This slow cooker hash is the kind of hearty, budget-friendly supper that fits right into a busy holiday weekend when you want something filling without standing over the stove. Inspired by simple Midwestern comfort food, it turns a few humble pantry and freezer staples into a rich, spoonable beef-and-potato meal that feels especially welcome on Labor Day when everybody is hungry and ready for something warm and satisfying.
Serve this hash with buttered green beans, simple corn, sliced tomatoes, or a crisp cabbage slaw to balance the richness. If you want to stretch the meal for a crowd, add warm dinner rolls, pickle spears, or a fruit salad on the side, and for the grown-ups it goes nicely with iced tea, light beer, or plain black coffee after supper.
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Poor Man Labor Day Hash
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 pounds frozen raw beef cheek meat
2 cups generic instant potato flakes
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray or a little oil if desired for easier cleanup, then place the frozen beef cheek meat in the bottom and scatter the sliced onion over the top.
2. Pour in the beef broth and sprinkle the seasoned salt evenly over everything.
3. Sprinkle the instant potato flakes evenly over the top, cover, and cook on low for 8 to 9 hours or on high for 5 to 6 hours, until the beef is very tender and easy to shred.
4. Open the lid, shred the beef right in the cooker with two forks, and stir everything together until the potatoes and broth form a thick hash around the meat. If it seems too thick, stir in a splash more broth; if too thin, let it sit uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Spoon the hash into bowls and serve hot.
Variations & Tips
Add a vegetable: Stir in 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables during the last 20 to 30 minutes of cooking if you want a more complete one-pot supper. This is a nice way to make it go a little farther for bigger family gatherings.
For extra flavor: A spoonful of Worcestershire sauce or a little black pepper can deepen the savory taste without changing the simple nature of the dish. If your broth is already salty, taste before adding more seasoning at the end.
Texture tip: Instant potato flakes thicken at different rates depending on the brand, so keep a little extra broth or hot water nearby. I like this hash thick enough to mound on a spoon, but you can loosen it to more of a stew if your family prefers.
Make it more oniony: If your crew loves classic hash flavors, use a large onion and let it cook down fully until sweet and soft. You can also sauté the onion first for a deeper flavor before adding it to the slow cooker.
Leftovers: Leftover hash reheats very well in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of broth. The next day, it is also tasty spooned into a skillet and browned a bit for a crisp-edged breakfast-style hash.