Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash

Featured in: Effortless Comfort Foods

This slow cooker hamburger hash brings together ground beef, diced potatoes, corn, and sharp cheese for a satisfying, comforting meal. Browning the beef and onions adds savory flavor before everything simmers gently with cream of mushroom soup and pantry spices. The potatoes cook until perfectly tender while the cheese melts gooey and rich through every bite. Easy prep and hearty results make this a perfect set-it-and-forget-it dinner for weeknights or cozy gatherings.

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Updated on Mon, 21 Jul 2025 20:52:56 GMT
A delicious Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash is served on a plate. Pin it
A delicious Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash is served on a plate. | myhomemaderecipe.com

When my calendar gets packed and the weather turns chilly, this slow cooker hamburger hash is my go-to comfort food. It is a hearty family dinner that cooks itself while you get on with your day and always gets second helpings at the table.

I first made this for a Saturday night movie marathon and now it is always the request when everyone is craving cozy home cooking. It tastes just like the kind of meal my grandma used to serve after a long day outside.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: Choose fresh with bright color and little liquid for best flavor and texture
  • White onion: Milder than yellow onion and adds gentle sweetness
  • Salt and pepper: These seasonings round out all the savory flavors
  • Garlic powder: Delivers a hint of earthy depth without the bite of raw garlic
  • Cream of mushroom soup: Look for one with lots of visible mushroom bits for added richness and creaminess
  • Corn: Go for canned corn that looks plump and vibrant not faded great for popping sweet bursts into every bite
  • Russet potatoes: Their starchy texture breaks down just enough for a creamy base pick ones that feel heavy and firm with no green spots or wrinkles
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds creaminess and a sharp punch use freshly shredded from a block for the best melt

Instructions

Brown the Meat:
Brown the ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet on medium high heat Stir well and cook until the beef is no longer pink about 6 minutes Drain off all excess fat to keep the hash from turning greasy
Prep the Potatoes:
Wash and dry the russet potatoes thoroughly Dice into small half inch cubes keeping the skins on for extra flavor and nutrients Place all the potatoes right into the bottom of your slow cooker forming an even layer
Layer and Mix:
Pour the cooked beef and onion mixture over the potatoes Add the cream of mushroom soup salt pepper garlic powder drained corn and half the shredded cheese Use a large spoon to combine everything well and spread it all out evenly in the crock
Slow Cook:
Cover your slow cooker and set it on low Heat for five hours without lifting the lid This time lets the potatoes soften the flavors meld and the mixture thicken to a creamy hash
Cheese Finish:
After five hours sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese evenly across the hash Replace the lid and let it sit for about ten minutes so the cheese gets gooey and melted all over
A delicious meal of meat and vegetables, including corn, is served on a white plate. Pin it
A delicious meal of meat and vegetables, including corn, is served on a white plate. | myhomemaderecipe.com

The sharp cheddar cheese is my favorite part It brings the whole dish together and gets all gooey and golden on top Whenever I sprinkle it on I always recall my younger cousin trying to snag the first scoop before anyone else got to break that cheesy crust

Storage Tips

Let any leftovers cool down before transferring to an airtight container Store in the fridge for up to three days and reheat individual portions in the microwave Just add a splash of milk or water before reheating so everything stays creamy You can also freeze in resealable bags for up to two months for a meal prep win

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter version For the cheese go with Monterey Jack or Colby blend if sharp cheddar is not your favorite No fresh potatoes Use diced frozen potatoes or hash browns for a real timesaver and still get great results

Serving Suggestions

Scoop big portions into bowls and serve with a dash of hot sauce or crunchy dill pickles on the side My family likes this with crusty bread for dipping or with scrambled eggs for a weekend brunch It is also tasty topped with fresh chopped parsley or chives for extra color

Cultural and Historical Context

Hamburger hash is classic American comfort food born out of a need to stretch pantry staples and feed a crowd There are so many regional twists but the core remains the same ground meat potatoes and vegetables cooked until bubbly This version with cream soup and cheese captures old school diner magic and the taste of home

A delicious meal of chicken and corn on the cob covered in cheese and herbs, served on a white plate. Pin it
A delicious meal of chicken and corn on the cob covered in cheese and herbs, served on a white plate. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Comforting and full of flavor this hamburger hash is always a winner for busy weeknights. With its hearty ingredients and cozy taste your family will request it again and again.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute ground turkey for beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well and can lighten the dish while still blending with other flavors.

→ Should I peel the potatoes?

Peeling is optional. Leaving the skins on adds texture and nutrients to the hash.

→ Can a different cheese be used?

Absolutely! Try Colby, Monterey Jack, or a blend for a different flavor profile.

→ How do I prevent mushy potatoes?

Dice potatoes into even, small cubes and avoid stirring too much during cooking.

→ Is it possible to add other vegetables?

Yes, bell peppers, peas, or carrots can be added for extra color and nutrition.

Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash

Savory hamburger hash slow-cooked with potatoes, corn, and cheese for a hearty family meal.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
310 Minutes
Total Time
330 Minutes
By: Susan

Category: Slow Cooker Meals

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (One 4-litre batch)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Base

01 450 g ground beef
02 160 g white onion, diced
03 680 g russet potatoes, cut into 1.25 cm cubes, skin on

→ Seasonings

04 0.25 tsp fine salt
05 0.25 tsp ground black pepper
06 0.5 tsp garlic powder

→ Additions

07 610 g cream of mushroom soup
08 430 g canned corn, thoroughly drained
09 200 g sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded, divided

Instructions

Step 01

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion until cooked through; drain excess fat.

Step 02

Rinse and pat dry the russet potatoes. Cut into 1.25 cm cubes, leaving the skin on for texture and nutrients.

Step 03

Add cubed potatoes to the slow cooker. Top with the cooked beef and onion mixture. Incorporate cream of mushroom soup, salt, pepper, garlic powder, drained corn, and half the shredded cheese. Stir evenly and spread into a flat layer.

Step 04

Cover and cook on low for 5 hours, keeping the lid closed throughout the cooking process for even doneness.

Step 05

Remove the lid and distribute the remaining cheese over the hash. Cover again and let stand for 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt before serving.

Notes

  1. For best texture, keep the potato cubes small and uniform for even cooking.
  2. Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking; heat loss will increase cook time.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Slow cooker
  • Sharp chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (Cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup)
  • Contains gluten (cream of mushroom soup may contain wheat; verify for gluten-free needs)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 458
  • Total Fat: 25 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 36 g
  • Protein: 23 g