Corned Beef Hash

Transform leftover corned beef into a mouthwatering brunch dish with this easy Corned Beef Hash recipe. Tender corned beef pairs perfectly with crispy seasoned red potatoes, red bell pepper, cabbage, and green onion. Finish with fried or poached eggs and a sprinkle of chives for a hearty meal, perfect for weekend brunch or a festive St. Patrick's Day gathering.

Jump to:

• What is Corned Beef Hash?: Exploring its Origins and Evolution
• Ingredients Needed to Make a St. Patrick's Day Corned Beef Hash
• Step-By-Step Instructions for Making Corned Beef Hash
• Variations and Customizations for Corned Beef Hash
• Storage and Reheating Tips
• Essential Tools for Making this Hearty Irish Brunch Recipe
• Looking for More Recipe Inspiration?
• Corned Beef Hash

What is Corned Beef Hash?: Exploring its Origins and Evolution

Hash is said to have originated in France from the word 'hacher' meaning 'to chop' and generally consists of meat, potatoes, and onions. Though considered French in origin, it became a popular dish in both British and American cuisine as a way to use up leftovers, and when meat was rationed during the Second World War, to extend small amounts of meat into a more robust dish. During this time, canned corned beef became more popular as a shelf-stable way to enjoy meat when fresh was not readily available and as a result, the popularity of corned beef hash grew.

Today, hash is made with many types of meat including steak, venison, or lamb, and even fish such as salmon and trout. While canned corned beef is still used in many modern hashes, I prefer to make mine with my leftover 'fresh' salt-cured corned beef. Most often you'll find hash on a brunch menu with an egg on top, but hash also makes for a tasty dinner dish too. I particularly love making this Irish-inspired corned beef hash on St. Patrick's Day!

Ingredients Needed to Make a St. Patrick's Day Corned Beef Hash

• Pre-Cooked Corned Beef
• Red Potatoes
• Green Cabbage
• Red Bell Pepper
• Green Onion (can swap for white or yellow onion if you prefer)
• Unsalted Butter
• Paprika
• Kosher Salt
• Cracked Black Pepper
• Fresh Chives (optional)
• Eggs (optional)

Step-By-Step Instructions for Making Corned Beef Hash

1. Prepare Ingredients: Gather all the necessary ingredients: unsalted butter, diced red potatoes, Kosher salt, cracked black pepper, paprika, diced red bell pepper, chopped green cabbage, chopped green onions (or white/yellow onions as preferred), and diced pre-cooked corned beef. Optional toppings include fried or poached eggs (make those last) and fresh chopped chives.
2. Saute Potatoes: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the diced red potatoes to the pan and stir to coat them in butter. Sprinkle the potatoes with Kosher salt, cracked black pepper, and paprika. Saute the potatoes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown.
3. Add Bell Peppers and Cabbage: Once the potatoes are browned, add the diced red bell peppers and chopped green cabbage to the skillet. Continue to saute, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to wilt and tenderize.
4. Incorporate Onions and Corned Beef: If using green onions, add them to the skillet along with the diced pre-cooked corned beef. Saute until the corned beef is warmed through to your preference. Some prefer a quick saute to warm, while others enjoy caramelization on the corned beef for added flavor.
5. Season and Adjust: Taste the Corned Beef Hash and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
6. Add Chives: I love sprinkling this dish with fresh chives for an extra burst of flavor.
7. Add Eggs: If you'd like to make this homemade Corned Beef Hash recipe extra hearty, serve with fried or poached eggs on top.
8. Serve: Once the dish is dressed to your liking, serve the Corned Beef Hash warm.

Variations and Customizations for Corned Beef Hash

Tailor your Corned Beef Hash to suit your taste preferences with these simple variations and customizations. From adding a spicy kick to experimenting with different cheeses and herbs, there are endless ways to customize this classic brunch recipe!

• For the best Corned Beef Hash recipe with eggs: Serve with fried or poached eggs on top for extra heartiness. I love how delicious runny egg yolks are with the crispy potatoes!
• A Spicy Twist: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sautéing vegetables for a spicy kick. You can also drizzle some hot sauce over the finished dish for an extra kick of heat.
• Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded Irish cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite meltable cheese over the Corned Beef Hash during the last few minutes of cooking to melt and create a gooey, cheesy topping that makes this comfort food recipe extra flavorful.
• Switch up the Herbs: Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile of your Corned Beef Hash. Consider adding fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley for a fragrant herbal infusion. Dill or cilantro can also add a fun twist.
• Sweet Potato Swap: Replace the red potatoes with diced sweet potatoes for a creative alternative with a slightly sweeter flavor profile. Sweet potatoes also add a vibrant color and extra nutrients to this brunch dish.
• Breakfast Burrito: Use the Corned Beef Hash as a filling for breakfast burritos or tacos. Wrap the hash in warm flour tortillas along with scrambled eggs, shredded cheese, and your favorite salsa for a portable and satisfying meal on the go.
• Reimagining Leftovers: Get creative with leftover Corned Beef Hash by incorporating it into other dishes such as omelets, quesadillas, or stuffed bell peppers for a delicious new meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerating Leftovers:

Allow any leftover Corned Beef Hash to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing for Future Use:

To extend the shelf life, you can freeze Corned Beef Hash for up to 2-3 months. Portion the hash into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing.

Reheating Methods:

When ready to enjoy again, you can reheat the Corned Beef Hash using the following methods:

• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Oven: Transfer the hash to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350° Fahrenheit (175° Celcius) until heated through.
• Microwave: Place a portion of the hash on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed to your liking.

Essential Tools for Making this Hearty Irish Brunch Recipe

• A cutting board
• A chef's knife
• A kitchen scale (or measuring cups for less precise measurements)
• Measuring spoons
• A large skillet
• A wooden spatula

Are you looking to upgrade your cooking tools or replenish your pantry?

Check out my kitchen tools shop page and pantry staples shop page to find my must-have kitchen tools, pantry items, and other Whip & Wander favorites.

Looking for More Recipe Inspiration?

Love this Corned Beef Hash recipe? Here are some more brunch recipes and St. Patrick's Day recipes you might enjoy:

Brunch Favorites:

• Eggs Benedict Pizza
• Everything Bagel Pizza with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese
• Kitchen Sink Frittata
• Ham, Apple, and Potato Frittata with Gruyere
• Shakshuka (Eggs Poached in Tomato Sauce with Sausage, Peppers, and Feta)
• Savory Buttermilk Herb Dutch Baby

St. Patrick's Day Specialties:

• Twice-Baked Colcannon Potatoes
• Steel-Cut Oats with Whiskey Butter

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