Introduction

Best Corned Beef Hash is crispy, savory, and deeply satisfying—made with diced corned beef, golden potatoes, and onions cooked together until perfectly browned. This classic comfort dish is known for its irresistible crust and rich, salty flavor, making it a breakfast and brunch favorite that easily doubles as a hearty dinner. Finished with eggs or enjoyed on its own, corned beef hash is simple, nostalgic, and always satisfying.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Crispy, golden texture with tender bites
Perfect use for leftover corned beef
One-skillet comfort food
Great for breakfast, brunch, or dinner
Customizable with eggs and add-ins

Ingredients (serves 4)

2 tbsp butter or oil
2 cups cooked corned beef, diced
2½ cups cooked potatoes, diced (Yukon Gold or russet)
½ cup onion, finely diced
½ tsp black pepper
Optional: garlic powder, paprika
Optional garnish: chopped parsley
Optional to serve: fried or poached eggs

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large cast-iron or heavy skillet
Spatula
Knife + cutting board

Step-by-step process (detailed)

1. Heat the skillet

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add butter or oil. Let it heat until shimmering but not smoking—hot fat is key for crisping.

2. Add onions

Add diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden. This builds a flavorful base.

3. Add potatoes

Add diced potatoes to the skillet and spread them into an even layer. Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring minimally, until they begin to brown and crisp.

4. Add corned beef

Add diced corned beef and sprinkle with black pepper and optional spices. Stir gently to combine, then press the mixture into an even layer.

5. Crisp the hash

Let the hash cook undisturbed 5–6 minutes until a golden crust forms on the bottom. Flip sections and cook another 4–5 minutes until crispy throughout.

6. Taste and adjust

Taste and adjust seasoning. Corned beef is salty, so additional salt is rarely needed.

7. Optional egg finish

If serving with eggs, create small wells in the hash, crack eggs into them, cover the skillet, and cook 3–5 minutes until eggs reach desired doneness.

8. Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with parsley. Serve hot, straight from the skillet.

Mistakes to avoid

Stirring too often — no crispy crust
Using raw potatoes — uneven cooking
Overcrowding the pan — steaming instead of browning
Adding salt too early — overly salty hash
Using low heat — pale, soft texture

Variations of Best Corned Beef Hash

Breakfast Hash — top with fried or poached eggs
Spicy — add diced jalapeños or hot sauce
Veggie Boost — add bell peppers or cabbage
Sweet Potato Hash — replace potatoes with sweet potatoes
Oven Finish — crisp on stovetop, then bake at 400°F for 10 minutes

Tips for storage & make-ahead

Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days
Reheat in a skillet to restore crispness
Prep potatoes and corned beef ahead
Avoid microwaving for the best texture

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned corned beef?
Yes—it works well, but be gentle when stirring.

What potatoes are best?
Yukon Gold for creamy interior, russet for crisp edges.

Why isn’t my hash crispy?
The pan wasn’t hot enough, or the hash was stirred too much.

Is corned beef hash salty?
Naturally, yes—season lightly and taste first.

Conclusion

Best Corned Beef Hash is a timeless comfort dish that delivers crisp texture, savory depth, and serious satisfaction with minimal ingredients. Whether topped with eggs or served on its own, this skillet classic turns leftovers into something truly crave-worthy. Once mastered, it becomes a go-to favorite for any time of day.