Whip Up a Hearty Hamburger Hash for Breakfast or Dinner

Ah, the humble Hamburger Hash – a classic comfort food that’s equally at home on the breakfast table or the dinner plate. This savory skillet dish combines the satisfying flavors of ground beef, potatoes, and sautéed veggies for a filling meal that’s sure to please. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend brunch, Hamburger Hash is a versatile recipe that deserves a spot in your culinary repertoire.

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What is Hamburger Hash?

At its core, Hamburger Hash is a hash dish – a type of meal made by dicing and then frying or sautéing various ingredients, often including potatoes, meat, and vegetables. The origins of hash can be traced back to traditional New England cuisine, where it was a way to make the most of leftover roasted meats and potatoes. Over time, Hamburger Hash has evolved into its own distinct dish, combining the heartiness of ground beef with the starchiness of potatoes and the flavor of sautéed onions, peppers, and garlic.

Ingredients for Delicious Hamburger Hash

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

The key ingredients in Hamburger Hash are the ground beef, which provides the savory, meaty base, and the diced potatoes, which give the dish a satisfying starchiness. The onion, bell pepper, and garlic add depth of flavor, while the paprika, salt, and pepper season the mixture perfectly. The vegetable oil is used to sauté the potatoes and veggies until they’re tender and golden brown.

While this classic Hamburger Hash recipe is delicious as-is, you can also get creative with variations. Try using ground turkey or plant-based ground beef for a healthier twist, or add in other veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can even top it with shredded cheese, a fried egg, or avocado for an extra indulgent meal.

How to Make Hamburger Hash

Making Hamburger Hash is a simple process that comes together quickly in a single skillet. Here’s the step-by-step guide:

1. Prep the Ingredients: Dice the potatoes, chop the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic.
2. Cook the Potatoes: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook until golden brown and tender, about 10-12 minutes.
3. Cook the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
4. Cook the Beef: Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until the beef is browned.
5. Season and Combine: Sprinkle the paprika, salt, and pepper over the mixture and stir to combine everything evenly.
6. Serve Hot: Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, then serve your delicious Hamburger Hash hot, either for breakfast or dinner.

Tips for Perfect Hamburger Hash

To ensure your Hamburger Hash turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Choose the right ground beef: Opt for a leaner ground beef, around 90% lean, to avoid too much grease in the final dish.
• Cook the potatoes until crispy: The key to getting those irresistible golden-brown potato cubes is to cook them over medium heat, allowing them to get crispy on the outside while staying tender on the inside.
• Season generously: Don’t be shy with the paprika, salt, and pepper – these seasonings are what really make the flavors pop in Hamburger Hash.
• Customize with toppings: Elevate your Hamburger Hash by topping it with shredded cheese, a fried egg, sliced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream.

Pairing Suggestions for Hamburger Hash

When it comes to Hamburger Hash, the possibilities for delicious pairings are endless. For breakfast, try serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad, some crispy bacon, or a warm, buttery biscuit. For dinner, pair it with a simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

If you have leftover Hamburger Hash, get creative with it! Use it as a filling for breakfast burritos, mix it into a hearty soup or stew, or even top it over a baked potato for a comforting and satisfying lunch or dinner.

Healthier Alternatives and Modifications

For a lighter take on Hamburger Hash, you can easily swap in ground turkey or a plant-based ground beef alternative. This reduces the overall fat and calorie content while still delivering that signature beefy flavor. You can also boost the nutritional value by incorporating more vegetables, such as spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.

If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can enjoy Hamburger Hash as-is, as the dish is naturally gluten-free. For meal prepping, you can make a big batch and divide it into portions for easy reheating throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions

What goes in hamburger hash?

The main ingredients in Hamburger Hash are ground beef, diced potatoes, onions, bell peppers, and garlic. It’s seasoned with paprika, salt, and pepper.

What does hash mean in food?

In the culinary world, “hash” refers to a dish made by dicing and then frying or sautéing various ingredients, often including potatoes, meat, and vegetables. The word “hash” comes from the French word “hacher,” meaning “to chop.”

How to make a simple hash?

To make a simple hash, start by dicing potatoes and cooking them in a skillet with oil until they’re crispy and golden brown. Then, add in any other chopped vegetables and/or cooked meat, and season the mixture with your desired spices. The key is to sauté everything together until it’s heated through and the flavors have melded.

What is beef hash made of?

Beef hash is typically made with diced or shredded cooked beef, potatoes, onions, and seasonings. The beef provides the savory, meaty base, while the potatoes and onions add texture and flavor.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Loaded Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese Bake
• Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers
• Loaded Beef Nacho Bake

Conclusion

There’s just something so comforting and satisfying about a hearty plate of Hamburger Hash. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this versatile dish is sure to please the whole family. With its savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and flavorful sautéed veggies, Hamburger Hash is a true taste of classic American comfort food. So why not give this recipe a try and experience the deliciousness for yourself?

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