Can I use brown rice or another grain instead of white rice?

Yes, you absolutely can, but keep in mind that brown rice typically takes longer to cook and will need a bit more liquid. Check the rice for doneness as it simmers and adjust accordingly.

What if I don’t have tomato paste? Will it ruin the dish?

No worries! You can leave it out or substitute with a couple of tablespoons of ketchup in a pinch. Tomato paste does give the dish some richness and color, but it’ll still be tasty.

Is this recipe very spicy?

Texas Hash has bold flavor and warmth, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. If you like it hotter, add more chili powder or some cayenne pepper. If you’re cooking for little ones, stick to the original amounts for a gentle, well-seasoned heat.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra beans, and use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor. It still turns out hearty and satisfying.

One Pot Texas Hash Recipe

There’s something truly comforting about a hearty, home-cooked meal that comes together in one pot, and this One Pot Texas Hash is exactly that kind of dish. It’s bold, savory, and oh-so-satisfying, making it absolutely perfect for those nights when time is short and you want maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Every bite is packed with tender ground beef, the sweet sharpness of onion and bell pepper, warm layers of spice, and little pops of melty cheddar. The rice soaks up all the delicious juices, turning this into a dish that feels like a big Texas hug—simple, delicious, and full of character.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Fast and Easy: Busy nights? No problem. Everything cooks together in one skillet, which means less cleanup, and you’re done in about 30 minutes.
Big, Bold Flavor: The combination of chili powder, ground mustard, and Worcestershire sauce brings rich, unforgettable flavor that never gets old.
Ultimate Comfort Food: Hearty ground beef, fluffy rice, and melty cheddar cheese make every bite comforting and satisfying.
Versatile and Forgiving: Don’t sweat the details—this dish welcomes substitutions and tweaks to suit your pantry and taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a snapshot of the ingredients for this unbeatable Texas Hash, along with why each one matters:

Ground Beef: Adds savory richness and hearty texture. You can absolutely substitute with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
Onion: Chopped for sweetness and depth. Don’t skip this—it’s essential for flavor.
Green Bell Pepper: Gives a subtle zing and a pop of color. Any color bell pepper will do, but green keeps it classic.
Minced Garlic: For that irresistible aromatic base. Fresh or jarred garlic works—whatever’s on hand!
Chili Powder: Brings essential Tex-Mex warmth without overpowering heat.
Ground Mustard: Adds subtle tangy notes for balance.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the whole dish.
Tomato Paste: Provides richness and helps thicken the sauce. A little goes a long way, and adds big flavor!
Uncooked Long Grain White Rice: Cooks up perfectly fluffy as it absorbs all the flavors.
Canned Diced Tomatoes (undrained): The juice helps the rice cook and brings a pleasant acidity.
Worcestershire Sauce: For depth—that hard-to-explain but totally satisfying umami punch.
Water: Helps cook the rice and blend the flavors together.
Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables and beef.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melty topping that completes the dish! Use sharp cheddar for the best contrast, but any cheese will do.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Feel free to make this recipe your own! Here are some favorite ways to switch things up:

Swap the Protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of beef and sausage.
Add More Veggies: Some folks love to stir in corn, black beans, or chopped zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
Dial Up the Heat: Toss in a diced jalapeño with the peppers, or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
Cheese It Up: Blend in a bit of Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack with the cheddar for more creaminess and tang.
Go Low-Carb: Try using riced cauliflower in place of rice—just reduce the liquid and simmer for less time.

How to Make One Pot Texas Hash

Step 1: Sauté the Good Stuff

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Toss in the ground beef, onion, and green bell pepper. Sauté, breaking up the beef, until it’s browned and the veggies are tender. Don’t rush this step—the caramelized onion and pepper deepen the flavor.

Step 2: Spice Things Up

Lower the heat to medium, then add the minced garlic, chili powder, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together and let cook for about 1 minute. You’ll smell the spice blooming—this is where the magic starts!

Step 3: Build the Base

Mix in the tomato paste and uncooked rice, making sure the rice is coated well. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes. This step helps the rice soak up more flavor right from the start.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Simmer

Pour in the water, undrained canned tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything up, pop on a lid, and bring down to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Take the skillet off the heat. Remove the lid and give the hash a good stir. Scoop into bowls and sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese. Watch it melt, and dig in!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip Toasting the Rice: Sautéing the rice with tomato paste builds deeper flavor.
Use a Skillet with a Lid: This ensures even cooking and perfect rice every time.
Taste and Adjust: Seasonings are personal—taste before serving and add a bit more salt or chili powder if you like it bolder.
Let It Rest: After simmering, let the dish sit (covered) off the heat for five minutes. This lets the rice soak up any extra liquid.

How to Serve

This Texas Hash shines all by itself, but it’s also amazing paired with:

A Crisp Green Salad: Adds freshness and contrast to the rich, savory hash.
Warm Cornbread or Dinner Rolls: Perfect for soaking up those saucy bits.
A Dollop of Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Cool, creamy, and balances out the spices.
Pickled Jalapeños or Hot Sauce: For those who want a little more kick.

It’s the kind of dish meant to be piled high in a bowl—don’t forget an extra sprinkle of cheese on top!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover hash in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors often get even better by the next day!

Freezing

Texas Hash freezes surprisingly well. Cool completely, then pack into freezer bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or in the microwave. If the rice seems a bit dry, a drizzle of broth or water will bring it right back to life.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice or another grain instead of white rice?

Yes, you absolutely can, but keep in mind that brown rice typically takes longer to cook and will need a bit more liquid. Check the rice for doneness as it simmers and adjust accordingly.
What if I don’t have tomato paste? Will it ruin the dish?

No worries! You can leave it out or substitute with a couple of tablespoons of ketchup in a pinch. Tomato paste does give the dish some richness and color, but it’ll still be tasty.
Is this recipe very spicy?

Texas Hash has bold flavor and warmth, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. If you like it hotter, add more chili powder or some cayenne pepper. If you’re cooking for little ones, stick to the original amounts for a gentle, well-seasoned heat.
Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra beans, and use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor. It still turns out hearty and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

One Pot Texas Hash takes everything that’s wonderful about homestyle cooking and bundles it into a meal you can make any night of the week. It’s bold, satisfying, and unfussy—with just enough spice to keep things interesting and enough tenderness to keep everyone coming back for more. Next time you’re craving comfort but short on time, give this recipe a try and see just how deliciously simple dinner can be.