Hamburger Hash with Chickpeas: A Versatile, Budget-Friendly Meal

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There are few things in life as satisfying as a warm, hearty meal that’s easy to throw together, especially when it’s made from ingredients you already have on hand.

Enter the ever-adaptable hamburger hash. This dish is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, those times when the pantry is looking sparse, or when you’re simply craving a comforting, home-cooked meal without the fuss.

What makes hamburger hash so special is its versatility. At its core, it’s a humble ground beef stew, but beyond that, the possibilities are endless.

You can swap in any vegetables, add some spices for a kick, or even mix in beans or legumes for a protein-packed punch. There’s no one right way to make hamburger hash, which is why it’s become a staple in my kitchen.

The Consistent Ingredient: Hamburger

If there’s one thing that remains constant in hamburger hash, it’s the ground beef. It’s the backbone of the dish, providing that rich, savory flavor that ties everything together.

Beyond that, though, anything goes. Got some leftover bell peppers? Throw them in. A handful of spinach about to wilt? Perfect. Hamburger hash is all about making the most of what you’ve got, which is a blessing when you’re working with a tight budget or trying to reduce food waste.

When Chickpeas Aren’t Your First Choice

Recently, I found myself staring at a can of chickpeas that I’d brought home from the food bank. Now, I’ll be honest—chickpeas are not a family favorite. In fact, none of us particularly like them unless they’re heavily disguised, buried in something flavorful where they’re not the star of the show.

But as anyone on a fixed budget knows, sometimes you don’t have the luxury of choice. When you rely on the food bank now and then, you make do with what you’ve got.

I’m not proud of needing to use the food bank, but I’m also not ashamed to admit that it’s a reality for many families, including mine. It’s a resource that helps us stretch our budget and make ends meet, and I’ve learned to be creative with what we receive.

In this case, that meant finding a way to use up those chickpeas in a way that wouldn’t have my family turning up their noses.

The Chickpea Experiment

I decided to toss the chickpeas into my trusty hamburger hash. I’ll admit, I was a little apprehensive. Would the kids notice? Would they push their plates away in protest?

To my surprise and relief, the dish was a hit. Not a single complaint about chickpeas was heard. In fact, the hash turned out so good that one of my kids couldn’t wait for me to snap a picture before diving in!

The chickpeas added a nice, subtle texture to the hash, blending in with the other ingredients so well that even my picky eaters were fooled. It’s one of those small victories that makes you feel like you’ve won at parenting, even if just for a moment.

Making the Most of What You Have

The beauty of hamburger hash is that it’s adaptable to whatever you have on hand. Whether it’s a can of chickpeas from the food bank, some leftover veggies that need to be used up, or a handful of spices to jazz things up, this dish is all about making the most of what you’ve got. And in a time when every penny counts, that’s an invaluable trait.

I’ve come to appreciate the creativity that comes with cooking on a budget. It’s taught me to see ingredients in a new light, to be resourceful, and to never let anything go to waste. That can of chickpeas that I wasn’t thrilled about? It turned into a meal that my family loved, and that’s something worth celebrating.

So, the next time you find yourself with a random assortment of pantry items and no clear plan, remember the humble hamburger hash. It’s a dish that’s forgiving, versatile, and, most importantly, delicious. And who knows? You might just find yourself pleasantly surprised by the results—just like we were with those chickpeas.

Hamburger Hash Recipe – with Chickpeas

Below is the recipe for my hamburger hash – as it was made THIS time! It’s likely that next time it will be slightly different, although I won’t ever hesitate to throw chickpeas in again if I have them on hand.

Keep in mind that the ingredient amounts below are just suggestions – you can use more or less, depending on what you have. And don’t be afraid to throw in whatever else you have on hand that you think would be a good contribution to the mix.

My preference is to serve this over rice – or, just as often, I will mix the cooked rice right in with the hamburger hash before serving. You can also serve it over hash brown potatoes if you like, the choice is yours.

Optional Ingredient Ideas To Try

Here’s a list of optional ingredients you can add to hamburger hash to customize it to your taste and what you have on hand:

Vegetables

• Onions (diced)
• Bell peppers (any color, diced)
• Mushrooms (sliced)
• Carrots (diced or shredded)
• Zucchini (diced)
• Spinach (fresh or frozen)
• Kale (chopped)
• Tomatoes (diced, fresh or canned)
• Corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• Peas (frozen or fresh)
• Green beans (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• Cabbage (shredded)
• Potatoes (diced or shredded)
• Sweet potatoes (diced)
• Cauliflower (chopped into small florets)

Beans and Legumes

• Black beans (canned or cooked)
• Kidney beans (canned or cooked)
• Pinto beans (canned or cooked)
• Lentils (canned or cooked)
• Chickpeas (canned or cooked)

Grains and Pasta

• Cooked rice (white, brown, or wild)
• Quinoa (cooked)
• Barley (cooked)
• Pasta (cooked, any small shape like elbow, bowtie, or shells)

Cheeses

• Cheddar (shredded)
• Monterey Jack (shredded)
• Mozzarella (shredded)
• Parmesan (grated)
• Feta (crumbled)
• Cream cheese (small dollops to melt in)

Spices and Herbs

• Garlic (minced or powdered)
• Paprika (smoked or sweet)
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Oregano (dried or fresh)
• Thyme (dried or fresh)
• Parsley (fresh, chopped)
• Cilantro (fresh, chopped)
• Red pepper flakes (for a bit of heat)
• Bay leaf (remove before serving)

Sauces and Condiments

• Tomato sauce or ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Soy sauce
• Hot sauce
• BBQ sauce
• Mustard (Dijon or yellow)
• Salsa
• Sour cream (as a topping)

Proteins (in addition to or instead of ground beef)

• Ground turkey
• Ground pork
• Sausage (crumbled or sliced)
• Bacon (cooked and crumbled)
• Eggs (fried or scrambled, served on top)

These ingredients can be mixed and matched depending on what you have available, and they can all add a different twist to your hamburger hash.

Conclusion

Hamburger hash is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to the power of flexibility and creativity in the kitchen. Whether you’re working with a full pantry or making do with what you’ve got, this dish has your back.

And if you find yourself staring at an ingredient you’re not quite sure about, like those chickpeas, don’t be afraid to experiment. You might just discover a new family favorite.

Remember, there’s no one right way to make hamburger hash. It’s all about what works for you and your family, and that’s the beauty of it. Happy cooking!