Corned Beef Hash Nachos: A Deliciously Irish-Inspired Twist on a Classic!

Forget the same old nachos! These Corned Beef Hash Nachos are a flavor explosion, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, game day, or any time you’re craving a hearty and satisfying snack. This recipe combines the comforting goodness of corned beef hash with the irresistible crunch of tortilla chips, all smothered in melted cheese and your favorite toppings. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to devour.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Unique and Flavorful:** Ditch the ground beef and embrace the savory goodness of corned beef hash. The combination of corned beef, potatoes, and onions creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is surprisingly simple, requiring minimal prep time and cooking effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to adapt the toppings to your liking. Add some jalapenos for a kick, or experiment with different cheeses and sauces.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** These nachos are a guaranteed hit with family and friends. They’re perfect for sharing and make a fun and interactive appetizer.
* **Perfect for Leftovers:** Have leftover corned beef? This is the perfect way to use it up and create a delicious new meal.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Tortilla Chips:** Choose your favorite kind of tortilla chips. Restaurant-style or thicker chips are recommended to hold all the toppings.
* **Corned Beef Hash:** You can use canned corned beef hash for convenience, or make your own from scratch using leftover corned beef. (See recipe below for homemade corned beef hash).
* **Cheese:** A blend of cheeses is always a good idea! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend all work well. Shredded cheese is easiest to melt evenly.
* **Toppings (Choose your favorites!):**
* Sour cream
* Guacamole
* Salsa
* Pickled jalapenos
* Chopped green onions
* Diced tomatoes
* Black olives
* Hot sauce
* Thousand Island Dressing
* Dijon Mustard
* Brown Mustard

## Homemade Corned Beef Hash (Optional)

If you prefer to make your own corned beef hash, here’s a simple recipe:

* 1 pound cooked corned beef, diced
* 2 cups cooked potatoes, diced
* 1 medium onion, diced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the diced corned beef and potatoes to the skillet.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the hash is heated through and slightly browned, about 10-15 minutes. Press down occasionally to form a crispy crust.

## How to Make Corned Beef Hash Nachos: Step-by-Step Instructions

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 10 minutes
**Total Time:** 25 minutes

**Yields:** 6-8 servings

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven (or Broiler):** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Alternatively, you can use the broiler for a quicker melt, but keep a close eye on the nachos to prevent burning.

2. **Prepare the Baking Sheet:** Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

3. **Arrange the Tortilla Chips:** Spread the tortilla chips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure there are minimal gaps, allowing for even topping distribution.

4. **Add the Corned Beef Hash:** Evenly distribute the corned beef hash over the tortilla chips. Try to get some hash on every chip for maximum flavor.

5. **Sprinkle with Cheese:** Generously sprinkle the shredded cheese over the corned beef hash and tortilla chips. Ensure that all the hash is covered with cheese to create a gooey and delicious topping.

6. **Bake (or Broil):**
* **Oven:** Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
* **Broiler:** If using the broiler, place the baking sheet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning! Rotate the baking sheet for even melting, if needed.

7. **Add the Toppings:** Remove the nachos from the oven (or broiler) and let them cool slightly for a minute or two. Then, add your desired toppings. Get creative and load them up with your favorite flavors!

8. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the Corned Beef Hash Nachos immediately while the cheese is still melted and the chips are crispy. Enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Spice it Up:** Add some diced jalapenos to the corned beef hash or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top of the nachos for a spicy kick.
* **Add Some Veggies:** Incorporate some cooked vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions into the corned beef hash for added flavor and nutrition.
* **Make it a Meal:** Add a fried egg on top of the nachos for a heartier and more substantial meal.
* **Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Swiss, or even a sharp cheddar for a unique flavor profile.
* **Creamy Sauce Drizzle:** For added flavor, drizzle a creamy horseradish sauce or a spicy mayo over the nachos after baking.
* **Add some greens:** Consider adding some wilted spinach or kale to the hash for added nutrients.
* **Use Different Chips:** While tortilla chips are the classic choice, you could experiment with potato chips or even pita chips for a different texture.
* **Make it in a Cast Iron Skillet:** Instead of a baking sheet, you can assemble and bake the nachos in a cast iron skillet for a rustic presentation.

## Serving Suggestions

* Serve these nachos as an appetizer for St. Patrick’s Day, game day, or any casual gathering.
* Pair them with a cold beer or a refreshing cocktail.
* Offer a variety of toppings so your guests can customize their own nachos.
* For a complete meal, serve the nachos with a side salad or a bowl of soup.

## Storing Leftovers

While these nachos are best served immediately, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the chips will likely become soggy. To reheat, you can try baking them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to crisp them up, but they won’t be as good as fresh.

## FAQs

**Q: Can I use leftover corned beef instead of canned corned beef hash?**
A: Absolutely! Using leftover corned beef is a great way to reduce food waste and create a delicious and flavorful hash. Just dice the corned beef and follow the recipe instructions.

**Q: Can I make these nachos ahead of time?**
A: It’s best to assemble and bake the nachos just before serving to prevent the chips from getting soggy. However, you can prepare the corned beef hash and chop the toppings ahead of time to save time when you’re ready to assemble.

**Q: Can I freeze these nachos?**
A: Freezing these nachos is not recommended, as the chips will become soggy and the cheese may change texture.

**Q: What if I don’t have an oven?**
A: You can still make these nachos! Use a microwave to melt the cheese. Be sure to watch carefully and microwave in short bursts to prevent burning. The chips won’t be as crispy, but it’s a quick and easy alternative.

**Q: Can I use different cheeses?**
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses. Gruyere, Swiss, or even a sharp cheddar would all be delicious.

**Q: Can I add beans to these nachos?**
A: Yes, you can add a layer of refried beans or black beans under the corned beef hash for added flavor and texture.

## Conclusion

These Corned Beef Hash Nachos are a fun, flavorful, and easy-to-make appetizer or meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With their unique combination of corned beef, potatoes, cheese, and toppings, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So, ditch the boring nachos and give this Irish-inspired twist a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Enjoy your delicious Corned Beef Hash Nachos! Sláinte!