Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash: The Ultimate Comfort Bowl
There’s something uniquely nostalgic about a hamburger hash. It’s the kind of meal that fills the house with a warm, savory aroma and promises a satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs dinner with minimal cleanup. By using a slow cooker, you allow the flavors of the beef and aromatics to deeply meld, resulting in a rich gravy and perfectly tender vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef and potatoes to feed a large group.
- Effortless Prep: Simply brown the meat, toss everything in the pot, and let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting.
- Versatile: Easy to customize with whatever vegetables you have on hand in your crisper drawer.
Ingredients
| Category | Item | Quantity | Note |
| The Meat | Ground Beef | 1.5 lbs | Lean (90/10) works best to avoid excess grease. |
| The Base | Potatoes | 4 large | Yukon Gold or Russet, peeled and cubed into 1-inch chunks. |
| The Veggies | Carrots | 3 medium | Peeled and sliced into thick rounds. |
| Frozen Peas | 1 cup | Add these at the very end to keep them bright green. | |
| Onion | 1 medium | Finely diced. | |
| The Sauce | Beef Broth | 1 cup | Provides the base for the savory gravy. |
| Worcestershire Sauce | 1 tbsp | Adds a deep, umami punch. | |
| Garlic Powder | 1 tsp | For essential savory depth. | |
| The Finish | Fresh Parsley | For garnish | Adds a pop of color and freshness. |
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and onions until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease thoroughly before transferring the mixture to your slow cooker.
2. Layer the Vegetables
Add the cubed potatoes and sliced carrots into the slow cooker on top of the beef.
3. Season and Whisk
In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Pour the liquid evenly over the beef and vegetable mixture. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or on High for 3–4 hours. The dish is ready when the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.
5. The Final Stir
About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. The residual heat will cook them perfectly without making them mushy. Garnish with fresh parsley just before serving.
Pro-Tips for Success
- The Potato Secret: Cut your potato chunks into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure they all cook at the exact same rate.
- Thicker Gravy: If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the slow cooker 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time.
- Batch Cooking: This recipe freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for future “emergency” weeknight dinners.
