Easy & Delicious Corned Beef Hash Recipe – Classic Breakfast
Corned beef hash is a hearty and flavorful dish that has been a staple in American and British kitchens for generations. Made with crispy potatoes, tender corned beef, and aromatic seasonings, this dish is a perfect way to use up leftovers while creating a filling and delicious meal. Whether you’re making it for a weekend brunch or a quick weekday dinner, this corned beef hash recipe is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
The origins of corned beef hash trace back to World War II when food rationing made it necessary to create meals from preserved meats and vegetables. Today, it remains a comfort food favorite, often served with eggs, toast, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for an added kick. This recipe will guide you through every step, ensuring you get a crispy, golden-brown hash with tender, savory bites of corned beef in every forkful.
Nutrition & Instructions
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Active Time: 20 minutes
- Resting Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Cuisine: American, British
- Course: Breakfast, Brunch
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 kcal
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet (cast iron preferred)
- Spatula
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Medium mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked corned beef, diced or shredded
- 2 cups cooked potatoes, diced (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme leaves)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 eggs (optional, for serving)
- Hot sauce or ketchup (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients – Dice the corned beef and potatoes into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Finely chop the onion and set everything aside.
- Heat the Skillet – In a large cast iron skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until the butter is fully melted and the pan is hot.
- Sauté the Onion – Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the Potatoes – Stir in the diced potatoes, spreading them out evenly in the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes to develop a crispy golden-brown crust.
- Incorporate the Corned Beef – Add the diced corned beef to the pan, mixing it with the potatoes and onions. Press the mixture down slightly to help it crisp up.
- Season the Hash – Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and thyme over the mixture. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasoning.
- Crisp the Hash – Continue to cook the hash, stirring occasionally, for another 8-10 minutes until the potatoes are crispy and golden brown and the corned beef is heated through.
- Prepare the Eggs (Optional) – If serving with eggs, cook them separately to your preferred doneness—fried, poached, or scrambled.
- Finish & Serve – Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the hash. Serve hot with eggs on top and a side of hot sauce or ketchup if desired.
Tips for the Best Corned Beef Hash
- Use Leftover Corned Beef: This dish is a great way to use leftover corned beef from St. Patrick’s Day or any slow-cooked meal.
- Get Crispy Potatoes: To achieve extra crispiness, avoid stirring too often. Let the potatoes brown before flipping.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Try adding bell peppers, cheese, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor.
- Use a Cast Iron Skillet: A cast iron skillet helps create the perfect crispy texture that makes hash so delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Corned Beef Hash Recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that delivers comfort in every bite. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, it’s a versatile meal that can be customized to your liking. Serve it with eggs, toast, or a fresh side salad, and enjoy the hearty flavors of this classic dish. Try this recipe today and savor the perfect balance of crispy, savory, and satisfying goodness!
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.