Texas Hash is a hearty and flavorful one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy families or anyone who wants to put together a filling dinner without a lot of fuss. This classic recipe features ground beef, onions, green peppers, tomatoes, and a mix of noodles, beans, and spices—all baked into a comforting casserole. The dish is easy to make, with everything cooked in one skillet before being transferred to the oven for a final bake. Using chili powder and pepper gives it a mild kick, while the tomatoes and green beans provide balance with their fresh flavor.
This recipe is a practical choice when you want to serve a filling but not too complicated meal. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up this satisfying hash in under an hour. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, and since it makes six servings, it’s great for feeding a crowd or for leftovers the next day. The combination of ingredients provides a well-rounded meal, with protein from the ground beef, vegetables from the green beans and tomatoes, and starch from the noodles.
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Texas Hash
Food History
Texas Hash has its roots in the traditional Southern and Southwestern cuisines, where simple, flavorful one-pot meals are common. Ground beef became more popular in American kitchens during the mid-20th century, and this recipe reflects that trend. Casseroles and baked dishes like Texas Hash were also staples during this time, as they allowed home cooks to stretch their ingredients and feed a family with minimal effort.
This recipe’s name suggests a connection to Texas, but “hash” as a dish dates back much further, with variations found across many regions. The idea of hash is to take ingredients, often leftover meats and vegetables, and cook them together for a quick, hearty meal. Over time, it evolved into recipes like this one, where ground beef is used as the base, and spices and vegetables are added for flavor.
Timeline
- 1800s: Hash dishes were common in the U.S., particularly as a way to use leftover meats and vegetables.
- Mid-20th century: Ground beef became a popular ingredient in American households, and recipes like Texas Hash emerged.
- 1950s-1960s: Casseroles and one-pot meals, such as this hash, became a staple in family cooking due to their ease and affordability.
Recipe Discussion
Texas Hash is simple to prepare, with all the ingredients sautéed together before baking. First, onions and green peppers are softened in margarine, creating a flavorful base for the dish. Ground beef is then added and cooked until browned and crumbled, giving the hash its hearty texture. Combining canned tomatoes, green beans, and uncooked noodles adds flavor and substance, ensuring that this dish is filling enough to serve as a complete meal.
The spices, including chili powder, salt, and pepper, add a Southwestern flair to the dish without overpowering the other ingredients. The green beans and tomatoes bring a touch of sweetness and acidity that balance the richness of the beef, while the noodles absorb the flavors, creating a cohesive dish. Once everything is mixed together, the hash is baked in the oven, which allows the flavors to meld and the noodles to soften.
Baking the hash for an hour ensures the noodles are fully cooked and the flavors are well blended. Covering the dish while baking traps in the moisture, but removing the cover for the last 15 minutes allows the top to brown slightly, giving it a bit of texture.
Preparation Tips
- Choose the right noodles: Medium-sized noodles like elbow macaroni or shells work well, as they absorb the flavors and cook evenly.
- Don’t skip the browning: Make sure to cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned and crumbled for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning: If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Vegetable variations: Feel free to swap out the green beans for other vegetables like corn, peas, or bell peppers to suit your taste.
- Use a 2-quart baking dish: This size is perfect for ensuring the ingredients bake evenly without overflowing.
Recommended Kitchen Products
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- 2-Quart Casserole Dish: This dish is ideal for baking casseroles like Texas Hash, ensuring even cooking and easy cleanup.
- Ground Beef Chopper: A handy tool for breaking up ground beef evenly as it cooks.
- Non-Stick Skillet: A large, non-stick skillet will make sautéing the vegetables and browning the meat easier without sticking.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of cornbread for a Southern-inspired meal.
- Pair with a fresh green salad to add a light, crisp contrast to the hearty hash.
- Add a dollop of sour cream on top for a creamy, cooling finish.
- Garnish with shredded cheese or chopped cilantro for extra flavor.
- For a more filling meal, serve with a side of rice or baked potatoes.
A Hearty and Satisfying Meal
Texas Hash is the kind of meal that brings warmth and comfort to the table. Its combination of ground beef, vegetables, noodles, and spices makes for a satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a family. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or preparing it in advance for a gathering, this hash delivers flavor and heartiness in every bite.
The simplicity of this recipe means you can easily adjust it to your tastes, adding different vegetables, using other pasta shapes, or increasing the spices for a more pronounced kick. With Texas Hash, you get a little bit of everything—protein, vegetables, and carbs—all baked into one delicious dish.
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Texas Hash Recipe
Texas Hash
Ingredients
- 1 big onion, chopped
- 1/2 green pepper, chopped
- 3 tablespoons margarine
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 2 cups canned tomatoes
- 1 can whole green beans, undrained
- 2 cups uncooked noodles
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Sauté the onion and green pepper in margarine until the onions are yellow.
- Add ground beef and fry until the mixture is crumbled and cooked through.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients, and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into an oiled 2-quart baking dish.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 1 hour. Remove the cover for the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Serve hot.