This slow cooker 3-ingredient depression era beef hash is the kind of stick-to-your-ribs comfort food our grandparents leaned on when times were tight. It’s simple, hearty, and unbelievably budget-friendly—just ground beef, potatoes, and onions cooked low and slow until everything is tender and swimming in savory juices.
Rustic bowl of beef hash on a family dinner table
Rustic bowl of beef hash on a family dinner table
My dad devoured an entire batch the first time I made it, and now it’s one of those cozy, no-fuss dinners I turn to when I want everyone at the table to feel full, warm, and taken care of.
Serve this beef hash straight from the slow cooker into bowls with a spoon to catch all those savory meat juices. It’s wonderful on its own, but you can stretch it further by spooning it over toast, rice, or egg noodles.
A simple green side salad, steamed frozen veggies, or canned green beans warmed with a little butter rounds the meal out nicely. If you like, finish each bowl with a sprinkle of salt and pepper at the table, and maybe a splash of ketchup or hot sauce for those who enjoy a little extra zip.
Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Depression Era Beef Hash
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80–85% lean)
6 cups peeled and diced russet potatoes (about 4–5 medium potatoes, 1/2-inch cubes)
1 large yellow onion, diced (about 2 cups)
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste (optional, not counted in 3 ingredients)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste (optional, not counted in 3 ingredients)
1/2 cup water or beef broth, if needed for moisture (optional, not counted in 3 ingredients)
Simple ingredients for beef hash arranged on a kitchen counter
Simple ingredients for beef hash arranged on a kitchen counter
Directions
Prep the vegetables: Peel the potatoes and cut them into small 1/2-inch cubes so they cook evenly and get nice and soft. Dice the onion into small pieces.
Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains, about 7–10 minutes. If there is a lot of fat in the pan, carefully spoon off most of it, leaving a few tablespoons for flavor.
Ground beef browning in a skillet with a wooden spoon
Ground beef browning in a skillet with a wooden spoon
Layer in the slow cooker: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker if you like. Add the diced potatoes and diced onion to the slow cooker crock. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper if using. Spoon the browned ground beef and its remaining juices over the top. Gently stir everything together so the potatoes, onions, and beef are evenly mixed.
Add liquid if needed: If your beef is very lean and the mixture looks dry, pour in up to 1/2 cup of water or beef broth around the edges to help create those cozy meat juices as it cooks. You don’t need much—just enough to lightly moisten the bottom.
Slow cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours, or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are very tender and the onions have softened down into the juices. About halfway through, give everything a gentle stir if you’re home, making sure the potatoes on top get some of the juices from the bottom.
