Hamburger Meat Breakfast Hash recipe

Let me tell you, mornings in our house can be… chaotic. Between getting the kids ready for school, packing lunches, and the general morning rush, breakfast often becomes an afterthought. We were stuck in a rut of sugary cereals and rushed toast until I stumbled upon the idea of a breakfast hash featuring, of all things, hamburger meat. Intrigued and frankly, desperate for a savory and satisfying breakfast option, I gave it a whirl. And let me tell you, it was a game-changer! This Hamburger Meat Breakfast Hash has become a weekend staple, a dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles (and hungry stomachs). The savory ground beef, perfectly cooked potatoes, vibrant bell peppers, and onions, all seasoned to perfection, create a breakfast that’s not only incredibly flavorful but also keeps us full and energized for hours. Even my pickiest eater devours it! If you’re looking for a hearty, delicious, and surprisingly easy breakfast that will please the whole family, look no further. This Hamburger Meat Breakfast Hash is about to become your new morning hero.

Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Flavor

To create this delectable Hamburger Meat Breakfast Hash, you’ll need a simple yet flavorful combination of ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – feel free to adjust vegetables and seasonings to your liking. Here’s what you’ll need for a generous serving that feeds a hungry family:

• 1 pound Ground Beef: Lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) works best, providing a good balance of flavor and less grease. You can also use ground turkey or sausage for variations.
• 1.5 pounds Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are excellent choices. Yukon Golds offer a creamy texture, while Russets become wonderfully fluffy when cooked. Make sure to peel and dice them into ½-inch cubes for even cooking.
• 1 Large Yellow Onion: A yellow onion provides a foundational savory flavor. Diced into similar size cubes as the potatoes.
• 1 Red Bell Pepper: Adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color. Diced into ½-inch pieces. Feel free to use other colors like green, orange, or yellow bell peppers for variety.
• 2 Cloves Garlic: Minced garlic adds a pungent and aromatic depth to the hash. Freshly minced is always best, but pre-minced garlic from a jar can also be used for convenience.
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and browning the ground beef. You can substitute with other cooking oils like avocado oil or vegetable oil.
• 1 teaspoon Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky and slightly sweet flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile. Smoked paprika can also be used for a more pronounced smoky flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano: Provides a warm and earthy herbaceous note that complements the savory flavors of the dish. Dried thyme or Italian seasoning can be used as alternatives.
• ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder: Enhances the garlic flavor and adds another layer of savory depth.
• ½ teaspoon Onion Powder: Similar to garlic powder, onion powder further intensifies the savory base of the hash.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Crucial for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients. Start with about 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper and adjust as needed.
• Optional: Fresh Parsley or Chives: For garnish, adding a fresh and vibrant touch at the end. Finely chopped parsley or chives elevate the presentation and add a subtle fresh flavor.
• Optional: Eggs: Fried, poached, or scrambled eggs are a classic and delicious accompaniment to breakfast hash, adding protein and richness.

Instructions: Step-by-Step to Hash Heaven

Creating this Hamburger Meat Breakfast Hash is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to achieve breakfast perfection in no time:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

• Peel and Dice: Begin by peeling the potatoes and dicing them into ½-inch cubes. Consistent size ensures even cooking.
• Parboil (Optional but Recommended): For slightly faster cooking and softer potatoes in the final hash, you can parboil them. Place the diced potatoes in a pot of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until slightly tender but not fully cooked. Drain the potatoes well and set aside. Parboiling is optional, but it helps prevent the potatoes from becoming overly browned and ensures they cook through by the time the meat and other vegetables are ready.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

• Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the hot skillet. Break it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Brown the beef thoroughly, until it’s no longer pink. Browning the beef adds depth of flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if necessary, brown the beef in batches to ensure proper browning rather than steaming.
• Drain Excess Grease (If Needed): If your ground beef is not very lean, drain off any excess grease from the skillet after browning. Leaving too much grease can make the hash greasy.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

• Add Onion and Bell Pepper: Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet with the browned ground beef. If you drained grease, you may need to add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil at this point.
• Sauté until Softened: Cook the onion and bell pepper, stirring occasionally, until they become softened and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Sautéing the vegetables first releases their flavors and softens their texture before adding the potatoes.
• Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter quickly.

Step 4: Combine and Season

• Add Potatoes (Parboiled or Raw): Add the diced potatoes (whether parboiled or raw) to the skillet with the beef and vegetables.
• Stir in Seasonings: Sprinkle paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the mixture. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the seasonings.
• Cook until Potatoes are Tender: If using parboiled potatoes, cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are heated through and slightly browned. If using raw potatoes, cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and browning. Adjust cooking time based on potato size and your desired level of browning. If the hash seems to be drying out, you can add a tablespoon or two of water or broth to help steam the potatoes and prevent sticking.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the hash and adjust seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or any of the other spices to your preference.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

• Serve Hot: Serve the Hamburger Meat Breakfast Hash hot, straight from the skillet.
• Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Optional Add-ons: Serve with fried, poached, or scrambled eggs for a complete and protein-packed breakfast. You can also serve with hot sauce, sour cream, or avocado for added flavor and creaminess.

Nutrition Facts: Fueling Your Morning Right

Understanding the nutritional content of your meals is important. Please note that these are estimated values and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. This nutrition information is a general guideline for one serving of Hamburger Meat Breakfast Hash:

Servings: Approximately 6 servings

Estimated Nutrition Facts per Serving (approximate):

• Calories: 350-450 calories
• Protein: 25-30 grams
• Fat: 20-25 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 8-10 grams
• Cholesterol: 80-100 mg
• Sodium: 400-500 mg (can vary depending on added salt)
• Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
  • Fiber: 3-4 grams
  • Sugar: 3-5 grams
• Vitamin A: 20-30% DV (Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 50-60% DV
• Iron: 15-20% DV
• Potassium: 10-15% DV

Important Considerations:

• Lean Ground Beef: Using leaner ground beef will reduce the fat and calorie content.
• Potato Type: Potato varieties can slightly affect carbohydrate content.
• Added Oil: The amount of olive oil used will impact the fat content.
• Serving Size: These values are based on an estimated serving size. Actual portion sizes will affect the nutritional intake.

This Hamburger Meat Breakfast Hash provides a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and some vitamins and minerals, making it a hearty and satisfying breakfast option. It’s important to consider your individual dietary needs and adjust portion sizes accordingly. For more precise nutritional information, you can use online nutrition calculators and input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.

Preparation Time: Quick and Efficient

One of the best things about this Hamburger Meat Breakfast Hash is its efficiency. It’s perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

• Prep Time: 20-25 minutes (This includes peeling and dicing potatoes, onions, and bell peppers, mincing garlic, and gathering spices). If you choose to parboil the potatoes, factor in an extra 5-7 minutes for boiling time.
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (This includes browning the beef, sautéing vegetables, and cooking the hash until potatoes are tender).

Total Time: Approximately 45-55 minutes

Tips for Faster Preparation:

• Pre-dice Vegetables: If you’re really short on time, you can pre-dice the vegetables the night before and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
• Use Pre-minced Garlic: Pre-minced garlic from a jar is a convenient time-saver.
• Skip Parboiling (for slightly longer cook time): While parboiling is recommended for texture, you can skip it to save a few minutes, but expect the cooking time to increase slightly.
• Efficient Chopping: Practice your knife skills to chop vegetables quickly and efficiently.

Despite being relatively quick to prepare, this Hamburger Meat Breakfast Hash delivers big on flavor and satisfaction, making it a worthwhile investment of your morning time.

How to Serve: Versatile and Delicious Options

Hamburger Meat Breakfast Hash is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways to suit different tastes and occasions. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

• Classic Breakfast Plate:
  • Fried Eggs: Top each serving of hash with a perfectly fried egg (sunny-side up or over-easy) for added protein and richness. The runny yolk creates a delicious sauce when mixed with the hash.
  • Toast or Biscuits: Serve alongside toasted bread, English muffins, or warm biscuits for soaking up all the flavorful juices.
  • Bacon or Sausage: For an extra hearty breakfast, add a side of crispy bacon or breakfast sausage links or patties.
• Hash Bowls:
  • Grain Bowls: Create a balanced breakfast bowl by serving the hash over a bed of cooked quinoa, brown rice, or farro.
  • Greens Base: For a lighter option, serve the hash over a bed of fresh spinach or mixed greens.
  • Toppings Galore: Offer a variety of toppings for bowls, such as:
    • Avocado slices or guacamole: For creaminess and healthy fats.
    • Sour cream or Greek yogurt: For tanginess and coolness.
    • Salsa or pico de gallo: For freshness and a spicy kick.
    • Shredded cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for cheesy goodness.
    • Hot sauce: For added heat.
    • Chopped cilantro or green onions: For fresh herbs.
• Breakfast Burritos or Tacos:
  • Hash-Filled Burritos: Spoon the hash into warm tortillas, along with scrambled eggs, cheese, and your favorite burrito toppings like salsa and sour cream.
  • Breakfast Tacos: Use smaller tortillas to make breakfast tacos filled with hash, eggs, and toppings.
• Hash on Toast:
  • Avocado Toast with Hash: Elevate your avocado toast by topping it with a layer of Hamburger Meat Breakfast Hash.
  • Open-Faced Hash Sandwich: Serve the hash on toasted bread as an open-faced sandwich, perhaps with a fried egg on top.
• Side Dish for Brunch or Dinner:
  • Brunch Buffet: Include Hamburger Meat Breakfast Hash as a savory option in a brunch buffet spread.
  • Dinner Side: While primarily a breakfast dish, hash can also be served as a hearty side dish for a casual dinner, especially alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak.

No matter how you choose to serve it, Hamburger Meat Breakfast Hash is a satisfying and flavorful dish that’s sure to be a hit. Get creative with your toppings and sides to customize it to your liking!

Additional Tips for Hash Perfection

Want to take your Hamburger Meat Breakfast Hash to the next level? Here are five helpful tips to ensure hash perfection every time:

• Tip 1: Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When browning the ground beef and sautéing the vegetables, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning, resulting in less flavor and a less desirable texture. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning and sautéing.
• Tip 2: Crisp Potatoes are Key: For crispy potatoes, make sure they are diced into relatively small, uniform pieces. Parboiling can help achieve a softer interior while allowing them to crisp up nicely in the skillet. Don’t stir the potatoes too frequently while they are browning to allow them to develop a golden-brown crust.
• Tip 3: Season Generously at Each Stage: Seasoning is crucial for flavor. Season the ground beef with salt and pepper while browning. Season the vegetables as they sauté. And season the entire hash mixture once everything is combined. Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process to ensure every layer of flavor is well-developed.
• Tip 4: Get Creative with Vegetables: Feel free to customize your hash with different vegetables based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Consider adding:
  • Sweet Potatoes: For a sweeter and more nutritious twist.
  • Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy and umami flavor.
  • Zucchini or Squash: Diced zucchini or yellow squash adds a mild and slightly sweet flavor.
  • Spinach or Kale: Stir in fresh spinach or kale at the end for added greens and nutrients.
  • Jalapeño or Poblano Peppers: For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeño or poblano peppers along with the bell pepper.
• Tip 5: Make it Ahead for Busy Mornings: You can prepare the Hamburger Meat Breakfast Hash ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weekdays. Cook the hash completely, let it cool, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. You can also freeze cooked hash for longer storage (up to 2-3 months). Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating consistently delicious and satisfying Hamburger Meat Breakfast Hash that your family and friends will love.

FAQ: Your Burning Hash Questions Answered

Got questions about making the perfect Hamburger Meat Breakfast Hash? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Q1: Can I use frozen potatoes for this recipe?
A: While fresh potatoes are generally recommended for best texture, you can use frozen diced potatoes in a pinch. However, frozen potatoes tend to release more moisture, which can make the hash less crispy. If using frozen potatoes, thaw them slightly before adding them to the skillet and cook a bit longer to allow excess moisture to evaporate.

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
A: To make this recipe vegetarian, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground beef alternatives, like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger crumbles. For a vegan version, ensure your plant-based beef substitute is vegan and consider using a vegan butter or oil instead of olive oil if you are strictly vegan. You can also omit the beef entirely and create a vegetable-only hash, increasing the amount of potatoes and other vegetables.

Q3: What if I don’t have all the spices listed? Can I substitute or omit some?
A: Absolutely! The spices listed are suggestions, and you can adjust them based on your preferences and what you have available. If you don’t have paprika, you can omit it or use a pinch of chili powder for a slightly different flavor. Dried thyme or Italian seasoning can be substituted for oregano. Garlic powder and onion powder enhance the savory flavor, but if you are missing one, you can compensate with more of the other or use extra fresh garlic and onion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite spice blends!

Q4: How do I prevent the hash from sticking to the skillet?
A: Using a good quality non-stick skillet is helpful in preventing sticking. Make sure the skillet is properly heated before adding ingredients. Using enough oil or fat also helps prevent sticking. If you are using a stainless steel skillet, ensure it’s well-seasoned and preheated properly. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lead to steaming and sticking. If the hash starts to stick, you can add a tablespoon of water or broth to deglaze the pan and loosen any stuck bits.

Q5: Can I add eggs directly into the hash while cooking?
A: While you can technically cook eggs directly in the hash, it’s generally recommended to cook them separately for better control over the egg doneness. If you want to incorporate eggs directly, you can create small wells in the hash towards the end of cooking and crack eggs into each well. Cover the skillet and cook until the eggs are set to your desired doneness. However, frying, poaching, or scrambling eggs separately and serving them on top of the hash is often easier and allows for more consistent egg cooking.

We hope these FAQs are helpful! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask, and most importantly, enjoy making and savoring your delicious Hamburger Meat Breakfast Hash!

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