Want to know how to easily improve canned corned beef hash? You can easily take this old-school food from “meh” to fabulous!

The best way is to add a few ingredients and some of your favorite seasonings. I follow an easy recipe, but there are quite a few different ways to make it taste wonderful. Next time you see canned corned beef on sale, pick up a couple of cans and test out some of my suggestions.

I highly recommend reading this entire post before you begin preparing the recipe. However, if all you want is the list of ingredients with full directions, please either click on the jump-to-recipe button above or scroll to the bottom of this post.

Some people call this corn beef hash, but the process of using large kernels of salt to cure the meat gives it the name “corned beef hash.” 

Easy Beef Hash Recipe

If I’m in a hurry, but still want to doctor the canned corned beef hash, I use a super easy recipe. It only involves a few ingredients and a yummy topper on each serving.

Since I only use simple ingredients for this version, I typically have everything that I need in my pantry and refrigerator. I’ll also show other options for those days when you have more time. All of the ingredients for this corned beef hash recipe are available in most grocery stores. So you shouldn’t have any trouble finding what you need to make this delicious dish.

I feel that the best canned corned beef hash is the one you like. So try different brands until you discover your favorite. They’re all a little bit different.

Ingredients

Since I’m cooking for just my husband and myself, this is for 2 servings. However, if you’re cooking for more people, simply double the ingredients.

Here is what you’ll need for the most basic but delicious corned beef hash:

• Can of corned beef hash (15 ounce can)
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 3 eggs
• 1 tablespoon butter

If you want to print out this recipe, go to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

This is such an easy recipe, and it takes very little time. I often serve it with a simple side, such as this delicious bacon lettuce and tomato salad or this deliciously refreshing and creamy coleslaw.

If you have leftover corned beef, you can add some diced potatoes for homemade corned beef hash. Cut up the meat and cook it in butter with the potatoes. Since I enjoy crispy potatoes, I make sure they’re browned around the edges.

I often pick up an extra package of corned beef when it goes on sale after St. Patrick’s Day so we can enjoy it again. I put it in the freezer and start thawing it a day or two before I plan to cook it. I’ve actually made corned beef from scratch using a beef brisket and pickling spices. We like a lot of flavor at our house, so I don’t hold back on the seasonings.

You can also pick up corned beef from almost any deli counter. However, keep in mind that some delis charge quite a bit for the prepared version. And it’s really just as easy to make it yourself if you want to save some money.

Alternate or Additional Ingredients

If you have time and want more flavor, feel free to add whatever you want. I always recommend adding to a small amount and tasting it before putting it in the entire recipe to make sure you like it.

Here are some alternate or additional ingredients that are good:

• Minced fresh garlic clove
• More potatoes, diced (new potatoes, Irish potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes, or whatever kind you have)
• Sweet potatoes (either instead of or in addition to regular potatoes)
• Sour cream or plain yogurt
• Barbecue sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Hot sauce
• Olive oil
• Red or green bell pepper

Directions to Improve Canned Corned Beef Hash

You’ll need a medium to large skillet. You can use a cast iron skillet or whatever pan you prefer.

First thing, melt the butter in the skillet over medium heat. Make sure the entire surface is coated with the butter before you add the rest of the ingredients. Pour the diced onions into the pan and sauté until they are translucent.

Next, empty the entire can of corned beef hash into the coated skillet, stir, and evenly distribute the contents. Sprinkle the garlic powder and onion powder over the hash and continue to stir.

Since I like browned edges on the meat, I turn the burner up a little bit and continue cooking over medium high heat. If you feel that medium-high heat is too hot, keep it on medium. You don’t want to burn this. This entire process typically only takes about 10 to 15 minutes to this point. However, a lot depends on your stove and how hot the burner cooks.

Add Eggs for Contrast, Flavor, and Nutrition

Finally, I crack the eggs over the corned beef hash while it is in the skillet. They should resemble sunny side up eggs. Each person should have a fried egg on top. There are 2 of us, so one of us got 2 eggs.

I like a runny yolk, so as soon as the egg whites are done, the meal is ready to serve. Or you can cover the skillet and allow the egg yolks to firm up. That’s up to you and how you prefer them. The reason I like runny eggs is that it’s easy to cut them up and mix them with the rest of the dish. The runny yolks add a lot of creaminess, which I enjoy.

If you like salty eggs, go ahead and put extra salt on them. A lot depends on the brand of corned beef you get because some are saltier than others.

More Tips to Improve the Taste of Canned Corned Beef

There is an endless number of ways to make canned corned beef taste better. All of the ways I’ve mentioned are things I’ve tried. However, I don’t think you should limit yourself to what I do.

Here are more things you can try:

• Spice it up. Do you have a favorite spice? Add it to a small amount of the canned corned beef and taste it. If you like it, then you can add it to the entire recipe.
• Try a different cooking method. If you normally heat it up in a saucepan, fry it in butter. I would use a cast iron skillet to make sure all of the heat is evenly distributed. Plus, there’s something about using an iron skillet that makes food even better.
• Add an unexpected flavor. Mix in a little bit of this balsamic glaze for a tangy flavor. Be careful not to overdo it because you don’t want to completely overpower the flavor.
• Add a family-favorite flavor. If you’re a fan of barbecue, add some of this homemade barbecue sauce.

History of Canned Corned Beef

The canned version of corned beef became popular during World War II. It was shelf stable and fairly inexpensive, so most people could afford it. To this day, it remains popular among some segments of the world’s population. A lot of people rely on it as an easy way to make ends meet and still keep their families fed. It’s still a great value. Many people who grew up during that era still keep plenty of canned meat in their pantries.  

Side Dishes for Canned Corned Beef Hash

I like to add a side dish of vegetables or a salad when I make corned beef hash. If you have a favorite side, include that.

Here are some of our favorites:

Balsamic Glazed Zucchini – Loaded with lots of flavor, this will quickly become your favorite side dish for many meals.

Sautéed Spinach and Tomatoes – Add a bunch of color to the plate with this nutritious and delicious side.

Improved Canned Green Beans – When you need a side dish, go back to your pantry and pull out some of those green beans that you stocked up on during the last sale. Then follow this wonderful recipe from Julia’s Simply Southern. Mmm, so good!

Watermelon Cucumber Salad – Always refreshing, this yummy salad is sure to make the entire family very happy.

Broccoli Slaw – Delicious with great texture, color, and flavor, this broccoli slaw is a delightful side dish that you can feel good about serving your family.

More Beef Recipes

If you enjoy the flavor of beef, try any of these delicious recipes:

Italian Beef and Cabbage Casserole – This is another economical meal that is absolutely delicious! It’s also low-carb and Keto friendly! And it’s good the next day for leftovers!

Baked Beef Ribs – I alternate between beef and pork ribs. This is my favorite way to cook beef ribs. 

Slow Cooker Layered Hamburger Casserole – I love one-pot and one-pan meals, and this is definitely a family favorite!

Beef and Bean Enchilada Casserole – Anyone who likes south-of-the-border flavors will appreciate this easy recipe that makes the taste buds very happy.

Crock Pot Garlic Tomato Roast Beef – Start this in the morning and come home to this amazingly tantalizing aroma that will draw the whole family to the kitchen. It’s so good!

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