
The sizzle from the pan is a universal dinner bell in my house, drawing everyone to the kitchen. This corned beef hash skillet, with its familiar, comforting ingredients, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a busy Tuesday, a celebration of simple ingredients and big flavor. I’ve always loved the classic combination of salty corned beef and tender potatoes, but I found myself wanting a little more—a sauce to bring it all together, to make each bite juicier and more cohesive. After a bit of tinkering, I landed on a secret, savory sauce that transforms this humble dish into something truly special. This isn’t just another of those corned beef hash recipes; it’s a complete, comforting skillet meal that comes together with minimal fuss. Regular kitchen, regular time, great results. Let’s make a corned beef hash skillet that’s packed with flavor and feels like home.
Table of Contents
Corned Beef Hash Skillet
A comforting one-skillet meal featuring savory corned beef, tender potatoes, and a secret tangy sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner or a hearty breakfast. Topped with a fried egg, it's a complete, family-friendly comfort food.
- Prep Time: 15min
- Cook Time: 25min
- Total Time: 40min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: dinner
- Method: pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups diced russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (about 2 medium potatoes, ½-inch dice)
- 1 (12 oz) can corned beef, broken into chunks
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add diced potatoes to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until tender and golden brown.
- Push potatoes to one side. Add corned beef chunks to the cleared space, sear for a minute, then break apart and mix with potatoes. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, thyme, and black pepper. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and water until smooth.
- Pour sauce over the hash. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir gently to coat and simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens. Taste and add salt only if needed.
- Remove from heat. Serve immediately, optionally topped with a fried egg and chopped parsley.
Notes
For crispier potatoes, avoid stirring too often while browning. Corned beef is salty, so taste before adding extra salt. Leftover homemade corned beef (about 2 cups) works great. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 950
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 18
- Cholesterol: 60
Ingredients List

This corned beef hash skillet recipe leans on pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients to build deep, satisfying flavor. The secret sauce is simpler than you think, using common condiments to create a glossy, savory coating.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups diced russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (about 2 medium potatoes, ½-inch dice)
- 1 (12 oz) can corned beef, broken into chunks
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Secret Juicy Sauce:
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
For Serving (Optional):
- Fried or poached eggs
- Chopped fresh parsley
Smart Swaps:
- Potatoes: Use sweet potatoes for a sweeter, earthier twist, like in our Corned Beef Hash with Sweet Potatoes.
- Corned Beef: Leftover homemade corned beef is fantastic here. Shred or dice about 2 cups.
- Dairy-Free: The recipe is naturally dairy-free if you use oil instead of butter.
- Spice Level: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a gentle heat.
Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
That’s about 20% faster than many stovetop-to-oven corned beef hash recipes, making it a perfect weeknight win.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for a perfectly cooked, flavorful corned beef hash skillet every time.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Brown the Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and have developed some golden-brown spots. Don’t rush this step—this browning builds the foundational flavor of your homemade corned beef hash.
- Add the Corned Beef & Seasonings: Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet. Add the corned beef chunks to the cleared space and let them sear for a minute before breaking them apart with your spoon and mixing them into the potatoes. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, thyme, and a good crack of black pepper. Stir everything to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Create the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and water until smooth. This is your secret weapon!
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce evenly over the corned beef hash skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir gently to coat every bit of potato and beef in that glossy, savory sauce. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and cling to the ingredients. Taste and add salt only if needed (corned beef is already quite salty).
- Serve: Remove from heat. For a classic finish, top your corned beef hash skillet with a perfectly fried egg. The runny yolk mixes with the sauce for an incredible bite. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approximately ¼ of the skillet, without egg):
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 15g
- Key Notes: This dish is a good source of protein from the corned beef and provides complex carbohydrates from the potatoes. The sauce adds a small amount of sugar, but the Worcestershire sauce contributes iron and B vitamins.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need anything fancy for this corned beef hash skillet. A reliable large skillet is key—I prefer a 10 or 12-inch cast iron for its even heating and ability to create a fantastic crust, but any heavy-bottomed skillet will work. You’ll also need a sturdy spatula for stirring and a small bowl for mixing the sauce. That’s it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal cleanup is a major win for any night of the week. Everything cooks in one pan.
- The Secret Sauce Magic: This simple glaze takes the flavor from good to “can I have seconds?” by adding a tangy, sweet, and savory moisture that binds everything together.
- Incredibly Adaptable: It’s a perfect canvas for leftovers. Toss in some diced bell peppers with the onions, or stir in a handful of spinach at the end.
- Comfort Food, Made Easy: It delivers all the nostalgic, hearty satisfaction of classic comfort food without any complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Perfect for Any Meal: It shines as a hearty breakfast, a simple lunch, or a cozy dinner. Food that feels like home, anytime.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

You can easily tweak this corned beef hash skillet to fit different dietary preferences without sacrificing the cozy, comforting essence.
- Lower Sodium: Use low-sodium corned beef and low-sodium ketchup. You can also reduce the Worcestershire sauce by half.
- Lower Sugar: Omit the brown sugar in the sauce. The ketchup and Worcestershire will still provide plenty of flavor.
- Higher Protein/Vegetable Boost: Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans with the corned beef. You can also stir in a cup of finely chopped kale or spinach during the last minute of cooking.
- Sweet Potato Version: For a vitamin-rich swap, use diced sweet potatoes instead of russets. Check out our dedicated Corned Beef Hash with Sweet Potatoes recipe for guidance.
Serving Suggestions
This corned beef hash skillet is a complete meal on its own, but a few simple additions can make it even more special.
- The Essential Topping: A fried or poached egg is non-negotiable for me. The rich, runny yolk is the ultimate sauce. For more inspiration on pairing, see our Corned Beef Hash and Eggs guide.
- For a Heartier Dinner: Serve it alongside a simple green salad with a sharp vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or with a slice of crusty bread for mopping up the sauce.
- Brunch Style: Pair it with fresh fruit or a simple fruit salad for a satisfying weekend brunch.
- Get Cheesy: For a decadent twist, sprinkle a handful of shredded cheddar over the hash during the last few minutes of cooking, cover until melted. Our Cheesy Corned Beef Hash recipe is built on this delicious principle.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few small missteps can change the texture of your corned beef hash skillet. Here’s how to avoid them.
- Dicing Potatoes Too Large: A consistent ½-inch dice ensures the potatoes cook through at the same rate as everything else. Larger pieces will be undercooked and hard in the center.
- Skipping the Potato Browning: If you add the corned beef too soon, the potatoes steam instead of fry. Let them get those golden edges for maximum flavor and texture. If you love extra crispiness, our method for Crispy Corned Beef Hash has you covered.
- Over-stirring After Adding the Sauce: Once the sauce is added, stir just enough to coat, then let it simmer undisturbed. Constant stirring can break down the potatoes and make the hash mushy.
- Not Tasting Before Adding Salt: Corned beef is very salty. Always taste your hash after adding the sauce before you reach for the salt shaker.
Storing Tips for the Recipe

This corned beef hash skillet makes fantastic leftovers.
- Refrigerating: Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the hash (without a freshly cooked egg) for up to 2 months. Store in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a tiny splash of water to refresh the sauce. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring halfway through. For the best texture, re-crisp it in the skillet.
Conclusion
This corned beef hash skillet, with its simple ingredients and that secret juicy sauce, is everything I want in a home-cooked meal: satisfying, flavorful, and utterly un-fussy. It proves that with a few smart tricks, you can turn a classic into something new and exciting for your table. Whether you’re using up leftovers from a bigger feast like our Beer Braised Corned Beef & Cabbage or just grabbing a can from the pantry, this recipe delivers warmth and comfort every time.
I hope it becomes a trusted favorite in your kitchen, too. Give it a try this week and let me know how it turned out for you in the comments below! And if you snap a photo of your beautiful creation, don’t forget to tag @StackSipSnack on Pinterest—I love seeing your kitchen wins.
Okay, here's the completed FAQ block for "Corned Beef Hash Skillet":
FAQs about Corned Beef Hash Skillet
Can you make corned beef hash ahead of time?
Yes, you can make corned beef hash ahead of time. Prepare the hash as directed in your recipe, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat thoroughly in a skillet before serving. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
What is corned beef hash usually served with?
Corned beef hash is often served with fried eggs on top, offering a rich and satisfying breakfast or brunch. It can also be served with toast, hollandaise sauce, or a side of ketchup or hot sauce.
What kind of potatoes are best for corned beef hash?
Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes are best for corned beef hash. They hold their shape well when cooked and won't become mushy. Russet potatoes can also be used, but be careful not to overcook them.
How do you keep corned beef hash from sticking to the skillet?
Use a well-seasoned skillet or a non-stick skillet. Ensure the skillet is heated properly before adding oil or butter. Don't overcrowd the skillet; cook the hash in batches if necessary. Allow the hash to brown undisturbed before stirring to prevent sticking.
How do you get crispy corned beef hash?
To achieve crispy corned beef hash, use a hot skillet and don't overcrowd it. Press the hash down firmly in the skillet and let it cook undisturbed for several minutes on each side to develop a golden-brown crust. A cast iron skillet works exceptionally well for crisping.
What goes well with corned beef?
Besides hash, corned beef pairs well with cabbage, potatoes, carrots, mustard (especially Dijon or horseradish mustard), rye bread, pickles, and Irish soda bread.
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