There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, cheesy one-pot meal that practically cooks itself. I can’t count how many times Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash has saved dinner at our house on a chaotic weekday. Whether it’s the smell wafting through the kitchen while I’m working from home or the look of delight on my kids’ faces when they dig in—this recipe never misses.

I first threw this together on a cold, rainy Tuesday when my fridge was running low and my motivation was even lower. A pound of ground beef, some lonely potatoes, and a block of cheddar later… magic. It became an instant family favorite and has since earned a permanent spot in our meal rotation.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the exact steps to recreate this feel-good meal, plus give you plenty of tips, tweaks, and tricks to make it your own. And yes—this Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash is loaded with flavor, easy to customize, and outrageously satisfying.

Why You’ll LOVE This Recipe

Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor – No fancy steps, just layering and letting the slow cooker do its thing.
Budget-Friendly – Uses basic pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
Kid-Approved & Crowd-Pleaser – From picky eaters to hungry teens, it hits the spot.
Customizable – Make it spicier, cheesier, veggie-packed, or even low-carb.
Perfect Comfort Food – Hearty, warm, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying.

Ingredients List

What You’ll Need (US + Metric):

1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10)
4 cups (about 3 medium) diced potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold, peeled)
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup (120ml) beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional: 4 oz (113g) cream cheese for extra creaminess

Ingredient Notes

Ground Beef: You can use ground turkey or chicken, but always brown it first to lock in flavor and improve texture.
Potatoes: Russets make for a fluffier bite, while Yukon Golds offer a creamier texture. Frozen hash browns are a convenient alternative—just reduce cook time slightly.
Cheese: Classic cheddar melts beautifully, but feel free to use a blend with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even Velveeta for a creamier twist.
Broth: Beef broth gives a rich base, but vegetable or chicken broth works too if that’s what you have on hand.
Seasonings: Don’t skip the Worcestershire—it adds that deep umami note. Adjust salt and pepper after cooking.

Equipment Needed

6-quart slow cooker (Crock-Pot)
Large skillet (for browning the beef)
Cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s Cook:

Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.

Prep the Base: Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray.
Layer the Ingredients: Add the diced potatoes, onion, garlic, browned beef, seasonings, and broth to the slow cooker.

Cheese It Up: Stir in half the shredded cheese. Reserve the rest for topping later.
Cook Low & Slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Finish & Serve: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in cream cheese if using. Top with the remaining shredded cheese and let it melt.

The hash is ready when the cheese is gooey, the potatoes are tender, and it smells like heaven in your kitchen.

Pro Tips for the BEST Hamburger Hash

Don’t Skip the Browning: It adds depth you simply can’t get from raw meat.
Avoid Mushy Potatoes: Cut evenly, don’t overcook, and skip stirring too often.
Check Seasoning Before Serving: Potatoes soak up salt, so a final taste test is key.
Want it Thicker? Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) during the last 30 minutes.

Delicious Variations & Customizations

Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese.
Veggie Boost: Toss in bell peppers, corn, peas, or spinach.
Ultimate Cheese Fest: Use Velveeta or a mix of sharp cheddar and cream cheese.
Topping Ideas: Chopped green onions, sour cream, crispy bacon bits, fresh parsley.
Cheeseburger Hash: Stir in mustard and ketchup, then garnish with pickles for a diner-style twist.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash

Pair it with:

A simple green salad with tangy vinaigrette
Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
Dinner rolls or crusty bread to mop up that cheesy goodness

And don’t forget dessert—maybe my Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole with Ground Beef for tomorrow night?

Storage, Reheating & Freezing Instructions

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Reheating: Microwave individual portions or warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
Freezing: Yes! Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Note: The texture of potatoes may soften slightly after freezing but the flavor remains spot-on.

FAQ – Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash

Can I use frozen hash browns instead of fresh potatoes?
Absolutely. Just reduce the cook time by about 30 minutes and monitor for doneness.

Do I need to cook the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker?
Yes. Browning adds essential flavor and removes excess fat that could make the dish greasy.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free (some brands contain malt vinegar).

My hamburger hash is watery, what can I do?
Stir in a cornstarch slurry or uncover the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes to let moisture evaporate.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Definitely. You can brown the beef and chop the veggies the night before. Store everything in the fridge and dump it into the slow cooker in the morning.

One-Pot Wonder Worth Repeating

There’s a reason this Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash is always a hit in my house. It’s ridiculously easy, deeply comforting, and endlessly adaptable. I love how it fills my home with the smell of dinner done right—without me hovering over a stove.

If you try this recipe, drop a comment below and let me know what twist you put on it. Did your crew love it as much as mine does? Don’t forget to share it with your fellow comfort food lovers!

And if you’re looking for your next crockpot adventure, don’t miss our creamy Beef and Noodles Crockpot or spicy Green Chili Chicken Stew.

Ingredients

1 lb 450g lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10)
4 cups diced potatoes Russet or Yukon Gold, peeled and cubed
1 medium yellow onion diced
3 cloves garlic minced
1 ½ cups 170g shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup 120ml beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional: 4 oz 113g cream cheese (for added creaminess)

Instructions

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
Spray a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray.
Add diced potatoes, onion, garlic, browned beef, seasonings, and broth into the slow cooker.
Stir in half the shredded cheese. Reserve the rest for later.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.
(Optional) Stir in cream cheese 30 minutes before serving for extra creaminess.
Top with remaining shredded cheese, let melt, then serve warm.

Notes

Frozen Hash Browns: You can substitute 4 cups of frozen hash browns for fresh potatoes. Reduce cook time slightly and monitor doneness.
Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
Vegetarian Version: Use meatless crumbles and vegetable broth.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Hello! I'm Mia

Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash

Why You’ll LOVE This Recipe