Hamburger Hash

There are certain dinners that never really go out of style, and Hamburger Hash is definitely one of them. It is hearty, practical, budget-friendly, and made with simple ingredients that come together in one skillet. With browned ground beef, tender potatoes, onions, peppers, mixed vegetables, and a savory blend of seasonings, this is the kind of meal that feels nostalgic in the best possible way.

What I love most about Hamburger Hash is how dependable it is. It uses ingredients many of us already have on hand, it comes together without much fuss, and it delivers the kind of warm, satisfying flavor that makes everyone want a second helping. This is real comfort food, but it is simple enough for an ordinary weeknight.

Why I Love This Recipe

This recipe is a favorite because it checks so many boxes at once. It is filling, family-friendly, easy to customize, and made in one pan, which means cleanup is a lot easier too. Any meal that gives you meat, potatoes, and vegetables all in one skillet already feels like a smart dinner choice.

I also love how flexible this recipe is. You can use different vegetables, switch up the seasoning, or top it with shredded cheese for an extra cozy finish. It is one of those recipes that works well whether you are sticking to the basics or cleaning out the fridge.

And maybe best of all, Hamburger Hash tastes like a homemade dinner should taste. It is savory, hearty, and comforting without needing anything fancy.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 medium-sized potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, like peas, corn, and carrots
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Optional: shredded cheese for garnish

Swaps and Notes

Russet potatoes work especially well because they soften nicely and get lightly crisp around the edges, but Yukon Gold potatoes are also a great option if you want a creamier texture. Just try to dice them evenly so they cook at the same rate.

Ground beef gives this skillet its classic flavor, but ground turkey or ground sausage can work too if you want a variation. The mixed vegetables make the dish extra convenient, and you can easily swap in green beans, mushrooms, or even chopped zucchini depending on what you have.

The Worcestershire sauce adds a lot of savory depth, so I would not skip it. And if you are adding cheese, cheddar is a great choice because it melts beautifully and pairs perfectly with the beef and potatoes.

How to Make Hamburger Hash

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced potatoes and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and lightly brown. Remove the potatoes from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
4. Add the ground beef and cook over medium heat, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
5. Stir in the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened.
6. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
7. Return the potatoes to the skillet and add the frozen mixed vegetables. Stir everything together.
8. Season with paprika, salt, black pepper, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.
9. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
10. Cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and everything is well blended.
11. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
12. Add shredded cheese on top if desired and let it melt before serving.

Tips for Success

Try not to rush the potatoes in the first step. Letting them cook long enough to get lightly browned adds extra flavor and helps them hold their texture later in the skillet. If they are cut too large, they may take longer to become tender, so a smaller, even dice works best.

Seasoning in layers is another key tip. The beef, vegetables, and potatoes all benefit from those spices, so make sure everything is stirred thoroughly before covering the skillet.

If the mixture starts looking dry before the potatoes are fully tender, add a splash more broth. That little bit of extra moisture can help everything finish cooking without sticking.

For a cheesier finish, sprinkle the cheese over the top, cover the skillet for a minute or two, and let the residual heat melt it perfectly.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Hamburger Hash is hearty enough to serve all on its own, but it also pairs nicely with a simple green salad, warm bread, or even a spoonful of sour cream on top. If you want to add an appetizer before dinner, This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests is a great place to start.

For another easy comfort-food dinner, This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut is a fun choice when you want something a little more indulgent. If skillet meals are your thing, This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor is another one worth saving.

And for dessert, This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd is a comforting finish that fits the feel of this meal perfectly.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

Nutritional values will vary depending on the exact ingredients used and whether cheese is added, but here is an approximate estimate per serving:

• Calories: 360
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: Varies depending on broth and seasoning

These values are estimates and can change based on your ingredient brands and serving size.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Store leftover Hamburger Hash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. A skillet is especially nice because it can help bring back a bit of texture to the potatoes.

This recipe also makes a great leftover lunch. You can even crack an egg over a reheated portion for a breakfast-style twist the next day.

If you want to freeze it, let the hash cool completely first, then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoy simple, hearty dinners like this, there are plenty of other comfort-food favorites worth keeping in rotation. Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce is always a dependable choice for a cozy family meal.

For something a little more playful, This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut delivers that same easy, crowd-pleasing energy. And if you love skillet dinners, This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor is another excellent one-pan meal to try.

Final Thoughts

Hamburger Hash is one of those classic recipes that reminds you how good simple food can be. It is hearty, flavorful, easy to make, and built from ingredients that are affordable and familiar. That combination makes it exactly the kind of recipe worth coming back to again and again.

Whether you serve it as written or add your own twist with extra vegetables or a cheesy topping, this is the sort of skillet dinner that always feels like home. If you make it, I would love to hear how you served it. Keep following along for more easy, comforting recipes from Jason Griffith.