Hamburger Hash Recipe

Ground beef: Provides the main protein and a rich, savory flavor.

Diced potatoes: Adds heartiness and texture to the dish.

Onion: Enhances the flavor with its aromatic qualities.

Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the dish.

When cooking the ground beef, make sure to break it up into small pieces using a wooden spoon or spatula. This ensures even browning and better texture throughout the hash. For the diced potatoes, parboil them for a few minutes before adding them to the skillet. This helps them cook faster and more evenly, resulting in a perfectly tender bite.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• ground beef - Substitute with lentils: Lentils are a great plant-based protein alternative that can mimic the texture of ground beef when cooked.

• diced potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a slightly sweeter flavor and are packed with vitamins and fiber.

• diced potatoes - Substitute with cauliflower: Cauliflower can be diced and used as a low-carb alternative to potatoes.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions.

• onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks offer a more delicate and subtle onion flavor, which can add a different dimension to the dish.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory umami flavor while also providing the necessary saltiness.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct substitute and may offer a slightly different mineral content and flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat level but a slightly different flavor, often described as more earthy.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit more heat and a different flavor profile, making the dish spicier.

• Allow the hamburger hash to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the cooled hamburger hash into an airtight container. For best results, use a container that fits the amount of hash you have to minimize air exposure.
• If you plan to eat the leftovers within a few days, store the container in the refrigerator. The hamburger hash will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the hamburger hash. Place the hash in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container or bag with the date so you can keep track of how long it has been stored. The hamburger hash can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• When ready to eat, thaw the hamburger hash in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor.
• Reheat the hamburger hash in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it halfway through to ensure even heating.
• If the hamburger hash seems a bit dry after reheating, add a splash of beef broth or a small amount of olive oil to bring back some moisture.
• Enjoy your reheated hamburger hash as is, or get creative by adding a fried egg on top, serving it with a side of sour cream, or mixing in some cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover hamburger hash.
  4. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
  5. Cook until the potatoes and ground beef are heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer the hamburger hash to a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
  3. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Stir the hash to distribute heat evenly.
  5. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until thoroughly warmed.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the hamburger hash in an even layer in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the hash is heated through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you prefer a slightly crispy texture.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the hamburger hash in the air fryer basket in an even layer.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check for doneness and heat for an additional 2-3 minutes if necessary.

• Large skillet: A broad, flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the ground beef and combining all ingredients.

• Spatula: A tool for stirring and flipping the ground beef and other ingredients in the skillet.

• Cutting board: A surface for safely chopping the potatoes and onion.

• Chef's knife: A sharp knife for dicing the potatoes and chopping the onion.

• Measuring spoons: Tools for accurately measuring the salt and black pepper.

• Mixing bowl: An optional bowl for holding the diced potatoes and chopped onion before adding them to the skillet.

• Colander: An optional tool for rinsing the diced potatoes to remove excess starch before cooking.

• Wooden spoon: An alternative to the spatula for stirring the ingredients in the skillet.

• Potato peeler: A tool for peeling the potatoes if you prefer them without skin.

Pre-cook the potatoes: Boil or microwave the diced potatoes until slightly tender before adding them to the skillet. This reduces cooking time.

Use frozen diced potatoes: Save time by using pre-diced frozen potatoes which cook faster and eliminate prep work.

Chop onions in advance: Pre-chop the onion and store it in an airtight container in the fridge to save prep time.

Cook in batches: Brown the ground beef in batches if your skillet is small to ensure even cooking and faster browning.

One-pan method: Use a large skillet to cook everything together, minimizing cleanup time.