Get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food with this Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash. This hearty dish features savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy mushroom soup, all topped with melted cheese. It’s a perfect blend of flavors that brings warmth and satisfaction, ideal for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Simply set the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
- Hearty & Filling: Packed with ground beef and potatoes, this dish is sure to satisfy your hunger.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the savory flavors and cheesy goodness.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
- Minimal Cleanup: With most of the cooking done in one pot, cleanup is a breeze.
Tools and Equipment
To prepare this dish, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools.
Essential Tools
- Slow cooker
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon for stirring
Why These Tools Matter
- Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, letting flavors meld together beautifully.
- Large skillet: Essential for browning the meat and onions, adding depth to the dish.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and safe chopping of ingredients.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup white onion, diced
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 21.5 oz. cream of mushroom soup (two 10.75 oz. cans, do not add water)
- 15.25 oz. can corn, drained well
- 1 ½ lbs. russet potatoes (about 5 cups diced, cut into small ½-inch cubes)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheese, divided
Seasonings
- ¼ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. pepper
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
How to Make Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by preparing your ingredients for the Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat. Once cooked, drain the fat to remove excess grease. Next, wash and dry the potatoes, cutting them into small ½-inch cubes while keeping the skin on for added texture.
Step 2: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
In your slow cooker, add the diced potatoes as the base layer. Pour the cooked ground beef and onion mixture over the potatoes. Next, add the cream of mushroom soup, corn, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir everything to combine well. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese into the mixture and stir again until evenly distributed. Spread the hash into a flat layer in the slow cooker.
Step 3: Cook the Hash
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 5 hours. Avoid opening the lid during this time; this will ensure even cooking and help the flavors meld together perfectly.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
After 5 hours of cooking, remove the lid and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top of the hash. Cover again and allow the cheese to melt for about 10 minutes before serving.
This Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash is a deliciously simple meal that brings comfort food to your dinner table with minimal effort. It is perfect for those days when you crave a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash
Elevate your meal experience with these creative serving suggestions for Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a touch of color.
Serve with a Side Salad
Pair the hash with a crisp green salad, dressed lightly with vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad balances the richness of the hash.
Create a Breakfast Bowl
Transform your hamburger hash into a hearty breakfast by serving it with a fried or poached egg on top. This adds protein and richness, making for a satisfying morning meal.
Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash
For optimal flavor and texture, consider these helpful tips when making your Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash.
- Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier dish.
- Cube Potatoes Evenly: Ensure the potatoes are cut into uniform ½-inch cubes for even cooking and consistent texture.
- Layer Ingredients Wisely: Layering the ingredients properly helps in even cooking and flavor distribution throughout the dish.
- Avoid Opening the Lid: Resist the temptation to lift the lid while cooking; it releases heat and may prolong cooking time.
- Customize Seasonings: Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to personalize the flavor profile to your liking.
Best Side Dishes and Pairings
Round out your meal with these delightful side dishes and drink pairings that complement Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash beautifully.
- Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavor of garlic bread pairs perfectly with the savory hash, providing a satisfying crunch.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the rich, hearty hash, balancing flavors and textures.
- Steamed Green Beans: Lightly seasoned steamed green beans add a pop of color and a healthy touch to your plate.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread enhances the flavors of the hash while adding a comforting, homestyle element to the meal.
- Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of iced tea complements the dish without overpowering the flavors, making it a great beverage choice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Browning the Meat: Skipping the browning step can lead to a less flavorful dish.
- Using Too Much Liquid: Adding water to the cream of mushroom soup can make the hash soupy instead of hearty.
- Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: Filling the slow cooker beyond its capacity can prevent even cooking.
- Opening the Lid Too Often: Frequent lid openings can result in longer cooking times and uneven results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftover Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing Instructions
For best results, freeze the hash in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Tips
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the hash to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl and cover. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash healthier?
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, use low-fat cheese, and add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
Can I use frozen potatoes in this Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash?
Yes, frozen diced potatoes can be used, but you may need to adjust the cooking time as they may release more moisture.
How do I customize my Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash?
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, or swap the cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor.
What should I serve with Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash?
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to handle the increased volume and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash is a must-try for anyone looking to simplify their dinner routine without sacrificing flavor. I encourage you to prepare this comforting dish and share your thoughts in the comments below!
Dinner
PrintSlow Cooker Hamburger Hash
Get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food with this Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash. Perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends, this hearty dish combines savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy mushroom soup, all topped with melted cheese. Just set it and forget it for an effortlessly delicious dinner!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 300 minutes
- Total Time: 320 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: No bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup white onion, diced
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 21.5 oz. cream of mushroom soup
- 15.25 oz. can corn, drained
- 1 ½ lbs. russet potatoes, diced
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheese, divided
- ¼ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. pepper
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat. Once cooked, drain the fat.
- Wash and dry the potatoes, then cut them into small ½-inch cubes, leaving the skin on.
- Add the diced potatoes to the slow cooker.
- Pour the cooked ground beef and onion mixture over the potatoes.
- Add the cream of mushroom soup, corn, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir to combine.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese into the mixture and stir again until evenly distributed.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5 hours.
- After 5 hours, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top of the hash.
- Cover and let the cheese melt for about 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg