Corned beef, or salt beef as it’s also known as, is a salt-cured brisket of beef. It gets its name from the curing process, which uses large grains of rock salt, or “corns” of salt.
Sometimes, sugar and spices are added to the beef to add more flavor to it. It is known as a traditionally Irish dish along with cabbages and potatoes, and for this reason it is typically eaten around St Patrick’s Day.
Corned beef is incredibly tasty and versatile. It is often used in the classic deli sandwich, the Reuben. It uses a brisket cut of beef, which is a pretty tough cut of meat.
It is made tender through the curing process and oftentimes mustard seeds, coriander, black peppercorn, or cloves are added for extra flavor.
Corned beef uses a similar cooking method to pastrami, but the main difference between the two is the cut of meat that is used.
Pastrami uses a shoulder cut of beef called the deckle, whereas corned beef uses a brisket cut from the chest area of the cow. They are similar in appearance, as they produce pink colored meat.
We have compiled 15 of the best corned beef recipes that we have found on the internet. From Reuben sandwiches to corned beef hash, there is surprisingly a lot you can do with corned beef.
The recipes we have chosen vary in cooking time and difficulty. Check out our list below and see which one gets your mouth watering.
1. Reuben Nachos
This nacho version of the classic American sandwich is a fantastic way to make use of leftover corned beef brisket.
Simply top some baked nachos with shredded corned beef brisket, Swiss cheese, Bavarian-style sauerkraut, and all your other favorite toppings. This twist on everyone’s favorite Mexican food is really easy to make and very delicious.
2. Corned Beef Sliders
Corned beef sliders, AKA Reuben sliders, are delicious mini sandwiches with corned beef, gooey melted Swiss cheese, Russian-style dressing, and sauerkraut. They are the perfect use for any leftover corned beef you may have following St Patrick’s Day.
3. Corned Beef Taco
Corned beef tacos, or “Irish tacos”, with onions caramelized in Guinness are a really tasty twist on the classic Mexican dish. This recipe calls for slow-cooked corned beef to be served with a fresh, crunchy coleslaw and creamy Irish cheese.
Give this a try if you have some leftover corned beef after St Patrick’s Day.
4. Reuben Stuffed Baked Potatoes
If you love a Reuben sandwich, then why not try a baked potato topped with Reuben fillings? Corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese make for delicious toppings for a baked potato. This is a filling and tasty meal that you can make quickly and easily.
5. Corned Beef Cottage Pie
This tasty and affordable meal can be made in under an hour. If you like a traditional cottage pie and corned beef hash, then try this twist on a cottage pie using slow cooked corned beef brisket.
The corned beef filling also includes Worcester sauce, ketchup, chicken broth, plus some herbs and spices.
RELATED: 15 Corned Beef And Cabbage Recipes You Can Try Tonight
6. Reuben Egg Rolls
These Reuben egg rolls are a great snack for celebrating St Patrick’s Day. They are made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut and then fried until golden brown and delicious.
These egg rolls have all the same delicious flavors as the classic Reuben sandwich, but in a tasty snackable form.
7. Corned Beef Cabbage Rolls
This easy and delicious recipe is perfect for a St Patrick’s Day dinner. These cabbage rolls include mashed carrots and parsnips and beautiful, tender corned beef. These hearty cabbage rolls are easy to make and full of classic St Patrick’s Day flavors.
8. Slow Cooked Corned Beef Cabbage Chowder
This recipe might take a little patience, but the results are well worth it. This creamy, hearty, and warming soup has all the ingredients of a classic dinner, including corned beef, potatoes, cabbage, carrots, and parsnips.
A soup or chowder is the perfect use for any leftovers you may have after St Patrick’s Day.
9. Homemade Corned Beef
If you don’t know how to make your own corned beef, here’s how. There is also a slow cooker version you can make if you have a slow cooker. Corned beef is the perfect filling for sandwiches, or as part of a full corned beef dinner alongside some vegetables.
10. Corned Beef Soup With Sauerkraut
Corned beef and sauerkraut soup, or a “Reuben soup” has all the ingredients of the classic Reuben sandwich. This easy-to-make soup is hearty, filling, and really tasty. If you’re already a fan of the Reuben sandwich, then you need to give this recipe a try.
11. Corned Beef Hash
This classic breakfast dish can be made in as little as 15 minutes. If you love a savory, filling, and hearty breakfast then you need to give this recipe a try. It’s very quick and easy to make and the perfect way to start off your day.
12. Reuben Sandwich
With so many variants of the Reuben sandwich on our list, it’d be wrong of us not to include the classic sandwich itself.
You can make this classic deli-style sandwich for yourself at home with only a handful of ingredients, and it’ll be just as good if not better than what you can get at your local deli counter.
13. Reuben Casserole
This quick-and-easy casserole is full of delicious Eastern European flavors. With all the ingredients of the classic Reuben sandwich, such as sliced corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island Dressing.
14. Corned Beef And Noodle Casserole
This easy-to-make corned beef casserole with egg noodles can be made in a little over an hour. If you don’t have or don’t want to use egg noodles, you can use any kind of pasta such as spaghetti, and it works just as well.
This recipe is a great way to use up any leftovers you may have.
15. Corned Beef And Rice
This easy and very inexpensive recipe can be made in under 30 minutes. With only a few pantry staples, you can make this quick-and-easy meal for you and your whole family.
Corned beef, onion, garlic, and potatoes are cooked in a saucepan and mixed together. This is served over rice for a fulfilling and tasty meal that takes very little time and at little cost.
That concludes our list of 15 of the best corned beef recipes that you can make for yourself and your family today. Which one looked the best to you?
We hope our list has given you some inspiration, and we hope you can’t wait to get into the kitchen to make one of these delicious meals.
Below, we will answer some commonly asked questions regarding corned beef and how to use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Corned Beef, And How Is It Made?
Typically, corned beef is made by salt curing beef. It is normally made from beef brisket, as this is a more tough cut of meat that can be made tender through a long curing process. The brine that is used to cook brisket is not dissimilar to a pickling liquid.
Is Corned Beef Bad For You?
Corned beef is a high protein food that also has vitamin B12. Despite this, it is also relatively high in fat and sodium. For this reason, it is best consumed in moderation.
What Part Of The Animal Is Corned Beef Made From?
Traditionally, corned beef is made from a brisket cut, which is from the front of the cow.
What Is The Best Way To Cook Corned Beef?
The most classic way to prepare corned beef is on the stove top. You do not need any special equipment to prepare corned beef this way. You can cook corned beef in a large pot or a Dutch oven with a lid.
Alongside the corned beef, you can add aromatic vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onion. You can also add in some pickling spaces for extra flavor.
Bay leaves, whole black peppercorns, mustard seeds, cloves, and allspice are often used to infuse in the cooking liquid. For a 3 pound (1.36 kg) brisket, you should simmer the corned beef for around 3 hours.
Can I Reheat Corned Beef?
The best way to reheat leftover corned beef is to boil it in an oven bag. The USDA recommends that you use any leftover corned beef within 4 days of preparation.
If you don’t have oven bags, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe container covered with cling-wrap.
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