Labskaus (Corned Beef and Potato Hash with Beetroot and Fried Egg)

Best known as a hearty northern German hash, labskaus brings potatoes, corned beef and beetroot together into a coarse, spoonable mash with a deep savoury flavour and a distinctive earthy sweetness. It is usually served hot from the pan rather than crisped like a standard hash, with the richness lifted by vinegar and sharp pickled gherkins alongside. A fried egg on top makes it feel complete: the crisp edges and soft yolk add texture and richness to the tangy, robust base. Filling, economical and straightforward, it suits an easy dinner when you want something warming, salty and satisfyingly old-fashioned without much fuss.
Cuisine style German comfort food
Cooking style Make-ahead friendly
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Sharpness balances richness: White wine vinegar and dill gherkins cut through the butter, potatoes, and corned beef.
  • Coarse, satisfying texture: The potatoes are mashed into the pan rather than puréed, giving the hash body while keeping it spoonable.
  • Hearty and familiar: Tender potatoes, savoury corned beef, sweet beetroot, and a fried egg make a filling, old-fashioned style supper.

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Authenticity notes

  • Classic accompaniments: A fried egg and pickled gherkins are part of the recognisable serving style, adding richness, acidity, and crunch.
  • Rustic finish: Labskaus is usually served as a soft, mashed hash rather than a crisp fried potato cake.

Texture tips

  • Steam-dry the potatoes: Letting the drained potatoes stand briefly helps excess moisture escape before they are mashed into the hash.
  • Keep some texture: Mash coarsely in the pan so the mixture holds together without becoming completely smooth.

Make-ahead tips

  • Make the hash ahead: The labskaus mixture can be cooled and refrigerated, then reheated gently in a frying pan before serving.
  • Reheat before frying the eggs: Warm the hash until piping hot, adding a little extra butter if needed, then fry fresh eggs for the best texture.

Common mistakes

  • Season carefully: Corned beef and gherkins are already salty, so taste before adding any extra seasoning.
  • Do not brown the onions too hard: Moderate heat lets the onion soften and sweeten without becoming harsh or bitter.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Peel the potatoes and cut into even chunks. Boil in a large pot of salted water for 12 to 15 minutes, until very tender. Drain well and let the steam escape for 2 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, finely chop the onion. Melt half the butter in a large frying pan over a medium heat, then cook the onion for 6 to 8 minutes until soft and lightly golden. Keep the heat moderate so it sweetens rather than browns hard.
  3. Add the corned beef to the pan and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through and starting to sizzle. Stir in the beetroot and cook for 2 minutes.
  4. Add the drained potatoes to the pan and mash everything together until you have a coarse, spoonable hash. Stir in the remaining butter and the white wine vinegar, then cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring, until hot throughout. If it seems dry, mash a little more to help it come together.
  5. Push the hash to one side of the pan and melt a small knob of the butter in the empty space. Fry the eggs for 2 to 3 minutes until the whites are set and the edges are crisp. Spoon the labskaus onto plates, top each with a fried egg, and serve with the dill gherkin pickles on the side.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • For the best texture, drain the potatoes thoroughly and let them steam dry briefly before mashing into the pan.
  • If serving anyone vulnerable, use eggs with a lion mark or another recognised food safety standard, and cook until the yolks are set if preferred.

Substitutions

  • Replace Unsalted butter with Salted butter, then taste before adding any extra seasoning.
  • Replace White wine vinegar with Apple cider vinegar for a slightly fruitier tang.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days
  • Cool the labskaus quickly and refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a frying pan over a low to medium heat with a little extra butter until piping hot; fry fresh eggs to serve.

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Labskaus (Corned Beef and Potato Hash with Beetroot and Fried Egg)
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Total time: 45min (25min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: German
  • Allergens:
    Eggs Milk
Beginner friendly Kid friendly

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