Corned beef hash is a hearty and delicious classic dish that has been around for generations. But what exactly is corned beef hash made out of? Let’s explore the origins, ingredients, and variations of this comfort food staple.
A Brief History of Corned Beef Hash
While the exact origins are unknown, corned beef hash likely emerged in the 18th or 19th century as a thrifty way to use up leftover corned beef. Corned beef refers to beef that has been salt-cured, or “corned” This was a common meat preservation method before refrigeration.
The corned beef would be chopped up along with potatoes and onions and then fried together in a skillet to make a tasty hash. It became especially popular in New England as a way to stretch ingredients. Over time, corned beef hash made its way onto American diner menus and into households across the country as a satisfying breakfast or dinner option.
The Main Ingredients
The primary ingredients in classic corned beef hash include:
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Corned beef – This refers to brisket or another beef cut that has been cured and brined giving it a distinct salty seasoned flavor.
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Potatoes – Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are often used. They provide starch and absorb the delicious beef juices.
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Onions – Onions add moisture, sweetness, and flavor. Yellow or white onions are commonly used.
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Butter or oil – A small amount of fat is used to cook the hash, helping to brown it up nicely.
Beyond these core components, corned beef hash recipes can vary. Other add-ins may include:
- Diced bell peppers or carrots for extra color and crunch
- Spices like black pepper, paprika, thyme, or red pepper flakes to amp up the flavor
- Chopped greens like kale or spinach
- Worcestershire or hot sauce for a dash of zing
- Fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or cilantro to brighten it up
The proportions can be adjusted based on preference, but generally a 1:1 ratio of potatoes to corned beef is used, with onion added to taste.
How is Corned Beef Hash Made?
Making corned beef hash at home is easy. Here’s a simple process:
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Chop – Dice the corned beef and potatoes into small, bite-sized pieces. Mince the onions.
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Sauté – Melt butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until translucent.
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Mix and brown – Add the chopped corned beef and potatoes to the pan. Let cook undisturbed to form a crust on the bottom.
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Stir and season – Once browned, gently fold the hash together. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings.
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Finish cooking – Continue cooking and stirring occasionally until the potatoes are fork tender and the hash has browned nicely.
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Serve – Spoon the piping hot corned beef hash into bowls. Top with a fried egg for a perfect hearty breakfast or meal.
What to Serve with Corned Beef Hash
Corned beef hash makes a wonderfully satisfying dish on its own, but can also be served with:
- Fried, poached, or scrambled eggs
- Toast, biscuits, or bagels to sop up the juices
- Fresh avocado slices
- Tomato wedges
- Herbed yogurt or sour cream
- Hot sauce for added kick
On a chilly morning, a hearty plate of homemade corned beef hash with a runny fried egg and side of toast is comfort food perfection. It’s also delicious for dinner served alongside a crisp green salad.
Tips for Making the Best Corned Beef Hash
Follow these tips for crispy, flavorful homemade corned beef hash:
- Use high quality deli corned beef, rather than the canned version
- Let potatoes cool completely before dicing for maximum crispness
- Cook over medium-low heat to achieve a nice crust without burning
- Avoid over-stirring to let the bottom brown
- Splash in some beef broth and cook in butter or oil for richness
- Season generously with fresh cracked black pepper and spices
- Customize with veggies, greens, herbs, or hot sauce to taste
- Cook in batches for crispy hashed potatoes and evenly cooked beef
Creative Ways to Enjoy Corned Beef Hash
While the classic skillet preparation is always delicious, don’t be afraid to get creative with leftover corned beef hash! Consider:
- Stuffing it into a baked potato
- Shaping it into patties and pan-frying into crispy hash cakes
- Folding it into an omelet or scrambled eggs
- Using it as a pizza topping
- Adding it to nachos and melting cheese on top
- Wrapping it in puff pastry for hand pies
- Mixing it into brothy beans for hash soup
With so many possibilities, corned beef hash can easily be transformed into all sorts of dishes. Follow your inspiration!
From its thrifty beginnings to a cherished American staple dish, corned beef hash has staying power thanks to its hearty flavor and versatility. At its core, corned beef hash is all about creatively repurposing leftover seasoned beef and potatoes into a delicious skillet meal. Feel free to put your own spin on this classic by tweaking ingredients and cooking techniques to suit your tastes. However you hash it up, this satisfying combination of tender beef and crispy potatoes is sure to delight.
how to make cORNED BEEF hASH step-by-step photos
Gather all of your ingredients.
Prep the veggies: Wash and peel 1 ½ pounds Yukon gold potatoes, then dice them into small (similar-sized) pieces. You can also dice your yellow onion and set it aside for now so it’s ready to go once the potatoes are boiled.
Boil the potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to a large pot and cover them with water. Add 1 tsp salt and bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-high and let the potatoes par-boil for 5 minutes. Drain the potatoes in a colander and set aside.
Brown the corned beef: As you wait for the potatoes to par-boil, you can heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ½ Tbsp olive oil, and once hot, carefully add 1 ½ cups cooked and chopped corned beef to the skillet. Stir occasionally and let the corned beef lightly brown on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer the browned corned beef to a separate plate for now.
Sauté the onion: In the same skillet you browned the corned beef (no need to wash it), add 1 Tbsp olive oil and 1 Tbsp butter. Let the butter melt, then add your diced onion. Sauté the onion until softened, about 2 minutes.
Add the potatoes: Now, add the drained potatoes to the skillet and stir to combine with the onions. Let the potatoes cook on one side undisturbed (no stirring) for 4-5 minutes. This will help them get a little crispy on that side! After the potatoes have cooked undisturbed for 5 minutes, add ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp garlic powder, and ¼ tsp smoked paprika. Give the potatoes a stir to distribute the seasonings, and cook for 5-7 minutes.
Add the corned beef: Now add the browned corned beef to the skillet. Stir and let the hash cook for 2-3 more minutes, just until the corned beef is warmed through.
Garnish and serve: Serve your corned beef hash hot and enjoy! You can also top it with sliced green onions or parsley (optional).
Easy Recipe for Corned Beef Hash
If you’ve only ever had corned beef hash from a can, trust me, you need to try my homemade version. It’s made with crispy potatoes, savory corned beef, and sautéed onions, all cooked together until golden and delicious. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover corned beef from my baked corned beef and cabbage recipe after St. Patrick’s Day. This simple recipe is like my skillet breakfast potatoes…but even better!
- 1 ½ pounds Yukon gold potatoes* ($1.80)
- ½ yellow onion ($0.25)
- 1 ½ tsp salt, divided ($0.05)
- 1 ½ Tbsp olive oil, divided ($0.30)
- 1 ½ cups chopped cooked corned beef (about ½ lb.)** ($3.99)
- 1 Tbsp butter ($0.12)
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper ($0.08)
- ½ tsp garlic powder ($0.05)
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika ($0.03)
- Wash, peel, and dice the potatoes and dice the onion. Set the onion aside for now.
- Add the potatoes to a large pot. Cover with water and add 1 tsp salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-high and allow the potatoes to par-boil for 5 minutes. Drain the potatoes in a colander.
- While the potatoes are boiling, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ½ Tbsp olive oil. Add the cooked corn beef to the skillet. Allow the corned beef to get lightly brown on all sides for 5-6 minutes. Then, remove the corned beef to a separate plate and set aside.
- To the same skillet, add 1 Tbsp olive oil and the butter. Once the butter is melted, add the diced onion and sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
- Now, add the drained potatoes and stir to combine. Allow the potatoes to cook in the skillet undisturbed on one side without stirring for 4-5 minutes. This is very important so the potatoes can get a little crispy on that side.
- After 5 minutes, add ½ tsp salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Give the potatoes a stir and continue cooking for 5-7 minutes.
- Now add back in the corned beef. Stir and allow the hash to continue cooking for 2-3 more minutes until the corned beef is warmed through. Serve hot and top with sliced green onions or parsley (optional). Enjoy!
Guy Fieri Tries Corned Beef Hash in Texas | Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives | Food Network
FAQ
What is corned beef hash made of?
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Sip and Feasthttps://www.sipandfeast.comEasy Corned Beef Hash – Sip and FeastMar 7, 2025 — Corned Beef Hash combines chunks of cooked corned beef, potatoes, peppers, and onions in this easy to make dish that’s great on its own but even bett…
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Budget Byteshttps://www.budgetbytes.comCorned Beef Hash – Budget BytesMar 12, 2025 — Easy Recipe for Corned Beef Hash If you’ve only ever had corned beef hash from a can, trust me, you need to try my homemade version. It’s made with …
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The Original Pancake House Denverhttps://www.ophdenver.comWhat is Corned Beef Hash? – Recipe & Serving TipsMar 27, 2019 — Corned Beef Hash and Eggs Recipe Ingredients: 1 package (32 ounces) frozen cubed hash browns. 1-1/2 cups chopped onion. 1/2 cup canola oil. 4 to 5 c…
What’s the difference between corned beef and corned beef hash?
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Corned Beef:This refers to a beef brisket that has been cured in a brine solution (often containing salt, sugar, and spices). The curing process not only preserves the meat but also imparts a distinctive salty and tangy flavor. Corned beef is often associated with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and can be enjoyed sliced, in sandwiches, or as a main course.
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Corned Beef Hash:This dish is a mix of corned beef, potatoes, and onions (and sometimes other ingredients like peppers) that is cooked together in a pan until browned and tender. It’s often a popular way to use up leftover corned beef. Corned beef hash can be enjoyed as a hearty breakfast, brunch, or a side dish.
Is canned corned beef hash real meat?
Canned corned beef hash is also made from scrap beef, none of which was likely brisket, so they cook it to death to make it tender enough to eat. It is always mushy and can uninspiring. Corned beef hash made from shredded corned beef brisket is a breakfast delicacy.
What is corned beef made of?
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Beef Brisket:Corned beef is traditionally made using the brisket, a relatively inexpensive cut of beef.
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Salt Brine:The brisket is cured in a saltwater solution, which helps preserve the meat and develop its flavor.
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Spices:A mix of spices, including bay leaf, peppercorns, mustard seeds, juniper berries, coriander seeds, and whole cloves, is added to the brine for flavor.
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Nitrates/Nitrites:These are often added as preservatives and to give the beef its pink color.
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Optional Curing Process:Some corned beef is cured for a longer period, sometimes up to a week, to allow the brine to fully permeate the meat and develop its flavor.