Looking for a hearty, one-pan meal that’s loaded with flavor and comfort? The corn beef hash recipe is your go-to dish. With its crispy potatoes, tender corned beef, and caramelized onions, this skillet classic turns humble ingredients into something crave-worthy.Whether you’re using leftover corned beef or cracking open a can, hash is the perfect way to turn scraps into a savory, satisfying breakfast—or even dinner. Plus, it’s super customizable, from eggs on top to spicy peppers or cheese mixed in.Looking for more one-pan comfort food? Don’t miss our Beef Kofta Recipe for another bold and hearty skillet dish
What is Corn Beef Hash?
Corned beef hash is a hearty, savory hash dish made by pan-frying chopped corned beef, diced potatoes, and onions. It’s beloved across the U.S. and the U.K., particularly as a breakfast or brunch dish.
A Dish Rooted in Resourcefulness
The word “hash” comes from the French word hacher, meaning “to chop.” It was originally designed to use up leftovers—especially after big meals like St. Patrick’s Day.
Corned beef hash gained popularity during wartime America when canned meat became a pantry staple. Today, it remains a favorite for its comforting flavors and simple prep.
Why People Love It
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One-pan meal = less cleanup
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Ideal for leftovers
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Incredibly filling
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Can be customized with spices, sauces, and veggies
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Budget-friendly comfort food
Corned Beef: The Star of the Dish
You can use:
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Leftover corned beef: Chop or shred it for more texture
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Canned corned beef: A pantry hero—just break it up gently
Tip: Canned corned beef is saltier. Reduce added salt when seasoning your hash.
Potatoes: The Crisp Factor
Use waxy or starchy potatoes depending on your texture preference:
Potato Type | Texture When Cooked | Best For |
---|---|---|
Russet (baking) | Crispy outside, fluffy inside | Classic hash |
Yukon Gold | Creamy and rich | Golden brown skillet finish |
Red Potatoes | Holds shape well | Chunky, rustic style |
Dice them small (½ inch) for even cooking.
Veggies and Add-ins
The base ingredients are potatoes, onions, and beef—but feel free to boost the flavor:
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Onions (white or yellow, diced)
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Bell peppers (optional, for color and sweetness)
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Garlic, paprika, black pepper, thyme
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Hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce for kick
How to Cook Corn Beef Hash Like a Pro
To get that golden, crispy finish and tender middle, technique is everything. Don’t just stir and fry—hash loves patience.
Step-by-Step Method
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Par-cook the potatoes:
Boil or microwave diced potatoes for 4–5 minutes first. This softens them and cuts down skillet time. -
Sauté the aromatics:
In a large cast iron or nonstick pan, heat oil or butter. Cook onions (and peppers, if using) until soft. -
Add potatoes & cook undisturbed:
Spread par-cooked potatoes in an even layer. Let them crisp undisturbed for 4–5 minutes. -
Add corned beef:
Mix in chopped beef and press into pan. Let brown without stirring. -
Season & finish:
Sprinkle black pepper, paprika, and fresh herbs. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Optional Upgrades
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Top with fried or poached eggs for a complete breakfast
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Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Swiss for cheesy hash
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Add green onions or parsley for freshness
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Stir in a spoon of Dijon mustard for tang
Pro Tip: Resist the urge to stir constantly. Let the bottom crisp up for that irresistible golden crust.
5 Delicious Variations of Corn Beef Hash
Whether you like it classic or crave something bold and new, these five corn beef hash recipe variations bring fresh flavor to the skillet. Try them all and discover your favorite twist!
1. Classic Skillet Corned Beef Hash
The old-school version: potatoes, onions, and beef, all crisped in butter or oil until golden brown. Perfect with fried eggs and toast.
Ingredients
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1 cup cooked corned beef, diced
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2 medium potatoes, par-cooked and diced
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1 small onion, diced
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Salt, pepper, butter
Tip: Use a cast iron skillet for max crispiness.
2. Cheesy Corned Beef Hash Bake
Make it even more comforting by transferring your cooked hash into a baking dish, topping it with cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella), and broiling until bubbly.
Add-ins:
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Garlic powder
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Grated cheese
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Breadcrumbs for crunch
Great for brunch or even dinner with a side salad.
3. Spicy Jalapeño Hash
Turn up the heat! Add fresh chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper to the onion and potato mix.
Topping idea: Drizzle with sriracha or chipotle mayo and sprinkle with cilantro.
4. Sweet Potato Corned Beef Hash
Swap regular potatoes with cubed roasted sweet potatoes for a sweeter, healthier option. Pairs well with goat cheese or spinach.
Benefits:
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Adds antioxidants
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Naturally gluten-free
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Balances saltiness of the beef
5. Corned Beef Hash with Eggs on Top
Add eggs directly to the skillet during the final 3–5 minutes. Cover the pan to steam and cook them until yolks are just set.
Variation: Crack eggs into small wells in the hash for a built-in egg cup effect.
Leftovers Magic: Using Corned Beef from Other Meals
One of the best things about corned beef hash? It’s the ultimate way to repurpose leftovers. If you’ve got extra beef from St. Patrick’s Day or a Sunday roast, you’re halfway to a meal.
Types of Leftover Corned Beef That Work
Corned Beef Form | Works For Hash? | Notes |
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Sliced (from roast) | ✅ | Chop it small or shred |
Shredded | ✅✅ | Adds great texture and browning |
Cubed | ✅ | Be sure to crisp it for best flavor |
Canned | ✅ | Easy and salty—adjust seasoning |
Seasoning Tip
If using seasoned corned beef leftovers (with mustard seeds, cloves, etc.), taste first before adding spices. Leftovers can be quite flavorful already.
Other Leftover Ingredients to Add In
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Roasted carrots or cabbage
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Mashed potatoes (mix into diced for creamier texture)
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Sautéed onions or garlic butter
Don’t miss our Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe—another creative way to use leftover beef in a hearty, comforting dish.
Best Tools and Pans for Making Hash
You don’t need a fancy kitchen to master the perfect corn beef hash recipe, but a few tools make a big difference when it comes to crispiness and ease.
Cast Iron Skillet: The Gold Standard
Cast iron holds heat like no other, delivering a deep, even crust and unbeatable browning.
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Preheat before adding ingredients
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Don’t overcrowd the pan
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Avoid stirring too early
If you don’t have one, use a heavy-bottomed stainless steel skillet instead.
Prep Tools That Help
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Sharp chef’s knife: For uniform potato cubes
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Mandoline slicer: If you like thin-cut hash
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Food chopper: Speeds up onion and veggie prep
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Microwave-safe bowl: For par-cooking potatoes fast
Spatula & Tongs
Use a flat metal spatula for flipping sections without breaking them up, and tongs for placing add-ons like eggs or greens.
Healthy Twists & Dietary Swaps
Want to enjoy hash without guilt? It’s easy to adjust your corn beef hash recipe to fit different lifestyles.
Lighter Meat Options
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Use lean corned beef (store-bought low-fat options)
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Choose nitrate-free or organic brands
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Try turkey corned beef if available
Veggie and Vegan Swaps
You can make a delicious meatless hash:
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Replace meat with sautéed mushrooms or lentils
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Use tofu or tempeh for protein
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Try seitan “beef” strips seasoned with smoked paprika
Flavor tip: Vegan Worcestershire or tamari adds that savory umami depth.
Low-Carb Options
Swap out white potatoes with:
Substitute | Texture/Benefit |
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Cauliflower | Low-carb, light, neutral flavor |
Turnips | Slightly sweet, lower in carbs |
Zucchini | Adds moisture, cook quickly |
Sweet potatoes | More fiber, complex flavor |
Serving Ideas for Any Meal of the Day
Don’t limit hash to breakfast! This flexible dish fits into any mealtime with the right pairings.
Breakfast Classic
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Add sunny-side-up or poached eggs
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Pair with sourdough toast or English muffins
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Top with hot sauce or ketchup
Lunch Wraps or Burritos
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Wrap hash in a tortilla with shredded cheese
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Add greens or slaw for crunch
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Serve with salsa or aioli
Dinner Bowls or Casseroles
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Serve over rice, quinoa, or couscous
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Turn into a baked hash casserole with cheese and egg
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Add steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables on the side
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple recipes like hash can go sideways if you’re not careful. Here’s what to avoid:
Mushy Potatoes
Cause: Not par-cooking, or over-steaming in the pan.
Fix: Boil or microwave until just tender, then pan-fry.
Dry or Chewy Beef
Cause: Overcooking or not enough moisture.
Fix: Add beef at the end, or stir in a splash of broth or sauce.
Uneven Texture
Cause: Overcrowding the pan.
Fix: Use a large skillet and spread ingredients out. Crisp in batches if needed.
Bland Flavor
Fix: Boost with garlic, pepper, Worcestershire, paprika, or mustard for balance. Taste and season as you go!
🔥 Why Cast Iron is the Best for Corn Beef Hash
To get that perfect crispy bottom in your corn beef hash recipe, the pan you use matters—a lot. Cast iron skillets are the gold standard because they retain heat evenly and build that iconic crust you just can’t get with non-stick.
According to Serious Eats , cast iron not only helps food brown better but also enhances flavor by creating “fond” at the bottom—those crispy browned bits that make hash irresistible.
Looking for more cast-iron skillet ideas? Try our Beef Kofta Recipe—a one-pan dish loaded with flavor and spices.
FAQs: People Also Ask
1. What is corned beef hash made of?
Corned beef hash is typically made with chopped or shredded corned beef, diced potatoes, onions, and seasonings. It’s pan-fried until crispy and served as a hearty breakfast or meal.
2. Can I use canned corned beef for hash?
Yes! Canned corned beef works great. It’s soft and salty, so reduce added salt and be gentle when mixing to avoid it turning mushy.
3. How do you get corned beef hash crispy?
Use a hot skillet (preferably cast iron), pre-cook your potatoes, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Let the hash sit undisturbed for a few minutes to allow browning before stirring.
4. Is corned beef hash healthy?
It can be, especially when made with lean corned beef, healthy oils, and nutrient-rich add-ins like sweet potatoes or veggies. Avoid over-salting and use moderation with processed meats.
5. Can I make corned beef hash without potatoes?
Yes. You can use sweet potatoes, cauliflower, turnips, or even shredded cabbage for a low-carb or paleo-friendly version.
6. What’s the best pan to cook hash in?
A cast iron skillet is ideal—it provides even heat and helps achieve a crispy crust. If unavailable, a non-stick or heavy stainless-steel skillet works too.
Conclusion
The corn beef hash recipe is more than just a leftover solution—it’s a savory, satisfying, and endlessly customizable comfort food. Whether you go classic with crispy potatoes and a fried egg, or mix it up with sweet potatoes, jalapeños, or cheese, hash always delivers big flavor in a single skillet.
It’s fast, flexible, and perfect for any time of day—from Sunday brunch to weeknight dinner. Now that you know how to master it, all that’s left is to heat the pan and make it yours.
Looking for more hearty skillet recipes? Discover our Beef Kofta Recipe—packed with spices, herbs, and protein.
PrintCorn Beef Hash Recipe: Crispy, Savory, and Perfect Anytime
- Author: rodrigo Stone
- Total Time: 1 hour
Description
A southern classic made simple with canned peaches, this peach cobbler recipe is warm, buttery, and packed with juicy peach flavor. Perfect for last-minute desserts or casual gatherings, it’s comforting, quick, and incredibly delicious.
Ingredients
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1 can (29 oz) sliced peaches in syrup, undrained
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 cup milk
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1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
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1 1/2 tsp baking powder
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1/4 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
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Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (for serving)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Pour melted butter into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and milk until smooth.
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Pour batter evenly over the melted butter in the dish—do not stir.
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Spoon the canned peaches with syrup evenly over the batter—again, do not stir.
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Sprinkle cinnamon over the top if using.
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Bake for 45–50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the batter has risen around the peaches.
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Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
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You can use fresh or frozen peaches when in season—just toss them with a bit of sugar and juice.
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Do not stir the layers once assembled; this creates the cobbler’s signature texture.
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Best enjoyed warm the day it’s made, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins