This hearty meat and potatoes breakfast hash is the perfect way to start your day! With juicy bits of meat, tender potatoes, and savory spices, it’s both filling and tasty.
Honestly, who can resist crispy potatoes and delicious meat all in one dish? It’s a breakfast (or brunch!) winner! I love topping mine with eggs for extra yumminess.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Breakfast Sausage: This is the star of the dish! You can use ground pork, beef, or even turkey for a lighter option. If you’re looking for a plant-based choice, crumbled tempeh or a veggie sausage can work well too.
Potatoes: Traditional russet potatoes are great, but I love adding sweet potatoes for a hint of sweetness and nutrition. Yukon golds or reds also make a wonderful substitute if they’re what you have on hand.
Onion: While optional, onions add a nice depth of flavor. If you don’t have an onion, shallots work too. You could also leave it out entirely for a simpler dish.
Seasonings: Smoked paprika adds a lovely flavor, but regular paprika or even cayenne can add some spice. Feel free to adjust according to your taste. A pinch of salt and pepper is essential!
How Do I Get the Potatoes Crispy?
Achieving that perfect crispy texture on the potatoes is all about cooking them right. Here’s how to make sure they turn out great every time:
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; give the potatoes room to brown. Cook in batches if needed.
- Start with medium-high heat. Once they’re in the pan, don’t stir them too much. Let them sit so they have a chance to brown.
- Add a little oil as needed, which helps achieve that golden color and crispy exterior.
- Continue cooking until they’re fork-tender and golden brown, about 10-12 minutes. Low and slow will really enhance the flavors!
How to Make Meat and Potatoes Breakfast Hash
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Hash:
- 1 lb (450g) ground breakfast sausage (or ground pork/beef)
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 small onion, diced (optional)
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil or cooking oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes or red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 large eggs
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious breakfast hash takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes chopping and cooking the potatoes, sausage, and other ingredients, followed by about 5-10 minutes to cook the eggs to your preference.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by heating 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. This will create a nice, hot surface for cooking those flavorful ingredients.
2. Cook the Potatoes:
Add the diced regular and sweet potatoes to the skillet. Season them with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if you’re using it! Sauté while stirring occasionally until the potatoes begin to brown and soften, which usually takes about 10-12 minutes.
3. Cook the Sausage:
Once the potatoes are looking good, push them to one side of the skillet. If needed, drizzle in a little more oil, and then add the ground sausage. Break the sausage up with a spatula as it cooks until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Aromatics:
If you want to add fresh onion, toss it in along with the minced garlic in the last few minutes of cooking the sausage. This will give the onion a chance to soften and the garlic a chance to become fragrant.
5. Mix It Up:
Now, mix the cooked sausage back in with the potatoes, ensuring everything is well combined. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with a bit more salt, pepper, and those chili flakes if you like some heat!
6. Add the Eggs:
Make four small wells in the hash mixture and carefully crack an egg into each well. This allows the egg to settle nicely into the hash.
7. Cook the Eggs:
Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook on low heat until the eggs reach your desired doneness. Expect about 5-7 minutes for runny yolks, and a bit longer if you prefer them firm.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, sprinkle some fresh parsley or chives on top for brightness. Add a little extra cracked black pepper if you like, then serve the hash hot right from the skillet. Enjoy a hearty and satisfying breakfast!
This meat and potatoes breakfast hash will surely become a go-to morning meal. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat in This Hash?
Absolutely! While ground breakfast sausage is traditional, you can substitute it with ground beef, pork, turkey, or chicken. For a vegetarian option, try crumbled tempeh or plant-based sausage alternatives!
How Do I Prep Potatoes for Optimal Crispiness?
To achieve crispy potatoes, dice them into uniform pieces and make sure they are completely dry before cooking. You can soak them in water for 15 minutes, then drain and pat them dry before frying, which helps them crisp up nicely!
Can I Make This Hash Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the potato and sausage mix a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat in the skillet, add the eggs, and cook as directed. It’s a convenient option for busy mornings!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving. You can also re-fry it for a few minutes to get that crispy texture back!
