This easy Homemade Hamburger Hash is the ultimate one-pan comfort food dinner. Seasoned ground beef, crispy potatoes, onions, and peppers all come together in a simple, hearty skillet meal that the whole family will love!
A Simple, Hearty Skillet Dinner
This is one of those recipes I come back to again and again because it is just so simple to throw together on a busy weeknight. Everything cooks in one pan, cleanup is a breeze, and it is genuinely delicious. I love meals like this because you probably already have everything you need sitting in your pantry and refrigerator right now. No fancy ingredients, no complicated techniques — just some ground beef, potatoes, and a handful of seasonings and boom — dinner is on the table!
This hamburger hash is incredibly budget friendly too, which is always a win. It is humble, it is hearty, and it is the kind of meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Serve it with a couple of fried eggs on top for breakfast-for-dinner night, or just dig right in with some crusty bread on the side. Either way, you really cannot go wrong here!
“I made this on a whim with what I had in the fridge and my whole family devoured it. My husband asked me to add it to our regular dinner rotation! So easy and so delicious. I will definitely be making this again!”
– Sandra
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to peel the potatoes?
Not at all! This is totally a personal preference. I usually leave the skins on because they add a little extra texture and honestly, it saves time. If you prefer them peeled, go right ahead. Either way works great in this recipe.
What kind of potatoes should I use?
Russet potatoes are my go-to because they get nice and crispy on the outside. Yukon Gold potatoes also work really well here and have a slightly buttery flavor. I would avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes as they tend to hold too much moisture and won’t crisp up as nicely.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken both work great here. Just keep in mind that leaner meats won’t have as much fat, so you may want to add a little extra butter or olive oil to the pan so things don’t stick. Ground Italian sausage is also a fantastic option if you want an extra kick of flavor!
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, of course! This recipe is very easy to customize. Diced zucchini, corn, mushrooms, or even some frozen peas stirred in at the end are all great additions. Use whatever your family enjoys or whatever you have on hand.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can dice your potatoes and vegetables the night before and store them in the refrigerator to save time. You can also fully cook the hash, let it cool, and store it covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to reheat it. Just warm it back up in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Can this be frozen?
Yes! This freezes really well. Just allow it to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet on the stovetop for best results.
How do I store leftover Hamburger Hash?
Allow it to cool fully, then transfer it to a covered airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for a quick and easy lunch the next day!
Ingredients Needed
(See recipe card below for the full recipe)
- ground beef – I like to use an 85/15 ground beef here because that little bit of fat gives you so much flavor. You can use a leaner blend if you prefer, or swap in ground turkey or ground Italian sausage. Use whatever is in your budget and what your family enjoys.
- russet potatoes – diced into small, even pieces so they cook through evenly. Yukon Gold potatoes also work really well. The smaller you dice them, the faster they will cook.
- onion – yellow or white onion both work great here. If your family is not a big fan of onion, you can dial it back or leave it out entirely.
- green bell pepper – adds great color and flavor. Feel free to use red, yellow, or orange bell pepper instead. Or use a combination!
- garlic – freshly minced garlic or the jarred kind both work perfectly here. Use whichever is easiest for you.
- olive oil and butter – using both gives you the best of both worlds. The butter adds richness and the olive oil prevents it from burning.
- Worcestershire sauce – this is a key ingredient! It adds a deep, savory flavor to the ground beef that really makes a difference.
- smoked paprika – gives the hash a gorgeous color and a subtle smoky depth. Regular paprika will also work if that is what you have on hand.
- garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper – simple pantry seasonings that make everything taste great. Keep tasting as you go and season to your preference.
- shredded cheddar cheese – totally optional but highly recommended! Shred your own for the best melt or use store-bought pre-shredded. Either works great.
- fresh parsley – just a little sprinkle on top for a pop of color. Totally optional but it does make it look nice when serving!
How to Make Homemade Hamburger Hash
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, add your diced potatoes in a single layer. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Let them cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes so they develop a nice golden crust on the bottom.
Stir the potatoes and continue to cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and just fork-tender. This step is key — do not rush it! That golden, slightly crispy exterior on the potatoes is what makes this hash so satisfying. Once they are done, transfer them to a plate and set aside.
In that same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add your diced onion and bell pepper and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are softened. Add your minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant — just keep an eye on it so it does not burn.
Add your ground beef right in with the vegetables. Break it up as it cooks but I like to leave some slightly larger chunks in there — do not break it up too small. Cook until the beef is thoroughly browned, then drain any excess grease from the pan. Put the pan back on the stove over medium heat.
Season the beef mixture with Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and taste as you go. Add the cooked potatoes back into the skillet and gently stir to combine everything together. Let it all cook together for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors can really meld. If you are adding cheese, sprinkle it right over the top, cover with a lid for about a minute, and let it melt. Serve warm and garnish with fresh parsley if desired!
Pro Tips for the Best Hamburger Hash
- Cut your potatoes small and uniform. Aim for about ½-inch dice. This ensures they cook evenly and get nice and crispy all the way through without any raw spots in the middle.
- Do not crowd the pan. If your skillet is not large enough, cook the potatoes in two batches. Overcrowding the pan causes them to steam instead of sear, and you will miss out on that delicious golden crust.
- Cook the potatoes separately first. I know it might be tempting to throw everything in at once, but cooking the potatoes separately first and adding them back in at the end is what keeps them crispy instead of mushy.
- Season in layers. Season your potatoes while they cook, season your beef while it cooks, and then taste everything together at the end and adjust. Layering your seasoning throughout the cooking process makes a huge difference in the final flavor.
- Use a cast iron skillet if you have one. Cast iron holds heat so well and gives you the absolute best sear on both the potatoes and the beef. That being said, any large, heavy-bottomed skillet will do the job just fine.
What to Serve with Hamburger Hash
This is truly a complete meal all on its own, but here are a few of my favorite things to serve alongside it!
- A couple of fried or over-easy eggs right on top — the runny yolk acts like an extra sauce and it is absolutely incredible.
- Some warm, crusty Garlic Bread to soak up all those delicious pan juices.
- A simple green salad on the side to keep things feeling balanced and fresh.
- Steamed or roasted broccoli or green beans make a great vegetable side dish.
- A big dollop of sour cream on top — trust me on this one!
Homemade Hamburger Hash
Ingredients
Method
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large (12-inch) cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced potatoes in a single layer. Season with ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until a golden crust forms on the bottom.
- Stir potatoes and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown all over and just fork-tender. Transfer cooked potatoes to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it up as it cooks, leaving some larger chunks for texture. Cook until thoroughly browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease and return the pan to medium heat.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, remaining ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to the beef mixture. Stir to combine and taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Add the cooked potatoes back into the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir gently to combine and cook together for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the flavors have melded together.
- If using cheese, sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid for about 1 minute until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm directly from the skillet!
