Crispy Beef and Potato Hash with Chermoula
MoroccanBrunch

Recipe Story

origins & traditions

This traditional North African breakfast dish transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular morning meal. Ground beef is seasoned with warm cumin, paprika, and cinnamon, then combined with crispy-edged potatoes that have been pan-fried to golden perfection. The dish is elevated with a vibrant chermoula sauce made from fresh cilantro, parsley, garlic, and lemon juice that cuts through the richness of the meat and potatoes. Topped with perfectly cooked eggs and served hot from the pan, this hash represents the bold flavors and communal dining traditions of North African cuisine. The combination of textures from the crispy potatoes, tender beef, and silky egg yolks creates a memorable breakfast experience that will keep you satisfied throughout the morning. Perfect for weekend gatherings or special family breakfasts.

Instructions

step by step
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  1. Dice potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispiness.

  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add potatoes in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 5 minutes until golden on the bottom.

  3. Flip potatoes and continue cooking for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy and cooked through. Season with salt and remove to a plate.

  4. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and sauté diced onions for 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.

  5. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned.

  6. Stir in cumin, paprika, cinnamon, cayenne, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to toast the spices.

  7. Return the potatoes to the skillet and mix well with the beef. Create 4 wells in the hash.

  8. Crack one egg into each well, cover the skillet, and cook for 4-5 minutes until egg whites are set but yolks remain runny.

  9. While eggs cook, prepare chermoula by combining cilantro, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, and salt in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped but still textured.

  10. Remove skillet from heat, drizzle chermoula over the hash, and garnish with additional fresh herbs. Serve immediately from the pan.

Crispy Beef and Potato Hash with Chermoula

4.2 (28)

A hearty North African breakfast hash featuring spiced ground beef, crispy potatoes, and fresh chermoula sauce. This satisfying one-pot dish combines savory meat with golden potatoes and aromatic herbs.

medium
55 min
4 servings

Ingredients

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main

  • 500 grams Ground Beef, none
  • 4 pieces Potatoes, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 4 pieces Eggs, none

aromatics

  • 1 pieces Onions, finely diced
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced

chermoula

  • 4 tablespoons Cilantro, fresh, chopped
  • 4 tablespoons Parsley, fresh, chopped
  • 1 pieces Lemon, juiced

cooking

  • 5 tablespoons Olive Oil, divided

spices

  • 2 teaspoons Cumin, ground
  • 1 teaspoons Paprika, ground
  • 1/2 teaspoons Cinnamon, ground
  • 1/4 teaspoons Cayenne, ground (optional)
  • 1 teaspoons Black Pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Salt, none

Chef Tips

expert advice
For extra crispy potatoes, ensure they are completely dry before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan.
The chermoula can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning.
If you prefer fully cooked eggs, cover the skillet for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Add diced bell peppers along with the onions for extra color and nutrition.

Variations & Substitutions

make it your own
This dish works beautifully with sweet potatoes as a variation.
For a spicier version, increase the cayenne pepper or add fresh chopped jalapeños.

Serving & Pairings

what goes well
Leftover hash can be reheated and topped with a fried egg for a quick weekday breakfast.

Storage & Reheating

keeping it fresh
Storage

Store leftover hash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep chermoula sauce separate in a sealed container for best freshness. The hash can be frozen for up to 2 months, though potatoes may lose some crispiness upon reheating.

Reheating

Reheat hash in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F oven for 12-15 minutes. For best results, fry a fresh egg on top when reheating to restore the original presentation.