Introduction
Corned beef hash is a classic dish, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Many people love it, but not everyone knows how to make it. The purpose of this article is to provide step-by-step instructions for creating corned beef hash from scratch, as well as simpler alternatives for busy weeknights, healthier versions, creative twists, and recipes to use leftovers. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of how versatile and delicious corned beef hash can be.
The Traditional Way: Making Corned Beef Hash from Scratch
Before we look at easier versions or creative twists, let’s start with the traditional way of making corned beef hash from scratch. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 can or 2 cups of cooked corned beef, chopped
- 2 cups of cooked potatoes, chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper (optional)
Here are the steps to follow:
- Melt the butter in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the chopped corned beef and potatoes to the skillet and stir to combine with the onions.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper if desired.
- Spread the mixture out evenly in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until the bottom is crispy.
- Flip the hash over in sections and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes.
- Once the hash is heated through and crispy on both sides, it’s ready to serve!
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- If you want your corned beef hash to be especially crispy, try cutting the potatoes into smaller pieces.
- You can also use a mix of white and sweet potatoes to add more flavor and nutrition.
- Don’t be afraid to add other spices or herbs to the mix, like garlic, thyme, or paprika.
- Corned beef hash is perfect for using up leftover ingredients, so feel free to experiment with different combinations!
A Quick and Easy Corned Beef Hash Recipe for Busy Weeknights
If you don’t have time or energy to create corned beef hash completely from scratch, here’s a quick and easy version that can be made in less than 10 minutes:
- 1 can of corned beef hash
- 1/2 cup of chopped onions
- 1/2 cup of chopped green peppers (optional)
- 2-3 tablespoons of oil
Here are the steps:
- Heat the oil in a skillet or frying pan on medium-high heat.
- Add the onions and green peppers (if using) and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the can of corned beef hash, stir to combine, and cook for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy.
- Once the hash is heated through and crispy on both sides, it’s ready to serve!
This quick and easy version is designed to save you time and effort, but it’s also customizable. Feel free to add other ingredients, like mushrooms, tomatoes, or cheese, to make it more flavorful.
Corned Beef Hash with a Twist: Adding Veggies for a Healthier Meal
If you’re looking for a way to make corned beef hash healthier, one option is to add more vegetables. Here are some ingredients you can use instead of or in addition to the classic potatoes and onions:
- Sweet potatoes
- Carrots
- Parsnips
- Turnips
- Brussels sprouts
Here’s how to add vegetables to your corned beef hash:
- Chop your chosen vegetables into small pieces.
- Add them to the pan with the corned beef and potatoes when sautéing.
- Cook the entire mixture for an extra 2-3 minutes longer than the original recipe.
- Enjoy your more nutrient-dense corned beef hash!
Corned Beef Hash Breakfast Burritos: How to Turn Leftovers into a Delicious Morning Meal
If you have leftover corned beef hash, you can easily turn it into breakfast burritos for a fun and tasty way to start your day. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Flour tortillas
- Scrambled eggs (1-2 per burrito)
- Shredded cheese
- Salsa
- Sour cream (optional)
Here’s how to make corned beef hash breakfast burritos:
- Warm up your leftover corned beef hash in the pan.
- Scramble the eggs separately and set aside.
- Warm up the tortillas in the microwave or oven.
- Add a layer of corned beef hash to the center of each tortilla.
- Add a layer of scrambled eggs on top of the corned beef hash.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese and salsa on top of the eggs.
- Roll up the tortillas and enjoy!
This breakfast burrito recipe is great for weekends or lazy mornings, but you can also prepare them ahead of time and freeze them for future breakfasts on-the-go.
Spice It Up: Adding Different Seasonings to Your Corned Beef Hash
While traditional corned beef hash is already flavorful, there are ways to jazz it up by adding different seasonings and spices. Here are some ideas:
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Cayenne pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Thyme
- Rosemary
Each of these spices adds a unique flavor to the corned beef hash. For example, garlic powder and paprika add warmth and smokiness, while cumin and red pepper flakes add richness and heat. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavor profile.
Leftover Corned Beef Hash Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Another way to repurpose leftover corned beef hash is to use it to make a shepherd’s pie. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Leftover corned beef hash
- Mashed potatoes
- Shredded cheese
- Butter
- Salt and pepper (optional)
Here’s how to make leftover corned beef hash shepherd’s pie:
- Preheat your oven to 350F (180C).
- Put the corned beef hash in the bottom of an oven-safe baking dish.
- Spread a layer of mashed potatoes on top of the corned beef hash.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the mashed potatoes.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and the mixture is heated through.
- Enjoy your delicious and creative leftover creation!
Corned Beef Hash Cakes: A Fun and Tasty Twist on the Classic Dish
Finally, for a fun and tasty new way to use corned beef hash, try making corned beef hash cakes. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Leftover corned beef hash
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg (1 per 2 cups of corned beef hash)
- Flour
- Salt and pepper (optional)
- Oil for frying
Here’s how to make corned beef hash cakes:
- Mix the leftover corned beef hash with enough breadcrumbs to form a moldable mixture.
- Add the beaten egg and mix well.
- Add salt and pepper if desired.
- Form the mixture into patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Dust each patty in flour on both sides.
- Heat up oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side until crispy and brown.
- Enjoy your fun and tasty new way to eat corned beef hash!
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make traditional corned beef hash from scratch, as well as simpler alternatives, creative twists, and recipes to use leftovers, it’s time to get cooking! Remember that there are many different ways to enjoy this classic dish, from traditional breakfast to new dinner ideas. Don’t be afraid to mix and match ingredients and seasonings to find your personal favorite.