Mom’s Texas Hash: A Hearty & Delicious Family Favorite
Texas Hash is a classic comfort food, a one-pot wonder that’s both satisfying and incredibly easy to make. This version, inspired by my mom’s recipe, is packed with flavor, uses simple ingredients, and is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. It’s a dish that evokes warm memories and is guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. Get ready to experience a taste of Texas right in your own kitchen!
What is Texas Hash?
Texas Hash isn’t just any old stew. It’s a hearty, tomato-based dish traditionally made with ground beef, rice, and a medley of flavorful ingredients. Think of it as a deconstructed chili, but with rice mixed right in. The beauty of Texas Hash lies in its simplicity and adaptability. You can easily customize it to your liking, adding different vegetables, spices, or even using a different type of meat. The key is to create a rich and flavorful base that complements the other ingredients.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is special because it’s been passed down through generations. It’s been tweaked and perfected over the years, resulting in a truly delicious and foolproof dish. Here’s why it works so well:
* **Simple Ingredients:** You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
* **One-Pot Meal:** Less cleanup is always a win!
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your family’s preferences.
* **Flavorful:** A blend of spices creates a deep and satisfying flavor.
* **Freezes Well:** Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for a quick and easy meal.
* **Kid-Friendly:** The mild flavor and familiar ingredients make it a hit with kids.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make Mom’s Texas Hash. Don’t be afraid to adjust the quantities to suit your taste.
* **Ground Beef:** 1 pound. I prefer using 80/20 ground beef for flavor, but you can use leaner ground beef if you prefer.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped. Yellow or white onion works well.
* **Bell Pepper:** 1 medium, chopped. I like using green bell pepper for its slightly bitter flavor, but you can use any color.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is best, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch.
* **Diced Tomatoes:** 1 (28-ounce) can, undrained. Using diced tomatoes in juice adds moisture and flavor.
* **Tomato Sauce:** 1 (15-ounce) can. Tomato sauce thickens the hash and adds richness.
* **Cooked Rice:** 1 1/2 cups. I prefer long-grain rice, but you can use any type of cooked rice. Leftover rice is perfect for this recipe.
* **Chili Powder:** 2 tablespoons. This is the key ingredient for that classic Texas flavor. Adjust to your spice preference.
* **Cumin:** 1 teaspoon. Cumin adds warmth and depth of flavor.
* **Dried Oregano:** 1/2 teaspoon. Oregano complements the other spices and adds an earthy note.
* **Salt:** 1 teaspoon, or to taste. Season to your liking.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste. Freshly ground black pepper is always best.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon. For sautéing the vegetables.
* **Optional Toppings:** Shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, hot sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make Mom’s Texas Hash:
**Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef**
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**
Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot with the ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
**Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Spices**
Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
**Step 4: Simmer and Thicken**
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the hash simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the hash becomes too thick, add a little water or beef broth to thin it out.
**Step 5: Stir in the Rice**
Stir in the cooked rice and mix well. Heat through for a few minutes, until the rice is heated through and the hash is heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or chili powder to your liking.
**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**
Serve the Texas Hash hot, garnished with your favorite toppings. Some popular options include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and hot sauce. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to make this recipe your own:
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of chili powder to control the spice level. For a milder hash, use less chili powder. For a spicier hash, use more chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables to the hash, such as corn, beans, or zucchini. You can also use different types of bell peppers, such as red or yellow bell peppers.
* **Meat:** Use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of ground beef. You can also use leftover cooked beef or pork.
* **Beans:** Add a can of drained and rinsed kidney beans, pinto beans, or black beans for extra protein and fiber.
* **Rice:** Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier option. You can also use a pre-cooked rice pouch for convenience.
* **Slow Cooker:** This recipe can easily be adapted for the slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables as directed. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cooked rice during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
* **Instant Pot:** This recipe can also be made in the Instant Pot. Brown the ground beef using the sauté function. Then, add the vegetables, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and spices. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release. Stir in the cooked rice after the pressure is released.
* **Make Ahead:** Texas Hash can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
* **Freezing:** Texas Hash freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
* **Add a can of Rotel:** A can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies adds a nice kick.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** A tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of savory flavor.
* **Beef Broth:** Using beef broth instead of water adds a richer flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Texas Hash is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:
* **Toppings Bar:** Set up a toppings bar with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, hot sauce, and tortilla chips so everyone can customize their own bowl.
* **Side Salad:** Serve with a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to add some freshness.
* **Cornbread:** A slice of warm cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to Texas Hash.
* **Guacamole and Salsa:** Serve with guacamole and salsa for a Tex-Mex twist.
* **Baked Potato:** Top a baked potato with Texas Hash for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
* **Can I make this recipe vegetarian?**
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian. Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. You may also want to add more vegetables to compensate for the lack of meat.
* **Can I use canned rice?**
While fresh or leftover cooked rice is preferred, you can use canned rice in a pinch. Just make sure to drain it well before adding it to the hash.
* **How long does Texas Hash last in the refrigerator?**
Texas Hash can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Can I use a different type of tomato sauce?**
Yes, you can use different types of tomato sauce, such as marinara sauce or pizza sauce. However, keep in mind that the flavor of the hash will be slightly different.
* **What if I don’t have all the spices?**
If you don’t have all the spices, don’t worry! You can still make a delicious hash. Just use what you have on hand and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Chili powder is the most important spice, so try to use that if possible.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 400-500 per serving (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* Protein: 25-35 grams per serving
* Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams per serving
* Fat: 20-30 grams per serving
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
Mom’s Texas Hash Recipe
**Yields:** 6 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 45 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 1/2 cups cooked rice
* 2 tablespoons chili powder
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, hot sauce
**Instructions:**
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. If the hash becomes too thick, add a little water or beef broth.
5. Stir in the cooked rice and mix well. Heat through for a few minutes, until the rice is heated through.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings.
Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Mom’s Texas Hash! It’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
More Delicious Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed this Texas Hash recipe, here are some other delicious recipes you might like:
* **Classic Chili:** A hearty and flavorful chili recipe that’s perfect for a cold day.
* **Sloppy Joes:** A quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s always a hit.
* **Shepherd’s Pie:** A comforting and satisfying casserole topped with mashed potatoes.
* **Chicken Pot Pie:** A classic comfort food with a flaky crust and a creamy filling.
* **Beef Stew:** A hearty and flavorful stew that’s perfect for a cold day.
I hope you enjoy this Mom’s Texas Hash recipe! Please let me know in the comments below if you try it and what you think. I’d love to hear your feedback and any variations you make.
Bon appétit!