Chef Emma here, and I’m about to share the one-pan wonder that saved me from the “what’s for dinner?” panic more times than I can count!
The first time I made ground beef and potato hash for dinner, I was improvising with whatever I had in the fridge on a particularly exhausting Tuesday. Ground beef, a few potatoes, an onion, and some eggs. What emerged from that one skillet—crispy golden potatoes, savory seasoned beef, and perfectly runny eggs—became an instant family favorite. My husband called it “the best breakfast-for-dinner ever,” and my kids scraped their plates clean without a single complaint.
Ground Beef and Potato Hash with Eggs is a quick, hearty one-pan dinner made with crispy potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and perfectly cooked eggs on top. This beef and potato hash is the ultimate comfort food that works perfectly for busy families. Everything cooks in a single skillet—brown the beef, crisp the potatoes, and crack some eggs on top, all in one pan. The potatoes develop golden, crispy edges from the beef drippings, the seasonings create rich, layered flavors, and the eggs tie everything together with their silky yolks blending into the hash like a built-in sauce.
What makes this recipe so brilliant is its versatility. Serve it for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner—it works perfectly any time. Use whatever potatoes you have. Add any vegetables sitting in your crisper drawer. Season it simply or load it up with spices. It adapts to what you have and what you’re craving while still delivering that satisfying, hearty meal everyone loves.
I’ve made this hash dozens of ways, experimenting with different seasonings, cooking techniques, and add-ins. This version hits all the right notes—crispy potatoes, flavorful beef, perfectly cooked eggs, and most importantly, one pan to wash. Smart cooking that tastes incredible!
For more easy skillet dinners, check out The Country Cook’s collection of simple one-pan meals, or explore Busy Cooks’ budget-friendly family recipes that make weeknights easier.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
True One-Pan Meal
Everything cooks in one skillet from start to finish. Brown beef, cook potatoes, add eggs—done. Minimal cleanup!
Budget-Friendly
Ground beef and potatoes are two of the most affordable ingredients. Feeds 4-6 people for under $10!
Breakfast for Dinner
Who says eggs are only for breakfast? This hearty hash works perfectly for any meal of the day!
Quick and Easy
Ready in 30 minutes with straightforward steps. Perfect for those “I need dinner NOW” nights!
Naturally Balanced
Protein from beef and eggs, carbs from potatoes, plus vegetables all in one dish. Complete nutrition!
Customizable
Use what you have! Different potatoes, add vegetables, change seasonings, skip the eggs—it all works!
Ground Beef and Potato Hash with Eggs (Dinner)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Dice potatoes into ½-inch cubes. Dice onion and bell pepper. Mince garlic.
- Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with wooden spoon, until browned, 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Transfer cooked beef to plate. Set aside.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons olive oil or butter to same skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced potatoes in single layer. Cook undisturbed 3-4 minutes to develop golden crust.
- Flip potatoes and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, 5-7 minutes until tender and golden. Season with pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Return beef to skillet, mixing with potatoes and vegetables. Pour in beef broth. Stir, scraping up browned bits from bottom.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with lid, and simmer 8-10 minutes until potatoes are tender and liquid mostly absorbed. Stir occasionally. Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Using spoon or spatula, create 4-6 shallow wells in hash, leaving bit of hash at bottom of each well.
- Crack one egg into each well. Season with salt and pepper. Cover skillet with lid.
- Cook covered over medium-low heat 3-5 minutes for runny yolks or 6-8 minutes for set yolks.
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle with parsley or green onions. Add cheese if desired. Serve immediately!
Notes
Ingredients For Ground Beef and Potato Hash with Eggs
For the Hash
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15 lean works great) – Or ground turkey
- 3 medium potatoes (about 1.5 lbs) – Yukon Gold, russet, or red potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 medium onion, diced – Yellow or white
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for flavor
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional) – Any color
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter – For cooking potatoes
- ½ cup beef broth or water – Helps potatoes cook through
Seasonings
- 1½ teaspoons salt – Or to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds color and mild flavor
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – Umami depth
- Optional: ½ teaspoon smoked paprika – For smoky flavor
For the Eggs
- 4-6 large eggs – One per person
- Salt and pepper for eggs
For Serving
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- Hot sauce
- Sour cream
- Avocado slices
Equipment Needed
- Large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed skillet (12-inch)
- Lid for skillet (or use foil)
- Spatula
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Directions For Ground Beef and Potato Hash with Eggs
Step 1: Prep Ingredients
Dice potatoes into ½-inch cubes. Dice onion and bell pepper if using. Mince garlic.
Having everything prepped before you start cooking makes this recipe flow smoothly!
Step 2: Brown Ground Beef
Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Drain excess fat if needed (but leave a tablespoon or two for flavor).
Step 3: Remove Beef
Transfer cooked ground beef to a plate and set aside.
Don’t wash the skillet—those browned bits add incredible flavor!
Step 4: Cook Potatoes
Add 1-2 tablespoons olive oil or butter to the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced potatoes in a single layer as much as possible.
Let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to develop golden brown crust on the bottom. This is key for crispy potatoes!
Step 5: Continue Crisping
Flip potatoes and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for another 5-7 minutes until they start to get tender and golden on multiple sides.
Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 6: Add Vegetables
Add diced onion, bell pepper (if using), and minced garlic to the potatoes.
Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
Step 7: Combine and Simmer
Return cooked ground beef to the skillet, mixing it with the potatoes and vegetables.
Pour in beef broth or water. Stir everything together, scraping up those flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
Step 8: Cover and Cook
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid (or foil), and let simmer for 8-10 minutes until potatoes are completely tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
Stir occasionally. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 9: Make Wells for Eggs
Using the back of a spoon or spatula, create 4-6 shallow wells in the hash mixture, spacing them evenly.
Leave a bit of hash at the bottom of each well so eggs don’t stick directly to the pan.
Step 10: Add Eggs
Crack one egg into each well. Season eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Cover the skillet with the lid.
Step 11: Cook Eggs
Cook eggs covered over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes for runny yolks, or 6-8 minutes for set yolks.
Check after 3 minutes and decide how much longer based on your preference.
Step 12: Serve
Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or green onions, add cheese if desired, and serve immediately right from the skillet.
The runny yolks will mix into the hash like a built-in sauce—absolutely delicious!
Tips for Perfect Beef and Potato Hash
Chef Emma’s Pro Tips
- Dice potatoes evenly: Equal sizes ensure even cooking. Aim for ½-inch cubes.
- Don’t rush the potatoes: Let them sit undisturbed for a few minutes to develop that crispy golden crust. Patience pays off!
- Use the beef drippings: That flavor is gold! Leave a bit in the pan when cooking potatoes.
- Partially cook potatoes first: You can microwave diced potatoes for 3-4 minutes to jump-start cooking if you’re in a hurry.
- Control egg doneness: Want runny yolks? Check at 3 minutes. Prefer fully cooked? Go 8 minutes covered.
- Let eggs set before serving: Give them 1-2 minutes off heat to finish setting up perfectly.
- Season in layers: Season beef, potatoes, and eggs separately for best flavor distribution.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcrowding the pan: Use a large 12-inch skillet so everything has room. Crowding steams instead of browns.
Stirring potatoes too often: They need contact with the hot pan to crisp. Let them sit!
Draining all the beef fat: Leave a tablespoon for flavor and to help crisp the potatoes.
Not creating proper wells: Eggs need a little hash underneath to prevent sticking and overcooking on bottom.
Cooking eggs uncovered: Cover them to cook tops without flipping. Much easier!
Delicious Variations For Ground Beef and Potato Hash with Eggs
Southwestern Hash
Add diced jalapeños, use taco seasoning instead of paprika, top with pepper jack cheese, cilantro, and serve with salsa and avocado!
Loaded Hash
Add crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Top with green onions. All the loaded baked potato flavors!
Italian Style Hash
Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef, add diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning, top with mozzarella and fresh basil!
Sweet Potato Version
Replace regular potatoes with diced sweet potatoes. Add a pinch of cinnamon to seasonings for extra warmth.
Veggie-Loaded Hash
Add mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or any vegetables you have. More nutrition, same great flavor!
Breakfast Sausage Hash
Use breakfast sausage instead of ground beef. Add maple syrup drizzle and cheddar cheese!
Serving Suggestions
This beef and potato hash pairs beautifully with:
Classic Sides
- Toast or crusty bread – For soaking up those yolks!
- Simple green salad – Fresh contrast
- Sliced avocado – Creamy balance
- Fresh fruit – Light and refreshing
- Sautéed greens – Spinach or kale
- Biscuits – Southern comfort
- Hash browns – If you want extra potatoes!
Toppings and Condiments
- Hot sauce (Tabasco, Cholula, sriracha)
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Green onions
- Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, chives)
- Sliced jalapeños
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator Storage
Store cooled hash (without eggs) in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’ve already added eggs, store up to 2 days.
Pro tip: Store hash and eggs separately if possible for best reheating results.
Freezing Instructions
Freeze cooked hash (without eggs) in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Add eggs when reheating!
To thaw: Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Tips
Stovetop (Best Method): Reheat hash in skillet over medium heat until heated through. Create wells and add fresh eggs, cooking as directed.
Microwave: Heat hash in microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway. Add fresh egg if desired.
Oven: Spread hash in baking dish, heat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Create wells and add eggs, baking until eggs reach desired doneness.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Night Before
Brown ground beef and store covered in fridge. Dice potatoes and store in water in fridge. Next day, drain potatoes and proceed with step 4 onward!
Meal Prep
Make full batch of hash (without eggs), portion into containers. Reheat individual portions and add a fresh egg when ready to eat. Perfect for meal prep!
Freezer Prep
Make double batch, freeze half in portions. Pull out frozen portions, reheat, and add fresh eggs for quick dinners!
Nutrition Facts For Ground Beef and Potato Hash with Eggs
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 of 4, with egg) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 445 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Total Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 31g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
| Cholesterol | 245mg |
Nutrition information is approximate and based on 4 servings with eggs. Values may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Nutritional Highlights
This hearty hash delivers an impressive 32g protein per serving—combining beef and eggs creates a complete protein powerhouse that keeps you full for hours!
Potatoes provide complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, plus they’re rich in vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin B6. The eggs add healthy fats, vitamins A, D, E, and choline for brain health.
This is genuinely balanced comfort food—protein, healthy fats, and carbs all in one satisfying dish. Serve with a side salad and you have a complete, nutritious meal!
Breakfast vs. Dinner
Why This Works for Both
For Breakfast/Brunch: Classic breakfast ingredients (eggs, potatoes, meat) served in a satisfying hash format. Perfect weekend brunch!
For Dinner: Hearty, filling, budget-friendly meal that feels like comfort food. “Breakfast for dinner” is always a family favorite!
The beauty of this dish is its versatility—there are no rules about when you can enjoy delicious hash!
FAQ For Ground Beef and Potato Hash with Eggs
Can I use frozen hash browns instead of fresh potatoes?
Yes! Use 3-4 cups frozen diced hash browns. They’ll cook faster—just add them directly to the skillet and adjust cooking time.
What’s the best type of potato to use?
Yukon Gold hold their shape beautifully. Russets get crispier. Red potatoes are creamy. All work great—use what you have!
Can I make this without eggs?
Absolutely! The hash is delicious on its own. Just skip steps 9-11 and serve the hash as is.
How do I get crispy potatoes?
Don’t stir too much! Let them sit undisturbed for a few minutes to develop golden crust. Use medium-high heat and don’t overcrowd the pan.
Can I use ground turkey instead?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat work perfectly. Season well since they’re milder than beef.
What if I don’t have a lid for my skillet?
Use aluminum foil to cover the skillet. It works just as well for steaming the eggs!
How do I prevent eggs from sticking?
Make sure there’s a thin layer of hash at the bottom of each well. This prevents eggs from sitting directly on the hot pan surface.
Can I add cheese?
Definitely! Add shredded cheese on top during the last minute of cooking eggs so it melts beautifully.
Conclusion For Ground Beef and Potato Hash with Eggs
This ground beef and potato hash with eggs proves that the simplest recipes often become the most beloved. With one pan, affordable ingredients, and straightforward steps, you can create a hearty, satisfying meal that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
I love how this hash has become my family’s go-to for those nights when we’re craving comfort food without the effort. It feels indulgent with those crispy potatoes and runny egg yolks, yet it comes together so easily that even on exhausting days, I can pull it off without stress.
What makes this recipe truly special is how it transforms humble ingredients—ground beef, potatoes, eggs—into something that feels special and craveable. The combination of textures (crispy potatoes, tender beef, silky eggs) and flavors (savory, smoky, satisfying) creates a dish that’s so much greater than the sum of its parts.
Whether you’re feeding hungry kids before school, need a quick weeknight dinner, or want an impressive brunch dish that requires minimal effort, this one-pan hash delivers every single time.
So grab that skillet, round up those simple ingredients, and get ready to make the easiest, most satisfying beef and potato hash you’ve ever tasted. Your family is about to discover their new favorite anytime meal!
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