Hamburger Hash

This Crock Pot Hamburger Hash combines ground beef, potatoes, and creamy mushroom soup for a hearty meal that's as easy to make as it is delicious. Just toss the ingredients into your crockpot, let it work its magic, and get ready to dig into a cheesy hash made with ground beef that will quickly become a family favorite!

Hash is a dish consisting mainly of diced meat and potatoes, sautéed until crispy. It's easily adaptable to different ingredients and flavors, making it a meal that's simple, easy, and enjoyed a lot for dinner. This hash recipe brings together the rich flavors of ground beef, earthy mushroom soup, and the comforting texture of potatoes, all rounded off with melty cheddar cheese for a simple, hearty meal. And it's made with no skillet! The crock pot does all the work to make sure this dish comes together in flavor, texture, and taste! 

The crock pot is the best way to cook up a hearty hamburger hash. Using this method, the ground beef turns out tender, the potatoes cook just right, and the cheese melts into the mix perfectly. Just brown your beef, toss it into the crock pot with the rest of the ingredients, and let it simmer. In a few hours, you’ll have a warm, cheesy, and satisfying meal.

Crockpot hamburger hash is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sunday dinners, or for office potlucks. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, steamed veggies, or warm bread rolls to soak up all the creamy goodness.

Why This Makes The Best Quick and Easy Dinner

• Budget-Friendly: Uses less than ten budget-friendly, simple ingredients for a creamy and satisfying meal.
• Minimal Cleanup: One crock pot means less washing up and more downtime.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with ground beef and potatoes for a truly substantial dinner.
• Reheats Beautifully: Just as tasty the next day, making it perfect for leftovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Beef - Forms the hearty base of the hash, bringing a rich, savory, and beefy flavor.
• Onion and Garlic - Adds a depth of flavor, giving the hash an oniony aroma and a slight sweetness with a punch of savory notes.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes - Contribute a buttery texture and hold their shape well, absorbing the flavors of the dish.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup - Acts as a thick, creamy binder that mixes the ingredients in a velvety sauce.
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, Italian seasoning) - These spices work together to elevate the dish, providing a warm, herby undertone and the perfect balance of flavors.
• Cheddar Cheese - Offers a gooey, melty element that brings a sharp tang and comforting finish to each spoonful.

How To Make Hamburger Hash In The Crock Pot

Cook the ground beef: Add the beef to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Saute, breaking up the meat until fully cooked. Drain off excess fat, then add to a 6-quart crock pot.

Add remaining ingredients: To the cooked ground beef, add the onions, potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until evenly distributed. 

Cover and cook: Add the lid to the top and cook on HIGH for 3½-4½ hours or LOW for 6-7 hours.

Add remaining cheddar: Sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese over top of the dish. Add the lid and cover until the cheese is melted for 10 minutes. Scoop into bowls and serve while hot. Enjoy! 

Recipe Tips

• Brown the ground beef thoroughly before adding it to the crock pot to ensure a deep, caramelized flavor.
• Drain the fat from the beef to keep the dish from becoming greasy and to maintain a rich, clean taste.
• Dice the onions and potatoes uniformly for even cooking and a consistent texture in every bite.
• If you have time, rinse the potatoes after dicing to remove excess starch, which can make the sauce too thick.
• Stir the ingredients halfway through, if possible, to distribute flavors and heat evenly.
• Add the cheddar cheese in two parts: half mixed in for flavor and half melted on top for that perfect cheesy pull.
• If the hash is too thick after cooking, a splash of milk or beef broth can adjust the consistency.
• Let the hash rest for a few minutes after cooking before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Variations

• Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version that still packs a lot of protein.
• Incorporate sweet potatoes instead of Yukon Gold for a hint of sweetness and a boost of vitamins.
• For a vegetarian hash, use a plant-based ground meat substitute and cream of mushroom soup made with vegetable broth.
• Stir in some green peas or chopped carrots for added color and a serving of veggies.
• Mix in some smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper for a smoky kick and a touch of heat.
• For a tangy twist, sprinkle in some sharp blue cheese with the cheddar for an extra flavor dimension.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions before serving for a pop of color and fresh garden taste.

Storing & Freezing

Storing: To store, allow it to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. When you're ready to reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a touch of milk or broth if the hash has thickened too much in the fridge.

Freezing: Place the cooled hash in freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a small space at the top for expansion. Freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, adding milk or broth to loosen up the creamy sauce as needed.