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A cast iron skillet filled with golden-brown corned beef hash, diced potatoes, and a bright yellow egg yolk, garnished with chives.
Maryam

Hearty Skillet Corned Beef Hash

A timeless breakfast or brunch favorite featuring crispy pan-fried potatoes, savory shredded corned beef, onions, and bell peppers, perfectly seasoned and cooked to golden perfection.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Irish-American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Hash
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper diced (optional, for color and flavor)
  • 3 cups cooked potatoes diced into 1/2-inch cubes (e.g., leftover boiled, roasted, or baked potatoes)
  • 1 lb cooked corned beef shredded or finely diced (preferably from leftovers)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
For Serving (Optional)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar (for poaching eggs)

Equipment

  • Large cast-iron skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Spatula
  • Pot (for poaching eggs, optional)
  • Slotted spoon (for poaching eggs, optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Ensure corned beef is cooked and shredded or finely diced. Dice the cooked potatoes, yellow onion, and red bell pepper into approximately 1/2-inch pieces.
Cooking the Hash
  1. Heat the olive oil and unsalted butter in a large cast-iron skillet (or heavy-bottomed pan) over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened and translucent.
  3. Add the diced cooked potatoes and shredded corned beef to the skillet. Gently mix with the onions and peppers.
  4. Sprinkle with Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine. Flatten the hash mixture slightly with your spatula into an even layer across the bottom of the skillet.
  5. Let the hash cook undisturbed for 8-10 minutes, allowing a crispy crust to form on the bottom. Avoid stirring too frequently.
  6. Using a spatula, carefully flip sections of the hash to expose the browned side. Press down lightly to compact the hash again. Continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes, or until the second side is golden brown and crispy. If desired, you can break up larger potato pieces with a potato masher or fork for a more traditional texture, then re-flatten and crisp.
Cooking Eggs (Optional)
  1. While the hash is crisping, if serving with eggs, prepare them. For poached eggs: bring a pot of water with 1 tbsp vinegar to a gentle simmer. Carefully crack each egg into a small bowl, then gently slide into the simmering water. Cook for 3-4 minutes for runny yolks. Remove with a slotted spoon.
Serving
  1. Once the hash is deeply golden and crispy, remove from heat. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot, topped with poached eggs if desired.

Notes

This recipe is perfect for using up leftover cooked corned beef and potatoes from a St. Patrick's Day meal or any roast. Starchy potatoes like Russets work best for crisping. Don't overcrowd the pan, and resist the urge to stir constantly; allowing the hash to sit undisturbed is key to developing a nice crust. For a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. Leftover hash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best results to regain some crispiness.