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Lazy Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash Recipe

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4.8 from 121 reviews

This Lazy Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash is a comforting and hearty casserole perfect for an easy weeknight meal. Featuring browned ground beef, shredded potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy blend of sour cream and seasonings, it’s a delicious, all-in-one dish that slowly cooks to perfection, making meal prep effortless and flavorful.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 30 oz frozen shredded potatoes
  • 1.5 – 2 lbs lean ground beef, browned
  • 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
  • 3 cups sour cream
  • ½ cup diced onion
  • 1 tablespoon mushroom bouillon base
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Add the frozen shredded potatoes into the slow cooker as the base layer.
  3. Add the Beef and Vegetables: Spread the browned ground beef evenly over the potatoes, then sprinkle the diced onion and minced garlic on top.
  4. Mix Sour Cream and Seasoning: In a bowl, combine the 3 cups of sour cream with 1 tablespoon of mushroom bouillon base, stirring well to incorporate the flavors.
  5. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Pour the sour cream mixture over the potatoes and beef evenly.
  6. Add Cheese: Reserve 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for topping later. Mix the remaining 3 cups of cheddar cheese into the slow cooker mixture evenly.
  7. Cook Slowly: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors are nicely blended.
  8. Finish with Cheese: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the reserved 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese on top, cover again, and let it melt into a golden, bubbly layer.
  9. Serve Warm: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, turn off the slow cooker and serve the hash hot for a satisfying meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute fresh potatoes if preferred, but frozen shredded potatoes save time and maintain texture.
  • For extra flavor, add diced bell peppers or mushrooms along with onions.
  • If a thicker consistency is desired, reduce sour cream to 2 cups and add a splash of heavy cream or milk.
  • Use low-fat sour cream and lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
  • This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.