7 Creative Ways to Cook Corned Beef (That Aren’t Just for St. Patrick’s Day!)

A traditional Irish-American dish turned international staple, corned beef has earned a special place in kitchens around the world. But what makes corned beef so unique, and how can you enjoy this delicious dish in new and creative ways? Let’s dive into the world of corned beef—its history, classic preparations, and some exciting recipes to try at home!

What is Corned Beef?

Also called salted beef, corn beef or bully beef, corned beef is essentially beef brisket cured in salt and spices. While it’s commonly associated with Irish cuisine, especially around St. Patrick’s Day, its roots actually trace back to the British, who preserved beef in large grains or "corns" of salt (hence the name). Over the years, it became a favorite among Irish immigrants in the U.S., who found it to be a more affordable alternative to bacon. During WWI and WWII, canned corned beef was a standard military ration and quickly became a popular ingredient worldwide. Today, corned beef is enjoyed in various ways, from classic boiled dinners to deli sandwiches.

How to Cook Corned Beef

One of the most popular ways to prepare corned beef is by boiling it with vegetables. This classic Irish-American dish can include potatoes, cabbage, and carrots, making for a hearty and filling meal. Simply simmer the beef in water or beer with the included spice packet and your vegetables of choice, and you’ve got yourself a comforting dinner that’s perfect for any occasion.

Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe by Melissa Murray
Slow boiled corned beef with green cabbage and red potatoes

You can easily make corned beef in slow cooker to develop rich flavors without needing to watch the pot:

CrockPot Corned Beef ☘️ Recipe by Crock Pot Girl 🤡
Happy St.Patty’s Day !! ☘️🍀 Oh my goodness , how delicious this comes out when you cook it with beer 🍺!!! Enjoy 😉!!!

This recipe uses Guinness to simmer the corned beef for a full Irish experience:

Guinness Cornedbeef and Cabbage Recipe by skunkmonkey101
You could easily add potatoes but I wanted to keep the carbs as low as possible. My youngest daughter has a birthday today. We are celebrating it on Saint Patrick’s day. So we traded days. I don’t drink but I will use hard drinks in my cooking.

Creative Recipes for Corned Beef

Whether you're trying to use up your leftovers or you want a quick, filling meal using canned corned beef, there are tons of ways to use this flavorful protein.

Corned Beef Hash

Transform leftovers into a crispy, savory breakfast treat with corned beef hash. Simply chop up your leftover corned beef, sauté with onions and potatoes, and top with a fried egg for the ultimate comfort meal.

Corned Beef Hash 🍳 Recipe by Mad Cook
Leftovers after St Patrick Day? Make this iconic breakfast hash! Super simple to make with minimal ingredients. 🟢🔵

Corned Beef Reuben Sandwich

A classic deli favorite! Take two slices of your favorite bread, layer your corned beef with melted Swiss cheese, sauerkraut or leftover boiled cabbage, and then grill to perfection. Serve with a side of tangy pickles and chips for the ultimate sandwich experience.

Leftover Corned Beef & Cabbage Grilled Sandwich Recipe by StephieCanCook
This reuben inspired sammich is more of a conceptual idea, but it is really delicious. The quantities I’ve listed are what I used to make 2, and I had just a little bit of filling leftover.

Corned Beef Casserole

Turn the classic sandwich into a quick and easy baked casserole to feed the whole family! Layer corned beef with rye bread, a creamy sauce, Swiss cheese and some sauerkraut to make this comforting, cheesy dish.

Reuben Casserole Bake Recipe by Chef Mommy Nessa
I found this recipe at “www.allrecipes.com” which is one of my favorites recipe sites to visit. I am not a big fan of corned beef or sauerkraut myself, however, my partner & children enjoy it and had recently mentioned that they were missing the taste of it. There are two different recipes for this …

Make Corned Beef at Home

Making corned beef at home might seem intimidating, but it’s actually simpler than you think! The process involves curing the beef with a special spice blend for about a week. You can use brisket, round cut or chuck roast, and once cured, you’ll have a much more flavorful and tender version of corned beef compared to store-bought varieties.

Here’s a basic recipe for homemade corned beef:

Homemade Corned Beef Recipe by King-Crimson
I love corned beef and making your own can be a little expensive if you are using brisket. I discovered chuck roast or even rump roast makes a delicious, mouth watering corned beef.

Pro Tips for Cooking Corned Beef

  • Don’t Overcook It: Corned beef can become tough and dry if overcooked. Keep an eye on it and be sure to cook it low and slow.
  • Use the Cooking Liquid: After boiling the corned beef, use the flavorful cooking liquid as a base for soups or gravies.
  • Let It Rest: Once your corned beef is done, allow it to rest before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute for a juicier, more tender result.

Corned beef isn’t just for St. Patrick’s Day—it’s a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used in a variety of creative ways. From classic boils to modern twists, there’s no limit to what you can make with this tasty meat. Have you tried corned beef in any unique dishes? Share your favorite recipes with us on Cookpad!

Explore all our corned beef recipes:

Discover unique corned beef recipes you’ll love
Explore a variety of corned beef dishes, from classic hash to savory casseroles. Find your new favorite comfort food today!

If you try one of these recipes and love it, take a picture and share your experience with a Cooksnap! 🧡📸