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Once the potatoes are tender and everything is evenly browned, turn off the heat. Serve immediately or let it sit for a few minutes to let the flavors deepen.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
Hamburger hash is one of the easiest dishes to personalize. You can make it your own with just a few simple changes.
Swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken to reduce fat content. Use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version. If you enjoy spicy food, add a pinch of cayenne or a chopped jalapeño while cooking.
You can replace russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a richer, slightly sweet flavor. They also bring more fiber and nutrients. Red or Yukon gold potatoes work well too and hold their shape nicely during cooking.
Add extra vegetables like corn, zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to boost nutrition. Frozen vegetables work great if you are short on time. Stir in some shredded cheese toward the end for a creamy twist or top with a fried egg for added richness.
Use fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a fresh pop of flavor right before serving. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the dish, especially if it feels too rich.
Try it in a tortilla for a hash burrito or stuff it into a bell pepper and bake it for a different take. The beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility.
Nutritional Information
The basic version of hamburger hash provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Here is a general breakdown per serving based on the main ingredients:
- Calories: 456
- Protein: 21 grams
- Fat: 28 grams
- Carbohydrates: 28 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Sodium: 600 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 70 milligrams
To make it lighter, use leaner meat or reduce the oil. To increase fiber, add more vegetables or swap in sweet potatoes. It is a meal that can easily be adjusted to meet your dietary goals while still tasting amazing.
Serving Suggestions
Hamburger hash is a complete meal on its own but pairs beautifully with a few side options. If serving for breakfast or brunch, add a poached or sunny-side-up egg on top. The yolk acts like a sauce and enhances the flavor. Serve with buttered toast or a warm biscuit.
For dinner, add a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted vegetables or steamed green beans also complement it well. If you like spicy food, have hot sauce or sliced jalapeños on the side.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave for a quick meal. You can even use it as a filling for breakfast tacos or sandwich melts. The flavors get better the next day, making it a great make-ahead option.
Hearty Hamburger Hash Recipe: A One-Pan Comfort Food Classic
Course: Blog4
servings10
minutes25
minutes~380 per serving (
kcalIngredients
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 cup frozen or canned corn (drained if canned)
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter
Directions
- Prepare the ingredients: Wash, peel, and dice the potatoes. Dice the onion and green bell pepper, and mince the garlic.
- Cook the potatoes: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add diced potatoes and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to become golden and tender. Remove and set aside.
- Brown the beef: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula—about 5–7 minutes.
- Add vegetables: Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the beef. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Combine and season: Add the cooked potatoes back into the skillet. Stir in the corn, salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook everything together for another 5–7 minutes until heated through and flavors combine.
Recipe Video
Notes
- This is a flexible, budget-friendly, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. You can easily customize it by adding mushrooms, zucchini, or switching the beef with ground turkey or sausage. For extra crispiness, let the hash sit undisturbed in the skillet for a couple of minutes before stirring.
Conclusion
Hamburger hash brings warmth and flavor to the table without demanding too much from the cook. It is a dish rooted in practicality and elevated by creativity. You can make it rustic or refined. Keep it classic or turn it into something new each time.
