Easy Slow-Cooker Hamburger Hash You’ll Love
If you’re searching for a comforting meal that’s both effortless and delicious, this Slow-Cooker Hamburger Hash recipe is an absolute game-changer. Combining ground beef, tender potatoes, and a blend of savory spices, it’s a hearty dish that simmers away gently in the slow cooker, filling your home with irresistible aromas. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this recipe delivers satisfying flavors without the fuss, making it a go-to for anyone who loves a fuss-free, tasty meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Prep: Minimal chopping and just one appliance make this a breeze to prepare.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and potatoes, it keeps hunger at bay for hours.
- Set It and Forget It: Once in the slow cooker, it needs almost no attention.
- Versatile Meal: Easily customized with your favorite veggies or spices.
- Comfort Food Classic: Perfectly balanced flavors warm you up from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Slow-Cooker Hamburger Hash is thoughtfully chosen to create layers of flavor and texture while keeping the recipe easy and satisfying. From the juicy ground beef to the tender potatoes, every element plays a key role.
- Ground Beef: Choose lean or regular for rich, savory flavor and protein.
- Potatoes: Diced Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape beautifully and add a subtle creaminess.
- Onion: Adds sharpness and sweetness as it cooks down.
- Bell Peppers: For a pop of color and fresh, mild flavor.
- Garlic: Brings depth and aromatic warmth to the dish.
- Beef Broth: Keeps everything moist and infuses the hash with savory goodness.
- Tomato Paste: Intensifies the flavors and adds a subtle richness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and a touch of tang for complexity.
- Spices: Paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme—simple seasonings that elevate every bite.
Variations for Slow-Cooker Hamburger Hash
One of the best parts about the Slow-Cooker Hamburger Hash is how easily you can tweak it to your liking. Whether you want to sneak in extra veggies, cater to dietary preferences, or simply shake things up, here are some fun ideas to customize your hash.
- Swap the Beef: Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or corn for extra texture and nutrition.
- Spice It Up: Incorporate chili powder or cayenne for a little heat.
- Cheesy Finish: Stir in shredded cheese during the last 15 minutes of cooking for gooey goodness.
- Low-Carb Version: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly twist.
How to Make Slow-Cooker Hamburger Hash
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef until it is no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Prepare the Veggies
While the beef browns, dice potatoes, chop onions, slice bell peppers, and mince garlic to ensure everything is ready to go into the slow cooker.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Place the browned beef, chopped vegetables, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and spices directly into the slow cooker. Stir gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Slow Cook on Low
Cover and cook on low heat for about 6 to 7 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and all flavors have melded beautifully.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Give everything a final stir, adjust seasoning if needed, and your delicious Slow-Cooker Hamburger Hash is ready to enjoy.
Pro Tips for Making Slow-Cooker Hamburger Hash
- Brown the Meat First: Ensures extra flavor and prevents greasy texture.
- Uniform Chopping: Cut potatoes and veggies into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Don’t Overfill: Leave some space in the slow cooker for proper heat circulation.
- Add Delicate Ingredients Late: If adding quick-cooking veggies like peas, stir them in during the last 30 minutes.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme over the finished dish for a bright note.
How to Serve Slow-Cooker Hamburger Hash
Garnishes
A scattering of chopped fresh herbs, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese take this dish to the next level by adding color, creaminess, and extra flavor layers.
Side Dishes
This hearty hash pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal, and crusty bread or warm dinner rolls help soak up the savory juices.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Slow-Cooker Hamburger Hash topped with a perfectly fried egg or wrapped inside warm tortillas for a tasty breakfast or brunch twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place cooled leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days to enjoy anytime during the week.
Freezing
This hash freezes beautifully; just portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of beef broth or water to keep it moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and makes for a lighter version of the Slow-Cooker Hamburger Hash without sacrificing taste.
How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker?
Typically, it needs about 6 to 7 hours on low heat for the potatoes to become tender and flavors to blend perfectly.
Can I prepare this recipe in the morning and serve it for dinner?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for “set it and forget it” cooking—add everything to the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a ready meal.
What type of potatoes work best?
Yukon Gold and red potatoes hold their shape well and offer a creamy texture, making them ideal for Slow-Cooker Hamburger Hash.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This Slow-Cooker Hamburger Hash is naturally gluten-free as long as your Worcestershire sauce and broth are gluten-free brands.
Final Thoughts
This Slow-Cooker Hamburger Hash is a delicious way to enjoy a hearty, fuss-free meal any day of the week. With minimal prep, comforting flavors, and endless customization options, it quickly becomes a family favorite worth repeating. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever managed weeknight dinners without it!
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Slow-Cooker Hamburger Hash
Slow-Cooker Hamburger Hash is a comforting, easy-to-make meal featuring ground beef, tender potatoes, and a blend of savory spices simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, it offers hearty, satisfying flavors with minimal prep and flexible customization options.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Meat and Broth
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
- 1 cup beef broth
Vegetables
- 3 cups diced Yukon Gold or red potatoes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Flavorings and Spices
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat to prevent greasiness.
- Prepare the Veggies: While the beef is browning, dice the potatoes, chop the onion, slice the bell peppers, and mince the garlic to have all ingredients ready to add to the slow cooker.
- Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Add the browned beef, diced vegetables, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and all the spices into the slow cooker. Stir gently to evenly distribute everything.
- Slow Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours until the potatoes are tender and the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Finish and Serve: Give the hash a final stir, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm and enjoy your Slow-Cooker Hamburger Hash.
Notes
- Brown the Meat First: Enhances flavor and reduces greasiness in the final dish.
- Uniform Chopping: Chop potatoes and vegetables into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t Overfill: Leave space in the slow cooker for proper heat circulation.
- Add Delicate Ingredients Late: For quick-cooking veggies like peas, add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a bright, fresh flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: slow cooker, hamburger hash, beef hash, easy dinner, comfort food, one-pot meal, gluten free