Canned Corned Beef Hash Recipe

This canned corned beef hash recipe is a hearty skillet meal, perfect for quick family dinners!

Canned corned beef hash is a high protein alternative to a typical breakfast with eggs and bacon. It uses wholesome ingredients like potatoes and onions that are fried in a cast iron skillet. Some recipes even add egg as well.

This tasty dish is cheap, filling, and a great way to use leftovers in the fridge. It’s usually served as a breakfast but can be enjoyed any time of day.

Historically, corn beef hash became in demand as a wartime ration during WWII when fresh meat was scarce. Today it remains popular as a breakfast staple in the form of corned beef hash in many countries: in the USA, UK and even in Philippine’s cuisine.

Method

1. Saute the Onions
   

   Heat oil or butter in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and stir often to avoid burning. They’re done when they start to turn translucent.
   

2. Add Corned Beef and Potatoes
   

   Keeping onions in the pan, add the corned beef and finely cubed potatoes. Make sure all the ingredients are mixed together evenly, and spread out in an even layer in the pan.
   

3. Brown the Bottom
   

   Do not stir the mixture once it is spread out in the pan. Instead, increase the heat to high and press down on the mixture with the spatula. You should hear sizzling, which means the bottom is getting crispy and browned!
   

4. Flip and Cook the Other Side
   

   Flip a portion of the hash mixture to see if the potatoes and corned beef have browned. If not, flip back over and continue to press down with the spatula.

   Once the bottom is browned enough, flip the hash mixture over in sections to brown the other side.
   

5. Serve with Parsley and Pepper
   

   Once both sides are browned, you can remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in a handful of chopped parsley, and add some ground black pepper on top. If you like, add a bit of hot sauce.

   The corned beef should provide plenty of salt to the dish, but you can add salt to taste if needed.
   

Easy Tips

Use a Cast Iron Skillet

For the best results, I use a cast iron skillet to make this corned beef hash. A cast iron skillet ensures that your potatoes get nice and crispy. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, then you can also use a non-stick skillet.

Cook Thoroughly

Getting a good sear will make your corned beef hash crispy, and more flavourful. Cooking thoroughly will also help reduce the surface moisture and keep your corned beef hash from being soggy.

Swap the Potatoes for Canned Potatoes

To speed up the cooking process, you can use canned potatoes and skip the parboil step. Canned potatoes are potatoes that have been processed and sealed in a container to keep them for longer shelf life. Whereas they don’t taste like regular potatoes, they’re an easy shortcut to a fast dinner.

Avoid Sticking

For the best texture, make sure your corned beef hash doesn’t stick to the pan. To do so, put your pan on medium high heat, and cook until all the fat glistens, but doesn’t burn.

When the meat has a good sear, it will release from the pan easily. If the meat is sticking, let it cook a bit longer and check again. If you find your corned beef hash is sticking, try adding some butter or oil to coat the pan.

Use Corned Beef Brisket Leftovers

For this corned beef hash recipe I used canned corned beef, which you can easily find in most grocery stores. But, if you have leftover corned beef brisket at home then you can use that too. Simply slice and cube the beef brisket and add it to the recipe in place of canned corned beef.

Canned Corned Beef Hash Fun Variations

• One of my favorite things about corned beef hash is that you can easily add any ingredients you want for some variety. One popular variation is to include steamed cabbage. To do this, just cook down canned corned beef with steamed cabbage and onion. Season with black pepper for a simple but filling meal. This variation is popular in Jamaica and Ireland, and is sometimes called a “traditional boiled dinner”.


• In the Philippines, corned beef hash is commonly served with white rice and a fried egg for breakfast. Corned beef hash is also sometimes mixed with scrambled eggs, or served with garlic fried rice. In Ireland, corned beef hash is served with baked beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, and sausages.


• For a kick of sweetness, try using sweet potatoes in place of white potatoes. Keep in mind that sweet potatoes are softer, and will not crisp up the same way that white potatoes do. If you want to make canned corned beef healthy, try adding other vegetables like peppers, carrots or tomatoes.


• For a boost of protein, crack a few eggs onto the corned beef hash while it’s still in the skillet. Cover the skillet for a few minutes with a lid and let the eggs cook. This is a great option for breakfast or dinner.


• And of course, you can always add your own seasonings depending on your favorite flavors. I like to add a bit of sriracha chili sauce for some heat. You can also add chopped garlic, or any fresh herbs you like.