One Pot Texas Hash Recipe

Craving a dinner that’s hearty, packed with flavor, and doesn’t leave you with a mountain of dishes? This One Pot Texas Hash is pure comfort in a skillet—savory, a little spicy, and so easy to pull together, even on the busiest weeknights. With tender ground beef, sweet and smoky peppers, plenty of aromatic spices, and a sprinkle of melty cheddar, this dish has all the satisfying vibes of Tex-Mex but doesn’t have you juggling a dozen pans. Plus, it’s completely family-friendly and endlessly customizable. Say hello to your new weeknight staple!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One Pot Wonder: All the magic happens in a single skillet, which means easy prep and quick clean-up.
• Weeknight Hero: With just 10 minutes of prep and about 30 minutes on the stove, you’ll have a filling, homestyle meal on the table fast.
• Full of Flavor: The combination of chili powder, mustard, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce makes for a dish that’s bold, earthy, and just a bit tangy.
• Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy here—just humble pantry staples that turn into something greater than the sum of their parts.
• Customizable: Love things spicy? Want to sneak in extra veggies? This recipe is happy to flex for you!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make a truly delicious Texas Hash, along with a few notes to help you get it just right:

• Ground beef: The heart of the dish, giving it that rich, satisfying flavor. Lean or regular—use what you have.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; yellow or white onions both work.
• Green bell pepper: For a pop of color and a touch of grassy flavor; any bell pepper can be swapped in.
• Minced garlic: Aromatic and essential for that Tex-Mex taste.
• Chili powder: Brings warmth and a little earthy heat—don’t skimp!
• Ground mustard: Adds a gentle tang and complexity.
• Salt & black pepper: Essential for bringing out all those savory flavors.
• Olive oil: Helps with sautéing and adds richness.
• Uncooked long grain white rice: Soaks up all the saucy goodness directly in the pot.
• Tomato paste: Gives everything a deep, tomato-rich base.
• Diced tomatoes (canned, undrained): Juicy, bright, and full of flavor—you need both the tomatoes and their liquid.
• Water: Helps cook the rice and makes everything come together.
• Worcestershire sauce: The secret ingredient for depth, umami, and that “can’t put my finger on it” punch.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: For topping—just before serving, it melts to gooey perfection.

Tip: Have a favorite cheese? Monterey Jack or pepper jack would also be great for topping.

Variations

This dish loves a little improvising! Here are some ways to make it your own:

• Add More Veggies: Stir in corn, black beans, or chopped zucchini for extra veggie power.
• Make it Spicier: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce with the other spices.
• Try Other Proteins: Ground turkey, pork, or even plant-based crumbles work well if you’re skipping beef.
• Swap the Cheese: Replace cheddar with pepper jack for more kick, or go with mozzarella if you want it extra melty.
• Go Whole Grain: Use brown rice for nutty flavor, but keep in mind you may need a splash more water and a longer simmer.

How to Make One Pot Texas Hash

Whipping up this dish is genuinely simple—here’s how it all comes together:

Step 1: Sauté the Basics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and green bell pepper. Cook, breaking up the beef, until the meat is browned and the veggies have softened. Drain away any excess grease—this keeps the dish from getting heavy.

Step 2: Build the Flavor

Turn the heat down to medium. Add minced garlic, chili powder, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Add the tomato paste and uncooked rice right to the pan. Let them sauté together for 3–4 minutes—this little step is simple, but it really amps up the flavor of the rice and makes it even more satisfying.

Step 4: Simmer and Combine

Pour in the water, canned diced tomatoes (with all their juices!), and Worcestershire sauce. Stir really well to mix everything together. Cover the skillet and lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it all cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove the lid, fluff everything up with a spoon, and sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheddar over the top. Serve hot—you’ve got dinner!

Pro Tips for Making Texas Hash

• Don’t Rush the Sauté: Taking time to let the onion and pepper soften means a sweeter, richer base.
• Toasting the Rice: Even just a couple of minutes makes the rice more flavorful and helps with texture.
• Check for Doneness: Depending on your skillet and stove, the rice may need a few extra minutes. If it’s still too firm after 20 minutes, add a splash more water, cover, and keep simmering.
• Let It Stand: After simmering, let the skillet rest (covered) for 5 minutes before serving—this helps everything finish steaming and makes scooping easier.

How to Serve

This dish is truly a one-bowl wonder, but here are some lovely ideas for serving and pairing:

• Top It Off: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro, diced green onions, or sliced jalapeños for fresh flavor and crunch.
• With Sides: A simple green salad or roasted vegetables make it a balanced meal.
• Tex-Mex Night: Serve with warm flour tortillas or tortilla chips for scooping—kids love it this way!
• Add Avocado: A few slices of ripe avocado or a dollop of sour cream add cool creaminess that pairs perfectly with the gentle spice of the hash.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better as they sit.

Freezing

Texas Hash is freezer-friendly! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave, or re-warm on the stovetop in a skillet with a splash of water to keep it moist. Top with fresh cheese if desired for extra melty goodness.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a lovely nutty flavor, but it does take longer to cook and may need extra water. You might want to simmer the dish for 35–40 minutes instead of 20, so give it a taste and adjust as needed.

Is this dish spicy?
The hash has a mild warmth from the chili powder, but it isn’t hot. If you love heat, add jalapeño, more chili powder, or a splash of hot sauce. For kids or spice-sensitive folks, you can use a mild chili powder.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely. Just make sure you use a really large skillet or a Dutch oven, and allow a little extra cooking time for the rice. Stir a couple of times as it simmers to make sure everything cooks evenly.

What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, a splash of soy sauce or even a dash of steak sauce can substitute in a pinch. The hash will still be delicious and flavorful!

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Texas Hash is the kind of recipe that makes dinnertime easy, comforting, and a little bit exciting. From its bold flavors to the minimal cleanup, it’s the weeknight dinner you’ll come back to again and again. Grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the satisfaction of a home-cooked meal with hardly any hassle. Give it a try tonight—you might just discover your new favorite!

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