Leftover Prime Rib Hash: Transform Your Roast into a Hearty Breakfast or Brunch

If you’ve ever enjoyed a prime rib dinner, you know the joy of perfectly cooked beef, tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. But what do you do with the leftovers? While cold slices are tasty, there’s a better way to give your prime rib a second life: prime rib hash. This recipe transforms your leftover roast into a savory, satisfying breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, combining tender beef with crispy potatoes, caramelized onions, and a hint of fresh herbs.

Why Prime Rib Hash Works

Hash is the ultimate leftover meal because it allows you to combine a variety of flavors and textures in one skillet. The crispy potatoes provide crunch, the onions add sweetness, and the prime rib contributes rich, beefy flavor. Unlike reheating slices, making hash revitalizes the meat while creating a hearty, satisfying dish that feels entirely new.

Ingredients

2 cups leftover prime rib, chopped into bite-sized pieces
2 large russet or Yukon gold potatoes, diced (about 2 cups)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, adds depth)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt (adjust based on your leftover meat’s seasoning)
1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Eggs (optional, for serving sunny-side up or poached)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the potatoes: Dice the potatoes into small, even cubes to ensure they cook evenly. If you want extra-crispy hash, parboil the diced potatoes in salted water for 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft and caramelized, about 5–7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook the potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the skillet, spreading them into a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes, then stir occasionally until golden brown and crispy on the edges, about 10-12 minutes.
Add the prime rib: Stir in the chopped leftover prime rib. Cook for 3–5 minutes, just enough to heat the meat without overcooking it, which keeps it tender.
Season and add herbs: Sprinkle in smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and fresh thyme or rosemary. Stir to combine and let the flavors meld for another 2-3 minutes.
Finish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the hash for freshness. Serve immediately, optionally topped with sunny-side-up or poached eggs. A drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream can take it to the next level.

Tips for the Perfect Prime Rib Hash

Don’t overcook the beef: Since the meat is already cooked, add it toward the end to keep it tender and juicy.
Crispy potatoes are key: Parboiling potatoes before frying or using slightly less oil allows them to get golden and crisp without sticking.
Add vegetables: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can add extra flavor and nutrients. Add them after the potatoes are mostly cooked so they don’t overcook.
Spice it up: For a little heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper when seasoning.
Use leftovers creatively: If your prime rib was heavily seasoned or coated with garlic/herb butter, adjust your seasonings in the hash to complement—not overpower—the existing flavors.

Variations to Try

Cheesy Prime Rib Hash: Stir in shredded cheddar or gruyere near the end of cooking for a melty, indulgent twist.
Sweet Potato Hash: Swap russet potatoes for sweet potatoes for a sweeter, colorful, and nutrient-rich alternative.
Southwestern Style: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and paprika, and top with avocado slices.
Vegetable-Heavy Hash: Double the vegetables—onions, peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini—for a lighter, more nutrient-packed meal.

Serving Suggestions

Prime rib hash is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a hearty breakfast with eggs, toast, and a side of fruit. For brunch, pair it with a fresh salad and mimosas. It can even work as dinner with a simple side of roasted vegetables or a green salad. The crispy, flavorful hash ensures your leftover prime rib doesn’t go to waste and turns it into a meal everyone will love.

Storing and Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover prime rib hash in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the crispiness of the potatoes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture crispy.
Freezing: You can freeze the hash for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a skillet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Leftover prime rib hash is comfort food at its finest. It’s quick, easy, and a smart way to repurpose expensive, high-quality roast beef. The combination of crispy potatoes, caramelized onions, and tender beef is satisfying, flavorful, and perfect for any meal of the day. Plus, it’s flexible, add your favorite spices, herbs, and vegetables to make it your own signature dish.

Conlcusion

Leftover prime rib hash is the perfect way to transform your roasted beef into a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying meal. With crispy potatoes, caramelized onions, tender chunks of prime rib, and a touch of herbs and spices, this dish turns leftovers into something truly special. It’s versatile enough for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, and it’s a great way to minimize food waste while maximizing flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Can I use any leftover beef for prime rib hash?
Yes! While prime rib is ideal for its flavor and tenderness, you can also use ribeye, sirloin, roast beef, or even leftover steak. The key is to chop the meat into bite-sized pieces and add it toward the end of cooking so it stays tender.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, peeling is optional. Leaving the skin on adds texture, nutrients, and color to the hash. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can peel them before dicing.

Can I make prime rib hash ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare most of the hash in advance. Dice the potatoes and chop onions ahead, then cook everything when ready to serve. Avoid adding the beef until the end if you want it to stay tender.

How do I keep the potatoes crispy?
For extra-crispy potatoes, parboil them for 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry before frying. Cook in a single layer in a hot skillet and avoid overcrowding to get golden edges.

Can I make prime rib hash without onions?
Yes, you can omit onions or substitute with shallots, leeks, or bell peppers. The dish will still be flavorful, especially if you season well and use aromatic spices.

What spices work best in prime rib hash?
Classic seasonings include smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic, thyme, and rosemary. You can also add crushed red pepper flakes for heat or a dash of cayenne for a spicier hash.

Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Substitute prime rib with plant-based meat alternatives, roasted mushrooms, or seasoned tofu. Use oil instead of butter to keep it vegan-friendly.

How should I store leftover hash?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet to maintain crispiness or in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.

Can I freeze prime rib hash?
Yes. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a skillet or oven to keep the potatoes crisp.

What’s the best way to serve prime rib hash?
Serve hot with fried, poached, or scrambled eggs on top. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a dash of hot sauce, or a dollop of sour cream. It pairs well with toast, fresh fruit, or a simple green salad for brunch or dinner.

Can I add extra vegetables to the hash?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or carrots can be added for more flavor, color, and nutrition. Add them after the potatoes have mostly cooked to avoid overcooking.

How do I prevent the beef from overcooking?
Since the beef is already cooked, add it at the very end of cooking the hash. Heat it just until warmed through, about 3–5 minutes, to keep it tender and juicy.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes! Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and color, as well as extra vitamins and fiber. They take slightly less time to cook, so monitor them carefully to avoid mushiness.

What kind of oil is best for frying the potatoes?
Use neutral oils with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil. Butter or olive oil can be used for flavor but may brown faster, so watch the heat closely.

Is prime rib hash suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It reheats well in a skillet or oven, though the potatoes may lose some crispiness in the fridge. You can prepare the components separately and combine when ready to serve for fresher texture.