Rustic Alton Brown Corned Beef Hash Recipe

Hearty Alton Brown Corned Beef Hash Recipe for Mornings

Corned beef hash bursts with rustic charm, embodying the ultimate comfort food that transforms humble leftovers into a culinary masterpiece.

Every forkful tells a story of home-cooked brilliance, where simple ingredients sing with robust flavor.

The sizzling skillet becomes a canvas for culinary creativity, blending tender meat and crispy potatoes into a symphony of taste.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike revere this dish for its incredible versatility and soul-warming qualities.

Regional twists add unique characters to this classic recipe, making each preparation a delightful surprise.

Seasoned perfectly and cooked with passion, this hash transcends ordinary meals, promising a dining experience that connects you to generations of hearty cooking.

Get ready to savor a plate that celebrates deliciousness in its most authentic form.

Instructions to Make Alton Brown’s Corned Beef Hash

Instructions to Make Alton Brown’s Corned Beef Hash
  • Warm Up the Cooking Surface

Grab your trusty cast-iron skillet and set it on medium heat. Melt some butter and toss in bell peppers, giving them a gentle stir until they start to caramelize and develop a beautiful golden edge.

  • Build Flavor Layers

Dive into creating your mouthwatering hash by adding corned beef, chopped cabbage, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of herbs. Mix everything together so each bite will be packed with incredible taste.

  • Create a Crispy Foundation

Spread the mixture across the skillet, pressing down firmly with a spatula to form a compact, even layer. This technique helps create that irresistible crispy crust everyone loves.

  • Transform Into Golden Perfection

Cover the skillet with a lid or heavy plate, letting the hash cook and develop deep, rich color. After 10 minutes, give it a quick stir, press down again, and continue cooking until the bottom turns a stunning golden brown. The sizzling sounds and aroma will make your kitchen feel like a gourmet restaurant.

  • Serve and Savor

Slide your masterpiece directly from the skillet to the plate. The corned beef hash is best enjoyed piping hot, with its crispy exterior and tender interior promising a flavor explosion in every bite.

Tips for Crispy Corned Beef Hash by Brown

  • Swap bell peppers with different vegetables like onions, zucchini, or carrots for added nutrition and unique flavor profiles. Each vegetable brings its own delicious twist to the classic recipe.
  • Experiment with additional herbs and spices such as smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or fresh rosemary to elevate the hash's taste. A pinch of these seasonings can transform the entire dish's flavor complexity.
  • Use a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet for maximum browning and avoid stirring too frequently. Let the hash develop a golden-brown crust by allowing it to sit undisturbed during cooking, creating those irresistible crispy edges.
  • Prepare the hash mixture in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to serve, simply reheat in the skillet, ensuring the same delicious texture and flavor as freshly made corned beef hash.

Ways to Serve Alton Brown’s Corned Beef Hash

  • Breakfast Buddy: Pair this hearty corned beef hash with sunny-side-up eggs for a protein-packed morning meal that'll fuel your day.
  • Brunch Brilliance: Serve alongside toast points or fresh sourdough bread to soak up the delicious pan drippings and add extra texture.
  • Condiment Companion: Top with tangy mustard, zesty hot sauce, or fresh chopped parsley to elevate the flavor profile and add a bright, fresh element to the rich dish.
  • Green Side Kick: Complement the hash with a light mixed green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness of the corned beef.

Keep Alton Brown’s Corned Beef Hash Tasty

  • Maximize Freshness: Store leftover corned beef hash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The compact storage prevents moisture and maintains the dish's robust flavors.
  • Reheat with Crispiness: Revive cold hash by skillet-warming over medium heat. Spread the mixture evenly and cook for 5-7 minutes, ensuring a crispy exterior that mimics the original golden-brown texture.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Seal cooled hash in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn and preserve taste quality.
  • Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Portion hash into individual servings before refrigerating or freezing. This approach allows quick, convenient reheating without defrosting entire batch, perfect for busy weekday lunches or emergency meals.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 4

Alton Brown’s Corned Beef Hash: What to Use

For Skillet Preparation:
  • Butter: Select high-quality, creamy butter for rich flavor and smooth melting.
  • Bell Peppers: Choose vibrant, firm peppers with glossy skin for maximum crunch and color.
For Protein and Vegetables:
  • Corned Beef, Cabbage: Opt for lean, well-trimmed corned beef and fresh, crisp cabbage with tight, green leaves.
  • Garlic: Select plump, firm garlic cloves with smooth, unbruised skin for intense, robust flavor.
For Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Thyme, Oregano, Black Pepper: Pick fresh thyme and oregano with bright green leaves, and use freshly ground black pepper for maximum aromatic punch.

Cooking Gear for Alton Brown’s Beef Hash

  • Cast-iron skillet: A 12-inch heavy pan perfect for even heat distribution and creating crispy golden browns.
  • Spatula: Helps spread and press the hash mixture into a compact, delicious layer.
  • Lid or heatproof plate: Covers the skillet during cooking to help trap heat and ensure even browning.
  • Measuring spoons: Useful for accurately adding spices like thyme, oregano, and black pepper.
  • Wooden spoon or cooking utensil: Great for stirring ingredients and mixing the hash mixture thoroughly.
  • Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping bell peppers and preparing ingredients.
  • Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precisely cutting vegetables and corned beef.
Print
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Rustic Alton Brown Corned Beef Hash Recipe

Rustic Alton Brown Corned Beef Hash Recipe


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4.5 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Alton Brown’s corned beef hash blends crispy potatoes with tender meat in a classic comfort dish. Home cooks can elevate breakfast or brunch with this hearty skillet recipe that brings rich flavors and nostalgic satisfaction.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 cups corned beef and cabbage (leftover, well-drained)
  • 1 cup red bell pepper (finely chopped)
  • 3 tbsps (45 ml) unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • ½ tsp fresh thyme (chopped)
  • ½ tsp fresh oregano (chopped)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper (freshly ground)

Instructions

  1. Skillet Preparation: Warm a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat, gently melting butter until it shimmers across the pan’s surface.
  2. Pepper Caramelization: Sauté bell peppers for 4-5 minutes, developing a light caramelized exterior and soft, translucent texture.
  3. Seasoning Integration: Blend corned beef, minced garlic, dried thyme, oregano, and black pepper into the skillet, stirring thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
  4. Crust Formation: Use a sturdy spatula to press the hash mixture firmly across the skillet, creating an even, compact layer that promotes consistent golden-brown caramelization.
  5. Initial Crisping: Cover the hash with a heavy lid, reducing heat to medium-low and allowing the mixture to develop a crispy golden crust for approximately 10 minutes.
  6. Hash Transformation: Carefully flip and redistribute the hash, pressing down to ensure uniform cooking and maximize textural complexity.
  7. Final Crisping: Continue cooking for an additional 5-6 minutes under cover until the bottom achieves a deep, rich brown color and ingredients are thoroughly heated through.
  8. Serving: Immediately transfer to plates, ensuring each portion captures a perfect balance of crispy edges and tender interior components.

Notes

  • Skillet Selection: Use a well-seasoned 12-inch cast-iron skillet for optimal heat distribution and perfect crispy texture.
  • Butter Technique: Melt butter slowly until it shimmers, creating a golden base that enhances flavor and prevents sticking.
  • Pressing Importance: Use a sturdy spatula to compress the hash, developing a crispy golden crust that transforms the dish’s texture.
  • Patience Pays Off: Allow 10-15 minutes of covered cooking to develop deep browning and ensure ingredients are thoroughly heated throughout.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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