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A serving of old-fashioned ground beef hash with crispy potatoes.

Classic Old-Fashioned Ground Beef Hash

This classic old-fashioned ground beef hash recipe is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal, perfect for a comforting dinner. It features crispy potatoes, savory ground beef, and aromatic vegetables, all seasoned to perfection.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Cast-iron pan

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 chopped large onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced optional
  • 4 medium potatoes about 1.5 lbs, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
  • ½ cup beef broth or water
  • 1 teaspoon paprika smoked paprika adds a lovely depth
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish, optional

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Cook potatoes directly in the pan for great results, or par-boil them for 5-7 minutes if you want extra crispy potatoes.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then brown the ground beef, breaking it up and draining any excess fat.
  • Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until soft, then stir in minced garlic for another minute if using.
  • Add diced potatoes and seasonings (paprika, thyme, salt, pepper) to the skillet, stirring to combine everything.
  • Pour in beef broth, simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.
  • Remove the lid, increase heat to medium-high, and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring less frequently, until potatoes and beef are browned and crispy.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, then garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the rest of the seasonings. This dish can also be made with leftover cooked beef or other proteins for a quicker meal. Serve with a fried egg on top for a classic diner-style breakfast or brunch.