One-Skillet Corned Beef Hash Breakfast: A Hearty & Delicious Start

Corned beef hash is a classic comfort food, and this one-skillet version is perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make – all in one pan! This recipe combines the salty goodness of corned beef with the earthy sweetness of potatoes and onions, topped with perfectly cooked eggs for a truly satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a way to use up leftover corned beef or simply craving a delicious and easy breakfast, this one-skillet corned beef hash is sure to become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This One-Skillet Corned Beef Hash

* **Easy Cleanup:** Everything cooks in one skillet, minimizing dishes.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of corned beef, potatoes, and onions creates a delicious and savory flavor profile.
* **Customizable:** Easily adjust the ingredients to your liking. Add different vegetables, spices, or toppings.
* **Hearty and Filling:** This breakfast will keep you full and energized for hours.
* **Great for Leftovers:** Perfect for using up leftover corned beef from St. Patrick’s Day or any other occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Corned Beef:** Cooked and diced. You can use leftover corned beef or purchase pre-cooked corned beef from the deli.
* **Potatoes:** Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well. Peel and dice them into small, even pieces.
* **Onion:** Yellow or white onion, diced.
* **Bell Pepper (Optional):** Adds color and a slightly sweet flavor. Diced.
* **Garlic:** Minced, for added flavor.
* **Olive Oil or Butter:** For cooking.
* **Eggs:** As many as you’d like, for topping.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional Toppings:** Hot sauce, ketchup, sour cream, chopped chives, shredded cheese.

Equipment Needed

* **Large Skillet:** A cast iron skillet is ideal, but any large skillet will work.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For preparing the vegetables and corned beef.
* **Spatula:** For stirring and flipping the hash.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

* Dice the cooked corned beef into small, bite-sized pieces. Aim for roughly ¼ to ½ inch cubes.
* Peel the potatoes and dice them into similar-sized pieces as the corned beef. Smaller pieces will cook faster.
* Dice the onion and bell pepper (if using). Mince the garlic.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes and Onions

* Heat the olive oil or butter in the large skillet over medium heat. Make sure the skillet is evenly coated with oil or butter.
* Add the diced potatoes to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are starting to soften and brown. This will take about 10-15 minutes. Be patient and don’t overcrowd the pan; this will steam the potatoes instead of browning them.
* Add the diced onion (and bell pepper, if using) to the skillet. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Add the Corned Beef

* Add the diced corned beef to the skillet and stir to combine with the potatoes, onions, and garlic.
* Cook, stirring occasionally, until the corned beef is heated through and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. The goal is to crisp up the corned beef a bit.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that corned beef is already quite salty, so add salt sparingly. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Cook the Eggs

* Make small wells in the corned beef hash using a spoon. These wells will hold the eggs.
* Crack an egg into each well. You can cook as many eggs as you like, depending on your preference and the size of your skillet.
* Cover the skillet and cook until the eggs are cooked to your desired doneness. For runny yolks, cook for about 3-5 minutes. For firmer yolks, cook for longer.
* Alternatively, you can cook the eggs separately in a different pan. This gives you more control over the doneness of the eggs.

Step 5: Serve

* Carefully remove the skillet from the heat.
* Serve the one-skillet corned beef hash immediately.
* Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as hot sauce, ketchup, sour cream, chopped chives, or shredded cheese.

Tips for the Best Corned Beef Hash

* **Use Good Quality Corned Beef:** The flavor of the corned beef is crucial to the success of this dish. Choose a good quality corned beef that you enjoy.
* **Dice the Ingredients Evenly:** This ensures that everything cooks evenly and at the same rate.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Overcrowding the pan will steam the ingredients instead of browning them. Cook in batches if necessary.
* **Use a Cast Iron Skillet (If Possible):** Cast iron skillets distribute heat evenly and create a nice crispy crust on the hash.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Corned beef is already salty, so be careful not to over-salt the hash. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings. Hot sauce, ketchup, sour cream, chopped chives, shredded cheese, and even a dollop of mustard can all add delicious flavor.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can prepare the corned beef hash ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to eat. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Crispy Potatoes:** For extra crispy potatoes, parboil them for a few minutes before dicing and adding them to the skillet. This will help them cook faster and more evenly.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the hash for a little bit of heat.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the hash, such as diced carrots, celery, or green bell peppers.

Variations and Additions

* **Sweet Potato Corned Beef Hash:** Substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes for a sweeter and more colorful hash.
* **Spicy Corned Beef Hash:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the hash for a spicy kick.
* **Vegetarian Corned Beef Hash:** Use plant-based corned beef substitutes to make a vegetarian version of this dish.
* **Corned Beef Hash with Fried Eggs and Toast:** Serve the corned beef hash with fried eggs and toast for a complete breakfast or brunch.
* **Corned Beef Hash Omelette:** Use the corned beef hash as a filling for an omelette.
* **Corned Beef Hash Benedict:** Top the corned beef hash with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce for a decadent brunch.
* **Add a Creamy Sauce:** Drizzle a creamy sauce, like a béchamel or cheese sauce, over the hash for added richness.
* **Top with Avocado:** Add sliced avocado for a creamy and healthy topping.

Serving Suggestions

* Serve as a main course for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.
* Serve with a side of toast or biscuits.
* Serve with a fresh green salad.
* Serve with a fruit salad.
* Serve with a cup of coffee or tea.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover corned beef hash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the corned beef hash in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
* **Freezing:** While not ideal, you can freeze corned beef hash. The texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon thawing. Store in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Fat: 25-35g
* Protein: 20-25g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g

One-Skillet Corned Beef Hash Recipe

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 30 minutes

Ingredients:

* 1 pound cooked corned beef, diced
* 1.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
* 1 medium yellow onion, diced
* 1/2 bell pepper, diced (optional)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
* 4-8 eggs
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional toppings: Hot sauce, ketchup, sour cream, chopped chives, shredded cheese

Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Ingredients:** Dice the cooked corned beef, potatoes, onion, and bell pepper (if using). Mince the garlic.
2. **Cook the Potatoes and Onions:** Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are starting to soften and brown, about 10-15 minutes. Add the diced onion (and bell pepper, if using) to the skillet. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. **Add the Corned Beef:** Add the diced corned beef to the skillet and stir to combine with the potatoes, onions, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the corned beef is heated through and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. **Cook the Eggs:** Make small wells in the corned beef hash using a spoon. Crack an egg into each well. Cover the skillet and cook until the eggs are cooked to your desired doneness, about 3-5 minutes for runny yolks.
5. **Serve:** Carefully remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the one-skillet corned beef hash immediately. Garnish with your favorite toppings.

Enjoy this delicious and easy one-skillet corned beef hash breakfast! It’s a perfect way to start your day or enjoy a leisurely weekend brunch. This recipe is also a great way to use up any leftover corned beef you might have. The combination of salty corned beef, earthy potatoes, and sweet onions, all topped with perfectly cooked eggs, is a winning combination that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.