Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Pork and Bean Beef Hash

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that requires very little preparation, this Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Pork and Bean Beef Hash is a recipe worth adding to your dinner rotation. Made with just four simple ingredients, this delicious dish combines tender ground beef, savory pork and beans, and rich flavors that slowly come together during hours of cooking.

It’s the kind of old-fashioned, satisfying meal that doesn’t require complicated techniques, expensive ingredients, or hours spent standing in the kitchen. Simply prepare the ingredients, add them to your slow cooker, and let it do most of the work.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, preparing an easy weeknight dinner, or looking for an affordable meal that makes excellent leftovers, this recipe delivers plenty of flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Only four ingredients: You don’t need a long shopping list or special seasonings to make this satisfying meal.
Easy preparation: Brown the ground beef, combine everything in the slow cooker, and let it cook.
Budget-friendly: Simple pantry staples and ground beef make this an economical family dinner.
Rich, comforting flavor: The pork and beans create a naturally savory, slightly sweet sauce that blends beautifully with the beef.
Perfect for busy days: Once everything is in the slow cooker, you can focus on other things while dinner cooks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses four main ingredients that work together to create a filling, flavorful dish.

1. Ground Beef (1 pound)

Ground beef is the hearty foundation of this hash. It adds a rich, savory flavor and plenty of protein. Lean ground beef is a convenient choice because it produces less excess grease, but regular ground beef works just as well when properly drained.

2. Pork and Beans (2 cans, approximately 15 ounces each)

Pork and beans provide the signature flavor and texture of this recipe. Their thick tomato-based sauce adds sweetness, richness, and moisture while the beans make the dish especially filling.

3. Russet Potatoes (2 medium potatoes)

Potatoes give the hash its classic hearty texture. Peel and dice them into small, evenly sized cubes so they cook thoroughly and become tender without falling apart too quickly.

4. Yellow Onion (1 medium onion)

Onion adds a gentle sweetness and savory depth that complements the beef and beans. Chop it finely so it distributes evenly throughout the dish.

Kitchen Equipment

Before getting started, gather a few basic kitchen tools:

A 5- to 6-quart slow cooker
A large skillet for browning the beef
A cutting board
A sharp knife
A wooden spoon or spatula
A colander or strainer for draining excess grease

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by washing and peeling the potatoes. Cut them into small, bite-sized cubes, keeping the pieces relatively uniform so they cook evenly.

Next, peel the yellow onion and chop it into small pieces. Set both vegetables aside while you prepare the ground beef.

Having everything ready before turning on the slow cooker makes the cooking process much easier.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it into smaller pieces using a wooden spoon or spatula.

Cook for approximately 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is completely browned and no pink remains.

Drain any excess grease carefully. This step is important because too much grease can make the finished hash oily.

For food safety, ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker if desired.

Add the diced potatoes first, spreading them evenly across the bottom. Next, add the chopped onion, followed by the browned ground beef.

Pour both cans of pork and beans over the other ingredients, including their sauce.

Use a large spoon to gently stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Make sure the potatoes are coated with some of the sauce to help them cook properly.