Chef John’s Hamburger Hash: A Deliciously Simple Comfort Food Recipe

Chef John’s Hamburger Hash is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. It’s a perfect weeknight meal, a great way to use up leftover cooked ground beef, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This recipe, inspired by the culinary wisdom of Chef John from Food Wishes, elevates the humble hamburger hash to something truly special. Forget bland and boring; this version is packed with flavor and texture.

## Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Hash

* **Simple Ingredients:** You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator already.
* **Quick and Easy:** This dish comes together in under 30 minutes.
* **Versatile:** Easily adaptable to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
* **Budget-Friendly:** A cost-effective way to feed a family or group.
* **Deliciously Comforting:** A warm and satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
* **Excellent Leftovers:** Tastes even better the next day!

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients required for Chef John’s Hamburger Hash, along with some helpful notes and substitutions:

* **Ground Beef:** 1 pound (450g). Use 80/20 for a richer flavor or leaner ground beef if you prefer. Cooked ground beef works perfectly if you have leftovers!
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped. Yellow or white onions are ideal.
* **Bell Pepper:** 1 medium, chopped. Any color will work; green bell peppers offer a slightly more bitter flavor, while red and yellow bell peppers are sweeter.
* **Potatoes:** 2 medium, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes. Russet potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes, or red potatoes are all good choices. The cooking time might vary slightly depending on the type of potato used.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is best, but you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder if needed.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 1 tablespoon. This adds a savory, umami depth of flavor.
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 teaspoon. Adds a tangy kick that complements the other flavors.
* **Hot Sauce:** A few dashes (optional). Use your favorite hot sauce for a touch of heat. Frank’s RedHot, Tabasco, or sriracha are all great options.
* **Beef Broth:** ½ cup. This helps to create a slightly saucy consistency and adds flavor.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons. For sautéing the vegetables.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Season generously!
* **Fresh Parsley:** 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish). Adds a fresh, vibrant touch.
* **Eggs:** (Optional) 1-2 eggs per person, fried or poached. A fried egg on top elevates this dish to a whole new level!

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
* Cutting Board
* Chef’s Knife
* Measuring Spoons and Cups
* Spatula or Wooden Spoon

## Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Chef John’s Hamburger Hash

Follow these detailed instructions to create a delicious and satisfying Hamburger Hash:

**Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables**

* Peel and dice the potatoes into ½-inch cubes. Try to cut them relatively uniformly so they cook evenly.
* Chop the onion and bell pepper into similar-sized pieces. Consistency in size will ensure even cooking and a better final texture.
* Mince the garlic. Freshly minced garlic offers the best flavor.
* Chop the fresh parsley (if using) and set aside for garnish.

**Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef (If Needed)**

* If you’re using raw ground beef, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
* Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
* If you’re using pre-cooked ground beef, you can skip this step and add it later.

**Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables**

* Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet (if needed).
* Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

**Step 4: Add the Potatoes and Cook**

* Add the diced potatoes to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper.
* Cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and slightly browned, about 10-15 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the size of the potato cubes and the type of potato used. You may need to add a splash of water or beef broth if the potatoes start to stick to the bottom of the pan.

**Step 5: Combine and Simmer**

* If you cooked the ground beef in the same skillet, push the vegetables to the side. If you’re using pre-cooked ground beef, add it to the skillet now.
* Add the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce (if using) to the skillet.
* Pour in the beef broth and stir everything together well.
* Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

**Step 6: Season and Serve**

* Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember that Worcestershire sauce and some hot sauces can be quite salty, so taste before adding more salt.
* Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley (if using).
* Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley and a fried or poached egg, if desired.

## Tips and Variations

* **Add Different Vegetables:** Get creative and add other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, celery, zucchini, or corn. Remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño pepper for extra heat.
* **Use Different Protein:** Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even diced ham or sausage.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the ground beef and use lentils or crumbled tofu instead. Be sure to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
* **Add Cheese:** Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or pepper jack cheese over the hash during the last few minutes of cooking for a cheesy, melty topping.
* **Make it a Breakfast Hash:** Add diced bacon or sausage and top with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast hash.
* **Serve it with a Side:** This hash is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of toast, biscuits, or a simple green salad.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** If you’re making a large batch, it’s best to cook the hamburger hash in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the pan and result in steamed, rather than browned, ingredients.
* **Control the Moisture:** If your hamburger hash is too wet, cook it uncovered for a few minutes to allow some of the excess moisture to evaporate. If it’s too dry, add a little more beef broth.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your hamburger hash will taste. Use fresh vegetables and good-quality ground beef for the best results.

## Serving Suggestions

Chef John’s Hamburger Hash is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

* **As a Main Course:** Serve it as a hearty and satisfying main course for lunch or dinner.
* **As a Side Dish:** Serve it as a side dish alongside grilled meats, roasted chicken, or fish.
* **For Breakfast or Brunch:** Top it with a fried egg for a delicious and filling breakfast or brunch.
* **In Burritos or Tacos:** Use it as a filling for burritos or tacos.
* **Over Rice or Noodles:** Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

Hamburger hash can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

## Storage Instructions

Store leftover hamburger hash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze for longer storage, up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

* Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving
* Protein: 25-30 grams
* Fat: 25-35 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams

## Conclusion

Chef John’s Hamburger Hash is a simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its humble ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a guaranteed winner in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and comforting meal that will have everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy!

This recipe truly embodies the spirit of Food Wishes – accessible cooking that delivers big flavor. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes the simplest dishes are the most rewarding. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below! What variations did you try? What did you serve it with?

Bon appétit, and as Chef John would say, “Enjoy!”

### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use frozen potatoes?**
A: While fresh potatoes are recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen diced potatoes in a pinch. Add them directly to the skillet and cook until tender.

**Q: Can I add cheese to the hash?**
A: Absolutely! Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese are all great additions. Sprinkle it over the hash during the last few minutes of cooking and let it melt.

**Q: How do I make this recipe spicier?**
A: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a chopped jalapeño pepper, or a few extra dashes of your favorite hot sauce.

**Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**
A: Yes, hamburger hash can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave.

**Q: What can I serve with hamburger hash?**
A: Hamburger hash is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with toast, biscuits, a simple green salad, or a fried egg.

**Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?**
A: Yes, ground turkey, ground chicken, or even diced ham or sausage can be used instead of ground beef.

**Q: How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the pan?**
A: Make sure the pan is properly heated before adding the potatoes and stir them frequently. You may also need to add a splash of water or beef broth to prevent sticking.

**Q: Can I freeze hamburger hash?**
A: Yes, hamburger hash can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

**Q: What is the best type of potato to use?**
A: Russet potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes, or red potatoes are all good choices for hamburger hash.