Hamburger Meat And Potato Hash

Name: Hamburger Meat And Potato Hash
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 3 medium potatoes, diced; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Chopped green onions; Sour cream; Hot sauce

Highlighted under: Cozy Comfort Food Ideas

I absolutely love a good hearty meal, and Hamburger Meat And Potato Hash is a personal favorite in my kitchen. It's quick to whip up and utilizes simple ingredients that I usually have on hand. The combination of ground beef, crispy potatoes, and savory spices creates a filling dish that's perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether I need to refuel after a busy day or fill my family’s bellies, this recipe never disappoints. Trust me; you’ll want to keep this one in your regular rotation!

Created by

Olivia Martin

Last updated on 2026-02-23T21:32:49.836Z

When I first made Hamburger Meat And Potato Hash, I was looking for a way to use up some leftover ground beef. The result was beyond what I expected! The crispy potatoes meld beautifully with the savory meat, and each bite is comforting and satisfying. One of my little secrets is to add a sprinkle of smoked paprika, which brings a delightful depth of flavor.

Over time, I’ve adapted this dish by incorporating different vegetables based on what’s in season or what I have on hand. I’ve found that adding bell peppers or spinach adds a nice color and boosts the nutritional value. It's become a staple that I can customize endlessly!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
Versatile – great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner
Comforting and filling, perfect for any appetite

Ingredient Insights

The key to a great Hamburger Meat And Potato Hash lies in the quality of your ingredients. Using freshly ground beef not only enhances the flavor but also improves the texture of the dish. I personally prefer a blend of 80% lean to 20% fat, which provides the perfect balance of flavor and moisture. If you're looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can also work, though they may require additional seasoning to achieve the same depth of flavor.

Potatoes are another vital component of this hash. I recommend using starchy varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold for their ability to become crispy on the outside while remaining fluffy inside. If you're in a pinch, frozen diced potatoes can be a quick substitution; just microwave them beforehand to ensure they cook evenly when added to the skillet.

Cooking Techniques

To achieve perfectly crispy potatoes, make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding them. Cooking at medium-high heat helps develop that nice golden color and crunchy texture. I find that stirring too often can prevent browning, so let them sit for a few minutes before flipping—this allows for better caramelization. Visual cues to watch for are a golden-brown exterior and a soft interior; that’s when they’re at their best.

When cooking the ground beef, don’t rush the process. Browning the meat thoroughly not only adds flavor but also prevents it from becoming rubbery. As you brown the meat, the fond that forms at the bottom of the skillet can add a rich depth to the hash when you scrape it up and mix it in. If you notice any excess grease, draining it off before proceeding adds a nice touch, making the meal less greasy.

Ingredients

For the Hash

1 pound ground beef
3 medium potatoes, diced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional Toppings

Chopped green onions
Sour cream
Hot sauce

Instructions

Steps

Cook the Potatoes

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown and soften.

Add Vegetables

Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Stir well and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Cook the Ground Beef

Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.

Combine and Season

Mix everything in the skillet together, then sprinkle the smoked paprika over the top. Adjust the seasoning as needed and cook for another minute until heated through.

Serve

Remove from heat and serve hot, topped with green onions, sour cream, or your favorite hot sauce.

Notes

Pro Tips

Feel free to add any leftover vegetables or herbs you have on hand to this hash for extra flavor. Also, cooking the potatoes until crispy brings out the best texture in this dish!

Serving Suggestions

This Hamburger Meat And Potato Hash is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. While it's filling on its own, adding a side of sautéed greens or a fresh salad can brighten the dish and add some nutritional variety. For breakfast, serving it alongside eggs—be it sunny-side-up or scrambled—takes it to another level of comfort food goodness. I often pair it with a simple fruit salad for a well-rounded meal.

Toppings can also transform this hash into a unique experience each time you make it. A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy element that complements the spices beautifully, while some chopped green onions offer a fresh crunch. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a swirl of your favorite hot sauce can elevate the flavors. Experimenting with different combinations can turn this straightforward hash into several enticing meals.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This dish is excellent for meal prep, as it stores beautifully. Cooked hash can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to four days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between until it’s heated through, but I prefer the skillet method to keep the potatoes crispy.

If you want to make this hash in advance, consider prepping the vegetables and meat the night before. Diced potatoes can be soaked in water to prevent browning, while pre-cooked beef can dramatically reduce your cooking time. Just keep in mind that if you use pre-cooked ground beef, you won’t need to cook it as long in the skillet; just focus on heating it through and melding the flavors with the veggies.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen potatoes?

Yes, frozen diced potatoes work well. Just make sure to adjust cooking time accordingly.

→ How can I make this dish healthier?

You can use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey, and add more vegetables to boost the nutritional content.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and cook them in advance. Just reheat before serving.

→ What side dishes pair well with this hash?

A fresh green salad or some toasted bread would complement this dish nicely.