Hamburger Meat And Potato Hash

Name: Hamburger Meat And Potato Hash
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 medium potatoes, diced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: 1 bell pepper, diced

Highlighted under: Cozy Comfort Food Ideas

I love making Hamburger Meat And Potato Hash on busy weeknights when I crave something hearty and satisfying. This recipe combines the flavors of savory ground beef and crispy potatoes, all sautéed together with seasonings that bring everything to life. In just about 30 minutes, I can serve up a comforting meal that the whole family enjoys. It's an easy one-pan dish that fills us up without a lot of fuss, making it perfect for any day of the week.

Created by

Olivia Martin

Last updated on 2026-02-23T21:40:49.338Z

When I first made Hamburger Meat And Potato Hash, I was looking for a quick and satisfying meal that would bring everyone to the table. I tossed some ground beef with diced potatoes and a mix of my favorite spices, and the result was simply delicious. The key is to let the potatoes brown nicely, giving them that perfect crunch while the beef stays juicy and flavorful.

Over time, I've experimented with adding different vegetables, like bell peppers and onions, to enhance the dish's flavor. I love how versatile this recipe is, and it's an excellent way to use up any leftover veggies in your fridge. Plus, it only takes one pan to clean, making weeknight dinners much easier!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Savory ground beef and crispy potatoes create a comforting meal
Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights
Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables and spices

Choosing the Right Potatoes

For this Hamburger Meat and Potato Hash, the choice of potatoes greatly affects the dish's texture. I recommend using Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, as their starchy nature leads to a beautifully crispy exterior while remaining tender inside. Dice them evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate, aiming for about 1/2-inch cubes. If you prefer a healthier option, feel free to substitute with sweet potatoes, which add a slightly sweet flavor and vibrant color to the dish.

It's important to note that if you’re opting for golden potatoes, you may want to reduce the sauté time slightly compared to russets. They tend to cook faster due to their lower starch content. Monitor closely for that coveted golden-brown crust, as it adds not only flavor but also visual appeal. When these potatoes are done, they should be crispy and tender, perfect for soaking up the rich flavors of the beef.

Perfecting the Seasoning

The seasoning in Hamburger Meat and Potato Hash is crucial as it brings the whole dish together. I usually start with garlic powder and onion powder, but feel free to experiment with additional spices based on your preference. Consider adding paprika or chili powder for a subtle kick. If you love fresh herbs, a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary can elevate the flavor profile, giving the dish a fragrant aroma that plays beautifully with the savory beef.

Don’t forget to taste your mixture as it cooks! Adjusting the salt and pepper levels midway allows you to cater to your taste preferences. A good tip is to season the potatoes with a bit more salt before they finish cooking; it enhances their flavor significantly. And if you’re serving picky eaters, a side of ketchup can be a delightful way to mix their personal touch into the meal.

Customizable Variations

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily throw in various vegetables to increase nutrition and flavor. For instance, adding diced carrots or zucchini gives an excellent contrast in color and taste, while also providing a delightful crunch. I often keep some frozen mixed vegetables on hand to toss in for a quick fix – just add them alongside the potatoes, adjusting the sauté time if needed to ensure everything cooks evenly.

If you're looking to incorporate different proteins, ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for the beef. However, make sure to adjust the seasoning amounts slightly, as those meats tend to absorb flavors differently. For a vegetarian option, switch the meat for black beans or lentils, cooking them through before mixing in with the potatoes to add heartiness without sacrificing texture.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
2 medium potatoes, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 bell pepper, diced

Feel free to add any leftover vegetables to this dish for extra flavor and nutrition.

Instructions

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Add the Potatoes

Stir in the diced potatoes and ensure they're coated with the seasoning. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the potatoes are tender and crispy.

Combine and Serve

If using, add the diced bell pepper and cook for another 3-5 minutes until softened. Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

This dish is great served alone or with a side salad for a complete meal.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce during cooking.

Storage Tips

Hamburger Meat and Potato Hash makes great leftovers, and properly storing them can extend their shelf life. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you’re planning to enjoy it later, pre-portioning can make reheating a breeze and help maintain quality.

To reheat, simply place the hash in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally, allowing for even warming. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for about 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through to ensure it heats uniformly. Just be cautious of overcooking, which can dry out the potatoes.

Scaling the Recipe

If you're feeding a larger group, scaling up this recipe is straightforward. For each additional pound of ground beef, add about two extra medium potatoes, keeping the seasoning ratios similar. This will help maintain the balance of flavors and ensure everyone enjoys a hearty serving.

When preparing for a larger crowd, consider using a bigger skillet or even mixing in a large Dutch oven, which allows for better heat distribution. Just remember to keep stirring frequently to prevent the ingredients from sticking and to encourage even cooking. Based on portion sizes, this dish can easily serve up to eight people when appropriately scaled and supplemented with a side salad or bread.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will work well in this recipe.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it and store it in the fridge, then reheat it when you're ready to serve.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to experiment with carrots, zucchini, or green beans for additional flavors and textures.