Elevate Your Plate: Delicious Twists on Canned Corned Beef Hash
Canned corned beef hash. The words alone might conjure up images of a bland, gray mush from your childhood. But, trust me, this humble pantry staple is capable of so much more! With a few clever additions and cooking techniques, you can transform canned corned beef hash into a truly satisfying and flavorful meal. This guide will walk you through several ways to spruce up your canned corned beef hash, providing detailed instructions and tips to create dishes that will surprise and delight.
Why Canned Corned Beef Hash?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s acknowledge the convenience and practicality of canned corned beef hash. It’s readily available, shelf-stable, relatively inexpensive, and a great source of protein. It’s a fantastic option for quick weeknight meals, camping trips, or any time you need a simple and satisfying dish without a lot of fuss. Think of it as a blank canvas, just waiting to be painted with flavor!
Essential Tips for Elevating Canned Corned Beef Hash
No matter which recipe you choose, these fundamental tips will help you achieve the best possible results:
* **Drain Off Excess Grease:** Canned corned beef hash can sometimes be quite greasy. Before cooking, drain off any excess fat to prevent the final dish from being overly oily.
* **Crisp it Up!** The key to delicious hash is a good sear. Don’t overcrowd the pan and allow the hash to develop a nice golden-brown crust on at least one side. This adds both flavor and textural contrast.
* **Seasoning is Key:** Canned hash can be a bit bland on its own. Don’t be afraid to add your favorite seasonings to boost the flavor. Think beyond salt and pepper – consider garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, or even a dash of hot sauce.
* **Fresh Herbs Make a Difference:** A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme adds a burst of freshness and elevates the overall presentation.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooking can dry out the hash. Once it’s heated through and nicely browned, it’s ready to go.
Recipe 1: Classic Crispy Corned Beef Hash with Fried Eggs
This is the quintessential corned beef hash experience, but we’re going to take it to the next level with a few simple tweaks.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (15-ounce) can corned beef hash
* 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
* 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* 2 large eggs
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Hash:** Open the can of corned beef hash and drain off any excess grease. Break up the hash with a fork. This helps it to brown more evenly.
2. **Sauté Aromatics:** Heat the butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. **Add the Hash and Season:** Add the corned beef hash to the skillet and spread it out in an even layer. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. **Crisp It Up:** Cook the hash undisturbed for 5-7 minutes, or until a golden-brown crust forms on the bottom. Use a spatula to flip the hash and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until browned on the other side.
5. **Fry the Eggs:** While the hash is cooking, fry the eggs in a separate skillet to your desired doneness. Sunny-side up or over-easy are classic choices for hash.
6. **Serve:** Divide the crispy corned beef hash between two plates. Top each serving with a fried egg and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Add a Dash of Worcestershire:** A teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce added to the hash while cooking will enhance the savory flavor.
* **Spice It Up:** For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
* **Vegetable Boost:** Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the skillet along with the onions for extra flavor and nutrients.
* **Creamy Hash:** Stir in a tablespoon of sour cream or crème fraîche at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier hash.
Recipe 2: Corned Beef Hash Breakfast Burritos
Transform your corned beef hash into a hearty and portable breakfast with these delicious burritos.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (15-ounce) can corned beef hash
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/2 onion, chopped
* 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
* 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/4 teaspoon cumin
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 4 large eggs, scrambled
* 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 4 large flour tortillas
* Salsa, for serving (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Hash:** Open the can of corned beef hash and drain off any excess grease. Break up the hash with a fork.
2. **Sauté Vegetables:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. **Add the Hash and Season:** Add the corned beef hash to the skillet and spread it out in an even layer. Sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. **Crisp It Up:** Cook the hash undisturbed for 5-7 minutes, or until a golden-brown crust forms on the bottom. Use a spatula to flip the hash and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until browned on the other side.
5. **Scramble the Eggs:** In a separate skillet, scramble the eggs until cooked through.
6. **Assemble the Burritos:** Warm the flour tortillas according to package directions. Divide the corned beef hash, scrambled eggs, and shredded cheddar cheese evenly among the tortillas.
7. **Roll the Burritos:** Fold in the sides of each tortilla, then roll up tightly from the bottom.
8. **Serve:** Serve the corned beef hash breakfast burritos immediately, with salsa on the side, if desired.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Add Black Beans:** Include drained and rinsed black beans to the hash mixture for added protein and fiber.
* **Spice it Up:** Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the hash for extra heat.
* **Creamy Avocado:** Add sliced avocado to the burritos for a creamy and healthy addition.
* **Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt:** A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a tangy coolness to the burritos.
Recipe 3: Corned Beef Hash Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Topping
This twist on a classic comfort food uses corned beef hash as the base and tops it with a creamy sweet potato mash for a touch of sweetness and added nutrients.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (15-ounce) can corned beef hash
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, peeled and diced
* 1 celery stalk, diced
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup beef broth
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
* 1/4 cup milk or cream
* 2 tablespoons butter
* Salt and pepper to taste (for the sweet potato topping)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Hash Filling:** Open the can of corned beef hash and drain off any excess grease. Break up the hash with a fork.
2. **Sauté Vegetables:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. **Add the Hash and Season:** Add the corned beef hash to the skillet. Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. **Prepare the Sweet Potato Topping:** While the hash filling is simmering, cook the sweet potatoes. Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the sweet potatoes well.
5. **Mash the Sweet Potatoes:** Return the drained sweet potatoes to the pot. Add the milk or cream, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash with a potato masher or electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
6. **Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the corned beef hash filling to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the sweet potato mash evenly over the top of the hash filling.
7. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potato topping is lightly golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
8. **Serve:** Let the Shepherd’s Pie cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, if desired.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Add Peas or Corn:** Stir in frozen peas or corn to the hash filling for added color and nutrients.
* **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the hash filling for a little heat.
* **Cheese on Top:** Sprinkle shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan) over the sweet potato topping before baking for a cheesy crust.
* **Crispy Topping:** For a crispier topping, mix the mashed sweet potatoes with a tablespoon of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before spreading over the hash filling.
Recipe 4: Corned Beef Hash Quesadillas
These quick and easy quesadillas are a fun and flavorful way to use canned corned beef hash. They’re perfect for a light lunch or snack.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (15-ounce) can corned beef hash
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/4 onion, finely chopped
* 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
* 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 4 flour tortillas
* Salsa, sour cream, or guacamole, for serving (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Hash:** Open the can of corned beef hash and drain off any excess grease. Break up the hash with a fork.
2. **Sauté Onion:** Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. **Add the Hash:** Add the corned beef hash to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly browned.
4. **Assemble the Quesadillas:** Sprinkle half of each tortilla with Monterey Jack cheese, then top with half of the corned beef hash mixture, and finally top with cheddar cheese. Fold the tortilla in half.
5. **Cook the Quesadillas:** Heat a lightly oiled skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the quesadillas in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
6. **Serve:** Cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve immediately with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole, if desired.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Add Jalapeños:** Add finely diced jalapeños to the hash mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as pepper jack, Oaxaca, or queso fresco.
* **Add Black Beans or Corn:** Stir in drained and rinsed black beans or corn to the hash mixture for added texture and flavor.
* **Grill the Quesadillas:** Grill the quesadillas instead of pan-frying them for a smoky flavor.
Recipe 5: Corned Beef Hash Stuffed Peppers
This colorful and flavorful dish transforms corned beef hash into a satisfying and visually appealing meal.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (15-ounce) can corned beef hash
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/2 onion, chopped
* 1/2 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
* 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 2 bell peppers (any color), halved lengthwise and seeded
* 1/2 cup tomato sauce
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Hash Filling:** Open the can of corned beef hash and drain off any excess grease. Break up the hash with a fork.
2. **Sauté Onion:** Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. **Combine Filling Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the cooked onion, corned beef hash, cooked rice, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. **Stuff the Peppers:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Fill each bell pepper half with the corned beef hash mixture.
5. **Bake:** Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and pour the tomato sauce around them. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
6. **Serve:** Let the stuffed peppers cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Add Diced Tomatoes:** Add diced tomatoes to the filling for added moisture and flavor.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or provolone.
* **Add Spices:** Add a pinch of cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika to the filling for extra flavor.
* **Top with Breadcrumbs:** Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the filling before baking for a crispy topping.
Conclusion: Embrace the Versatility of Canned Corned Beef Hash
As you can see, canned corned beef hash is far from a boring pantry staple. With a little creativity and these easy-to-follow recipes, you can transform it into a variety of delicious and satisfying meals. So, the next time you’re looking for a quick and affordable dinner option, don’t underestimate the potential of canned corned beef hash. Embrace its versatility and enjoy the culinary possibilities!