There are evenings when supper needs to come together from what is already in the pantry and freezer, and that is exactly where this slow cooker poor man summer hash earns its keep. Built from canned hominy, beef trimmings, and a couple of humble vegetables, it cooks down into a rustic, hearty dish with old-fashioned frugality written all over it. It has that practical Midwestern spirit of making something filling and flavorful without a long shopping list, and it is the sort of meal that feels especially welcome when the day has run away from you.
This hash is satisfying all on its own, but it is mighty good with buttered cornbread, sliced garden tomatoes, or a simple cucumber and onion salad on the side. If you want to stretch it a bit farther, spoon it into bowls with shredded cheddar or a dollop of sour cream, and for a supper with a little more color, serve it alongside steamed green beans or sweet corn.
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Poor Man Summer Hash
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 pounds frozen raw beef trimmings
2 cans hominy, 15 ounces each, drained
1 can diced tomatoes, 14.5 ounces, with juices
1 medium onion, chopped
Directions
1. Place the frozen raw beef trimmings in the bottom of the slow cooker and spread them out as evenly as you can.
2. Scatter the chopped onion over the beef, then pour the diced tomatoes with their juices on top.
3. Dump the drained hominy over everything, cover, and cook on low for 8 to 9 hours or on high for 5 to 6 hours, until the beef is tender and fully cooked.
4. Stir the hash well, breaking up the beef trimmings into bite-size pieces if needed, and serve hot.
Variations & Tips
Add a little seasoning: If your pantry allows for it, a spoonful of chili powder, a shake of black pepper, or a pinch of garlic powder will give this simple hash a little more backbone without changing its thrifty nature.
Use fresh tomatoes in season: When the garden is producing, swap the canned tomatoes for about 2 cups chopped ripe tomatoes. They give the dish a lighter summer flavor and a nice freshness.
Make it stretch farther: Stir in cooked potatoes or serve the hash over rice if you need to feed a few extra folks. That kind of stretching supper has saved many a cook over the years.
Food safety note: For best slow cooker results and safer, more even cooking, thaw the beef trimmings in the refrigerator before starting if possible. If the beef is in large frozen clumps, separate it first so the meat can cook through properly.