Cozy Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash Recipe for Family Nights

Crafting delectable slow cooker hamburger hash becomes a delightful culinary adventure for busy home cooks seeking comfort and convenience.

Hearty ingredients mingle together, creating a mouthwatering one-pot meal that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Tender beef chunks nestle perfectly among diced potatoes and colorful vegetables.

Minimal prep work means maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort.

Households craving a simple yet robust dinner will find this recipe irresistibly comforting.

Warm, filling, and packed with classic flavors, this dish promises to become a weeknight favorite.

Let’s uncover how simple ingredients can transform into a crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will devour with enthusiasm.

Why Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash Is A Hearty Classic

• Conquer Slow Cooker Simplicity: Minimal prep work transforms basic ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal with zero kitchen stress.
• Maximize Nutritional Variety: Packed with protein-rich beef, vibrant vegetables, and balanced seasonings, this dish delivers a complete one-pot nutritional powerhouse.
• Create Hands-Off Comfort: Slow cooking method allows busy home cooks to walk away while the magic happens, returning to a deliciously tender meal without constant monitoring.
• Embrace Family-Friendly Dining: Universally appealing flavors and chunky textures make this recipe a crowd-pleaser for all ages, perfect for casual family dinners or weekend gatherings.

Ingredients For Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash

• Ground Beef: A hearty base that provides rich, meaty flavor and substantial texture to the slow cooker hash.
• Cubed Beef: Adds additional meat depth and creates varied protein bites throughout the dish.

• Potatoes, Carrots, Green Bell Peppers, Onions: These vegetables create a robust and nutritious foundation, offering different textures and complementary flavors to the meat.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic layer that enhances the overall taste profile of the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes, Beef Broth, Worcestershire Sauce, Tomato Paste: These ingredients combine to create a rich, savory sauce that tenderizes the meat and vegetables while providing deep, complex flavor.
• Olive Oil: Prevents sticking and helps distribute heat evenly in the slow cooker.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: Essential seasonings that build a balanced and robust flavor foundation for the hash.

Instructions For Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker

Grab your slow cooker and give it a light coating of olive oil to prevent any sticky situations and boost flavor.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

In a sizzling skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and cubed beef until they turn golden and develop a slight crispiness. Drain away any excess fat to keep things lean and delicious.

Step 3: Create Meat Base

Transfer the beautifully browned meat into the slow cooker, creating a protein-packed foundation for your hearty meal.

Step 4: Build Vegetable Layer

• Diced potatoes
• Chopped onions
• Sliced carrots
• Green bell peppers

Spread them evenly for maximum flavor distribution.

Step 5: Season Like a Pro

• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

This will create an explosion of flavor in every bite.

Step 6: Pour Liquid Magic

• Diced tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Tomato paste

Let these liquids weave through the ingredients, tenderizing everything in their path.

Step 7: Mix and Mingle

Gently stir all ingredients, ensuring every morsel gets coated in the delectable sauce.

Step 8: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Low temperature: 6-8 hours
• High temperature: 3-4 hours

Cook until vegetables become tender and meat is completely cooked through.

Step 9: Rest and Settle

After cooking, let the dish rest for 10 minutes. This allows flavors to marry and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Plate up your masterpiece while it’s hot. Optional: Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for an extra burst of freshness.

Tips For Better Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash

• Meat Browning Magic: Pat beef dry before searing to achieve a perfect golden crust and lock in rich, caramelized flavors without excess moisture.
• Fat Management Trick: Use lean ground beef or drain excess fat thoroughly to create a lighter, healthier slow cooker hash without compromising taste.
• Vegetable Texture Control: Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
• Liquid Consistency Hack: Adjust beef broth quantity based on desired sauce thickness – less liquid creates a heartier hash, while more produces a saucier texture.

Tasty Add-Ins For Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash

• Vegetarian Beef Substitute: Replace ground and cubed beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meat alternative that maintains the hearty texture.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Hash: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the dish's robust flavor profile and nutritional value.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap paprika for chili powder to create a zesty, bold version with increased heat and southwestern flair.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Option: Incorporate oregano, replace bell peppers with zucchini, and add kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-style transformation that brings Mediterranean herbs and brightness to the classic hash.

What Goes Well With Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash

• Perfectly Paired Wine Selection: Choose a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec, whose bold tannins and deep fruit notes complement the hearty beef and rich sauce.
• Complementary Craft Beer Match: Select a dark amber ale or stout with caramel undertones, which will enhance the meat's deep flavors and match the dish's rustic character.
• Fresh Herb Garnish Pairing: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top to add brightness, cutting through the meat's richness and providing a clean, vibrant counterpoint.
• Ideal Side Dish Companion: Serve alongside crusty sourdough bread or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a satisfying textural contrast.

Storage Tips For Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled hash to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated thoroughly to 165°F.
• Warm hash in skillet over medium-low heat, adding small amount of broth or water to restore moisture.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash

• What type of meat works best for this beef hash recipe?

Ground beef and cubed beef are ideal, providing a rich flavor and tender texture. Choose lean ground beef (80/20 ratio) and well-marbled beef cubes for the best results.

• Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can use a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. Cook on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the oven at 325°F for 2-3 hours until meat is tender.

• How can I make the beef hash more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like celery, zucchini, or mushrooms. Consider including nutrient-dense ingredients like sweet potatoes or spinach to boost the dish’s nutritional value.

Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty slow cooker hamburger hash brings comfort and convenience to family dinner tables with its rich, one-pot charm. Savory ground beef, potatoes, and seasonings meld together effortlessly, delivering a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1.5 lbs ground beef
• 1 lb cubed beef or hamburger meat

Vegetables:

• 3 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced

Pantry Ingredients:

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 0.25 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp tomato paste

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Instructions

1. Fire up the slow cooker and coat the interior with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor infusion.
2. Brown ground beef and cubed beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden and slightly crispy, approximately 5-7 minutes, then drain excess fat.
3. Transfer the browned meat into the slow cooker, creating a rich protein foundation for the dish.
4. Layer diced potatoes, chopped onions, sliced carrots, and green bell peppers atop the meat, ensuring even distribution.
5. Sprinkle minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika across the vegetable layer to build a robust seasoning profile.
6. Pour diced tomatoes, beef broth, worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste over the ingredients, allowing the liquid to seep through and tenderize the components.
7. Gently stir all ingredients to combine, guaranteeing each element is coated with the savory sauce.
8. Cover and cook on low temperature for 6-8 hours, or on high temperature for 3-4 hours, until vegetables are tender and meat is thoroughly cooked.
9. Once cooking is complete, let the hash rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
10. Serve hot, potentially garnishing with fresh herbs for an additional layer of freshness.

Notes

• Reduce potato size for faster, more even cooking and better texture absorption in the slow cooker.
• Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier, lower-fat alternative that maintains the dish’s hearty character.
• Pat meat dry before browning to achieve deeper caramelization and richer flavor development during the initial searing process.
• Customize spice levels by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat-lovers, or keeping it mild for sensitive palates.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg