Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash Recipe

The Effortless Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash Recipe You’ll Love

Beef lovers rejoice as this hearty slow cooker hamburger hash promises a comforting meal packed with flavor and simplicity.

Tender ground beef mingles with crispy potatoes in a delightful one-pot wonder that screams home-cooked goodness.

Every bite delivers a satisfying blend of classic ingredients that warm your soul.

The slow cooker does all the hard work, letting you relax while a mouthwatering meal simmers to perfection.

Potatoes absorb the rich, savory beef juices, creating a delectable texture that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

This no-fuss recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Prepare to be amazed by how quickly this crowd-pleasing dish comes together with minimal effort.

Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash: Weeknight Hero

  • This slow cooker hamburger hash cuts down kitchen time by using minimal ingredients and one-pot cooking technique, making dinner preparation a breeze for busy families.
  • Swap vegetables, adjust seasonings, or add different cheese types to match family preferences, creating a versatile and adaptable meal that suits everyone's taste buds.
  • Packed with familiar ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, this hearty dish appeals to children and adults alike, transforming dinnertime into a delightful experience.
  • Using affordable ingredients and requiring minimal kitchen equipment, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal without breaking the bank, perfect for households watching their spending.

Hamburger Hash Ingredients For Hearty Dinners

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the primary protein for this comforting dish.
  • Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic sweetness to the ground beef.
Potato Base:
  • Potatoes: Whole potatoes with skin on, cut into small cubes to create a satisfying and filling foundation for the hash.
Flavor Enhancers and Additions:
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates a creamy and rich sauce that binds the ingredients together.
  • Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Classic seasonings that boost and balance the overall taste of the dish.
  • Corn: Adds a sweet and textural element to the hash.
  • Shredded Cheese: Provides a melty, gooey topping that adds richness and extra flavor to the slow cooker meal.

Slow Cooker Tools For Hash Perfection

  • Large Skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and onions evenly and draining excess fat.
  • Cutting Board: Perfect for chopping potatoes into small, uniform cubes.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed to precisely dice potatoes and onions.
  • Slow Cooker: Key appliance for cooking the entire dish with minimal effort.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and spreading hash evenly.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps add precise amounts of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  • Cheese Grater (optional): Useful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.

Steps To Comforting Hamburger Hash

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef

Brown ground beef and onions in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the meat is fully cooked.

Carefully drain away any excess fat, ensuring a lean and flavorful base for your dish.

Step 2: Prep Potato Chunks

Thoroughly wash potatoes and slice them into bite-sized cubes, keeping the nutritious skin intact.

Transfer the potato chunks directly into the slow cooker, creating a hearty foundation.

Step 3: Layer Flavor Combinations

Spread the cooked beef and onion mixture over the potato base.

Add these delicious ingredients:
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Corn kernels
  • Half of the shredded cheese

Gently stir everything together and smooth the mixture into an even layer.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let it simmer on LOW temperature for 5 hours.

Resist opening the lid during cooking to maintain consistent heat and moisture.

Step 5: Melt Cheesy Topping

After 5 hours, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly across the top.

Replace the lid and allow cheese to melt for approximately 10 minutes until gooey and golden.

Tips For Savory, Satisfying Hash Bowls

  • Remove excess fat completely from ground beef to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing texture.
  • Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best cubed potato consistency that holds up well during slow cooking.
  • Sprinkle cheese gradually and allow it to melt naturally for a smooth, even distribution that enhances overall flavor and presentation.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste, considering the sodium content in cream of mushroom soup to prevent over-salting the dish.
  • Spread ingredients evenly in the slow cooker to ensure consistent cooking and flavor throughout the hamburger hash.

Hamburger Hash Mix-Ins & Additions

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace cream of mushroom soup with homemade gluten-free cream sauce using cornstarch, milk, and mushrooms. Use gluten-free cheese blend for added safety.
  • Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or diced mushrooms. Keep potato and corn base for hearty texture and protein-rich alternative.
  • Low-Carb Option: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower cubes or turnips. Reduce corn quantity and increase protein content with additional ground meat or cheese topping.
  • Mexican-Inspired Variation: Add diced green chiles, replace garlic powder with cumin, and top with salsa or jalapeños. Use pepper jack cheese for extra kick and regional flavor profile.

Ways To Serve Up Hamburger Hash

  • Hearty Family Feast: Serve this comforting Hamburger Hash with a crisp garden salad for a fresh contrast to the rich, warm dish.
  • Rustic Bread Companion: Pair with warm crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and add extra texture.
  • Veggie Side Delight: Complement the meal with steamed green beans or roasted broccoli to balance the protein-packed main course and add nutritional variety.
  • Creamy Topping Twist: Garnish with a dollop of sour cream or fresh chopped chives to enhance the flavors and add a cool, tangy finish to the dish.

Storing Hamburger Hash For Quick Meals

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the hash sealed tightly to maintain moisture and prevent absorbing other food odors.
  • Pack the cooled hamburger hash in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Label container with date for tracking.
  • Place desired portion in microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

  • Why should I brown the meat and onions before adding to the slow cooker?

Browning the meat and onions creates a deeper, richer flavor through caramelization and helps remove excess fat, resulting in a more delicious and less greasy dish.

  • Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various potato types like Yukon gold, red potatoes, or russet potatoes. Just ensure they are cut into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.

  • Is it necessary to use cream of mushroom soup?

The cream of mushroom soup adds moisture and creates a creamy texture. If you prefer, you can substitute with cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce for similar results.

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Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash Recipe

Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash Recipe


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4.8 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty slow cooker hamburger hash brings comfort to dinner tables with minimal effort. Ground beef, potatoes, and cheese meld together for a satisfying one-pot meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
  • 1 1/2 pounds (1.5 lbs) russet potatoes (about 5 cups diced, cut into small 1/2-inch cubes)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 1 cup white onion, diced
  • 15.25 ounces (15.25 oz) can corn, drained well
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Canned/Prepared Ingredients:

  • 21.5 ounces (21.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (two 10.75 ounce cans, do not add water)

Instructions

  1. Sauté ground beef and diced onions in a skillet over medium-high heat until meat is thoroughly browned. Carefully drain excess grease to prevent a greasy dish.
  2. Scrub potatoes clean, then cube them into bite-sized pieces while maintaining the nutritious skin. Transfer potato cubes directly into the slow cooker basin.
  3. Transfer the seasoned, cooked meat and onion mixture over the potato layer. Incorporate cream of mushroom soup, corn kernels, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle half of the cheese throughout the mixture, gently stirring to distribute ingredients evenly. Smooth the surface to create a uniform layer.
  4. Secure the slow cooker lid and set to LOW temperature. Allow the hash to simmer and meld flavors for 5 consecutive hours. Resist lifting the lid during cooking to maintain consistent heat and moisture.
  5. After the initial cooking period, distribute remaining cheese across the hash surface. Replace lid and permit cheese to melt for approximately 10 minutes until achieving a golden, bubbling finish.

Notes

  • Meat Selection Choose lean ground beef for a healthier version, reducing excess fat and calories while maintaining rich flavor.
  • Potato Prep Keep potato skins on for extra nutrients and rustic texture, ensuring even cube sizes for consistent cooking.
  • Seasoning Boost Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the classic comfort dish and add depth to the flavor profile.
  • Dietary Adaptations Swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles to create a vegetarian option, maintaining the hearty, satisfying essence of the original recipe.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 426
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 792 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 73 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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