Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash has become my go-to for those nights when I’m just too tired to think about dinner. I remember my mom making a similar dish on the stove, but this slow cooker version is a total game-changer, requiring so much less fuss. The aroma of savory beef, tender potatoes, and that creamy mushroom soup filling the house is pure comfort. If you’re looking for a truly easy slow cooker beef hash that practically makes itself, you’ve found it. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone happy and leaves you with minimal cleanup. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons! You’ll adore the incredibly savory taste that comes from the slow-cooked beef and potatoes. It’s astonishingly easy to prepare, with just 15 minutes of prep time before it cooks itself. Plus, focusing on wholesome ingredients makes it a healthier option than many comfort foods. As a ground beef hash, it’s wonderfully budget-friendly, stretching simple ingredients into a filling meal. It’s also incredibly family-friendly, with flavors that appeal to everyone, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. You’ll find this ground beef hash is a lifesaver for busy schedules!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash
Gathering the ingredients for this slow cooker beef hash is the most active part of the process, and it’s super simple! Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious meal:
- 1 pound ground beef – I like to use a leaner blend, around 85/15, for less grease.
- 1 cup diced white onion – This adds a lovely subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Just a touch to enhance all the other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper – Freshly ground pepper makes a difference!
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Because garlic makes everything better.
- 21.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup – This is the magic ingredient that creates a creamy, savory sauce.
- 15.25 ounce can corn, drained – Adds a touch of sweetness and texture.
- 1.5 pounds russet potatoes, diced – Russets break down beautifully and get nice and tender.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheese – Cheddar is my favorite, but feel free to experiment!
How to Make Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash
- Step 1: First things first, let’s get that ground beef browned. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the 1 pound ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Once it’s nicely browned, drain off any excess fat. This step is crucial for a cleaner flavor in your final dish.
- Step 2: Now, transfer that browned beef to your slow cooker. Add the 1 cup diced white onion. These two together start building the savory foundation for our crock pot hamburger hash recipe.
- Step 3: Season the beef and onion mixture with 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Give it a quick stir to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Step 4: Pour in the 21.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup. Oh, the creamy goodness this adds! Also, add the 15.25 ounce can corn, drained. Stir everything together until the beef and onions are well coated in that luscious soup.
- Step 5: Now for the star of the show – the potatoes! Add the 1.5 pounds russet potatoes, diced to the slow cooker. Make sure they are coated in the soup mixture. This ensures they cook up tender and flavorful throughout, making it a perfect crock pot hamburger hash recipe.
- Step 6: Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours. This long, slow cook time is what makes the potatoes so tender and the flavors meld beautifully. Patience is key for this delicious crock pot hamburger hash recipe.
- Step 7: About 30 minutes before serving, uncover the slow cooker and sprinkle the 2 cups shredded sharp cheese evenly over the top.
- Step 8: Place the lid back on and let the cheese melt into gooey perfection. Once it’s all melty and delicious, give it a gentle stir and serve immediately. The aroma alone is incredible!
Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash
Want to elevate your slow cooker hamburger hash game? Here are a few tricks I’ve learned that make a world of difference. For the best flavor, always brown your ground beef first – it adds a depth that just dumping it in raw can’t match. Make sure your potatoes are diced into uniform, bite-sized pieces, about 1/2-inch cubes, so they cook evenly and become perfectly tender. And don’t peek too often! Opening the lid releases heat, prolonging the cooking time and potentially affecting the texture.
What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash?
The real secret to a perfect ground beef and potato crock pot hash is the creamy mushroom soup base, which creates a rich, savory sauce as it cooks. Browning the beef first also adds a depth of flavor that makes this dish truly special.
Can I make Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash ahead of time?
Yes, you can absolutely prep components ahead! You can brown the beef and dice the onions and potatoes up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When it’s time to cook, just combine everything in the slow cooker and proceed with the recipe.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash?
A common pitfall is not browning the beef, which can lead to a less flavorful dish. Another mistake is cutting potatoes too large; this can result in undercooked spuds. Lastly, resist the urge to open the lid frequently, as this can prevent the hash from cooking evenly and reaching the desired tenderness.
Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash
This hearty slow cooker hamburger hash is so versatile, it works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! For a classic comfort food experience, serve it hot in bowls, perhaps topped with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh chives. It also makes a fantastic breakfast or brunch dish, especially when paired with some fluffy scrambled eggs or crispy bacon. If you’re looking for really easy dinner ideas, this easy hamburger hash is perfect as is, or try serving it alongside a simple green salad or some steamed broccoli to add a fresh element to your meal.
Nutrition Facts for Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash
When you whip up this comforting slow cooker hamburger hash, here’s a general idea of what you’re getting per serving. It’s a hearty meal that balances protein and carbs nicely. Remember, these are estimates, and your actual values might differ slightly based on the specific brands and ingredients you use.
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash
Leftovers of this delicious slow cooker ground beef hash are fantastic and can be stored for later enjoyment. Once the hash has cooled down slightly, transfer it into airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for longer, this hash freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, you have a couple of great options. For a quick reheat, you can microwave individual portions until heated through, stirring halfway. If you prefer, you can also gently reheat it on the stovetop in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems a little dry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash
What side dishes pair well with Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash?
This hearty dish is almost a meal in itself, but a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is always a refreshing addition. You could also serve it with some crusty bread for dipping into any extra sauce. Honestly, it’s so satisfying on its own, you might not need much else!
Can I add other vegetables to this crock pot ground beef hash?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. Diced bell peppers, carrots, or even some frozen peas can be added along with the potatoes. Just make sure they are cut into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly. It’s a versatile recipe that’s great for using up whatever veggies you have on hand.
How do I make this a cheesy slow cooker hamburger hash?
The recipe already includes cheese in the last 30 minutes of cooking, but if you want it extra cheesy, you can certainly add more! Try stirring in about 1/2 cup of shredded cheese with the potatoes, and then sprinkle another cup on top during the last half hour. It makes it wonderfully gooey and decadent.
Is this a good slow cooker hamburger hash for breakfast?
Yes, it’s fantastic for breakfast! Imagine waking up to the smell of this savory hash. It’s much easier than making it on the stove first thing in the morning. Serve it with a fried egg on top for a complete and satisfying breakfast experience.
Variations of Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash You Can Try
This recipe is fantastic as is, but I love experimenting to see what other delicious twists I can put on it! If you’re looking for a cheesy slow cooker hamburger hash, simply add an extra cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese during the last 30 minutes. For a spicier kick, try adding a can of diced green chilies or a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the potatoes. You can also swap out the cream of mushroom soup for cream of celery or cream of chicken soup for a slightly different flavor profile. If you’re short on time or prefer a firmer texture, you can adapt this into a skillet meal by browning the beef and then sautéing the onions and potatoes before adding the liquids and simmering.
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Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash: 1 Amazing Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes - 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This slow cooker hamburger hash recipe combines ground beef, potatoes, and cheese for a hearty and flavorful meal with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup diced white onion
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 21.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup
- 15.25 ounce can corn, drained
- 1.5 pounds russet potatoes, diced
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheese
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Add browned beef and diced onion to the slow cooker.
- Stir in salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Pour in cream of mushroom soup and add drained corn.
- Add diced potatoes and stir to coat all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Stir gently and serve once cheese is melted.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for best results.
- Ensure potatoes are diced uniformly for even cooking.
- Freshly grated cheese melts better.
- Avoid opening the slow cooker lid during cooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze portions for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow-Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving