14 Fast Dinners Using Canned Corned Beef for Busy Nights
Canned corned beef might not seem fancy, but it’s a secret weapon for quick weeknight dinners. This pantry staple transforms into hearty, satisfying meals in minutes.
These recipes prove that convenience foods can create delicious homemade dinners your family will actually request again and again.
01. Skillet Corned Beef Hash
Classic breakfast hash made dinner-worthy with crispy potatoes and tender corned beef. This one-pan meal comes together in under 30 minutes for busy weeknights.
Ingredients: 2 cans corned beef, 4 medium potatoes, 1 large yellow onion, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Skillet Corned Beef Hash
1. Dice potatoes into ½-inch cubes and boil in salted water for 8-10 minutes until just tender but still firm. Drain thoroughly and let cool slightly to prevent sticking when frying.
2. Heat oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and lightly golden, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Add boiled potatoes to the skillet and cook without stirring for 4-5 minutes to develop a golden crust. Flip sections with a spatula and crisp the other side for another 4 minutes.
4. Break corned beef into chunks and add to skillet along with vinegar. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring gently to warm through while maintaining potato crispiness. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
02. Savory Corned Beef Waffles
Breakfast waffles get a meaty upgrade with chunks of corned beef baked right in. Perfect for weekend brunch or breakfast-for-dinner nights.
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 large eggs, 1¾ cups milk, ⅓ cup melted butter, 1 can corned beef.
How To Make Savory Corned Beef Waffles
1. Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined with no lumps remaining.
2. Create a well in the center of dry ingredients. Beat eggs with milk and melted butter in a separate bowl, then pour into the well and stir just until combined.
3. Break corned beef into small bite-sized pieces and fold gently into batter, being careful not to overmix which can make waffles tough and dense.
4. Pour batter onto hot waffle iron using about ¾ cup per waffle. Cook according to your machine’s timing until golden brown and crispy outside. Serve immediately with butter or hot sauce for extra kick.
03. Corned Beef and Swiss Cheese Toasts
Open-faced appetizers that combine creamy cheese spread with savory corned beef on rye bread. These broiled bites disappear fast at parties.
Ingredients: 1 can corned beef, 8 oz cream cheese, 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 3 green onions, 12 slices cocktail rye bread.
How To Make Corned Beef and Swiss Cheese Toasts
1. Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for 30 minutes, then mix with mustard in a medium bowl until smooth and well combined throughout.
2. Finely chop green onions including both white and green parts. Shred corned beef into small pieces using a fork to break apart any large chunks.
3. Fold corned beef, Swiss cheese, and green onions into cream cheese mixture until evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Arrange rye bread slices on a baking sheet and toast lightly under broiler for 1-2 minutes until just golden on top.
5. Spread corned beef mixture generously on each toast and broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly browned on top. Serve immediately while hot and bubbly.
04. Corned Beef Cheese Ball
Creamy cheese ball packed with corned beef and zesty horseradish makes an impressive party appetizer. Roll in sesame seeds for elegant presentation.
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, 1 can corned beef, 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, ¼ cup sesame seeds, crackers for serving.
How To Make Corned Beef Cheese Ball
1. Soften cream cheese completely at room temperature for easier mixing. Finely shred corned beef using a fork, breaking apart any large pieces for smooth texture.
2. Mix cream cheese, shredded corned beef, horseradish, and mustard in a large bowl until well combined. Taste and adjust horseradish for desired heat level.
3. Cover mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm enough to shape. This chilling time helps flavors meld and makes forming easier.
4. Shape chilled mixture into a ball using your hands, then roll in sesame seeds until completely coated. Refrigerate for another hour before serving.
5. Arrange on serving platter with assorted crackers, sliced vegetables, or toasted bread rounds. Let stand 15 minutes before serving for easier spreading consistency.
05. Scottish-Style Stovies
Traditional Scottish comfort food featuring layers of potatoes, onions, and corned beef slow-cooked until tender. This hearty dish stretches ingredients beautifully.
Ingredients: 3 pounds potatoes, 2 large onions, 1 can corned beef, 2 cups beef broth, 2 tablespoons butter, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Scottish-Style Stovies
1. Peel and slice potatoes into ¼-inch rounds. Slice onions thinly from pole to pole for even cooking and better texture in the finished dish.
2. Layer half the potatoes in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Season with salt and pepper, then add all the sliced onions in an even layer.
3. Break corned beef into chunks and distribute over onions. Top with remaining potato slices and season again with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Pour beef broth around edges of pot without disturbing layers. Dot top with butter pieces and cover tightly with lid or foil.
5. Cook on stovetop over low heat for 45-60 minutes until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Check occasionally and add more broth if needed to prevent sticking.
06. Baked Corned Beef Hash Casserole
Layered casserole combining corned beef, baked beans, and creamy mashed potatoes. This budget-friendly dish feeds a crowd with minimal effort required.
Ingredients: 2 cans corned beef, 1 can baked beans, 3 cups prepared mashed potatoes, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons butter, paprika for sprinkling.
How To Make Baked Corned Beef Hash Casserole
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Break corned beef into bite-sized chunks using a fork, removing any excess fat.
2. Spread baked beans evenly in prepared dish, then layer corned beef chunks over beans. Press gently to create an even layer without mashing beans.
3. Spread mashed potatoes over corned beef layer using a spatula, creating peaks and valleys for attractive browning. Dot surface with butter pieces for extra richness.
4. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over potatoes, then dust lightly with paprika for color. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until heated through and golden brown on top.
07. Corned Beef-Stuffed Pumpernickel Loaf
Hollowed pumpernickel bread filled with creamy corned beef dip creates an edible serving bowl. This showstopper appetizer always impresses party guests.
Ingredients: 1 round pumpernickel loaf, 1 can corned beef, 8 oz cream cheese, ½ cup sour cream, ¼ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup diced dill pickles.
How To Make Corned Beef-Stuffed Pumpernickel Loaf
1. Cut top off pumpernickel loaf about 2 inches from top. Hollow out center leaving 1-inch walls, saving removed bread pieces for dipping.
2. Soften cream cheese to room temperature for easier mixing. Finely shred corned beef and drain dill pickles well to prevent watery dip.
3. Mix cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth. Fold in shredded corned beef and diced pickles until evenly distributed throughout mixture.
4. Fill hollowed bread bowl with corned beef mixture, mounding slightly on top. Cut reserved bread and bread top into bite-sized cubes for dipping.
5. Arrange filled bread bowl on serving platter surrounded by bread cubes. Provide small spreaders or spoons for easy serving at parties.
08. Corned Beef Potato Pancakes
Crispy potato pancakes loaded with chunks of corned beef make a hearty breakfast or light dinner. Serve with eggs and salsa for complete meal.
Ingredients: 4 large russet potatoes, 1 can corned beef, 1 large egg, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 small onion, vegetable oil for frying, salt and pepper.
How To Make Corned Beef Potato Pancakes
1. Peel and grate potatoes using large holes of box grater. Place in clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly to remove as much moisture as possible for crispier pancakes.
2. Finely dice onion and break corned beef into small pieces. In large bowl, mix grated potatoes, onion, corned beef, egg, and flour until well combined.
3. Season mixture generously with salt and pepper. Let stand 5 minutes to allow flour to absorb remaining moisture and bind ingredients together.
4. Heat ¼ inch oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Drop potato mixture by ¼-cup portions into hot oil, flattening slightly with spatula.
5. Cook 4-5 minutes per side until deep golden brown and crispy edges form. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately while hot and crispy outside.
09. Loaded Corned Beef Hash Quiche
Rich custard quiche packed with corned beef, ham, and cheese in flaky pastry crust. This protein-heavy dish works for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
Ingredients: 1 pie crust, 6 large eggs, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 can corned beef, ½ cup diced ham, 1 cup shredded cheese, 1 small onion, salt and pepper.
How To Make Loaded Corned Beef Hash Quiche
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and press pie crust into 9-inch quiche pan. Prick bottom with fork and blind bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden.
2. Dice onion finely and sauté in small skillet until softened. Break corned beef into chunks and dice ham into small pieces for even distribution.
3. Whisk eggs and cream together until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, remembering that corned beef and ham add saltiness to finished quiche.
4. Scatter corned beef, ham, sautéed onion, and cheese evenly in pre-baked crust. Pour egg mixture over filling, ensuring even coverage without overfilling.
5. Bake 35-40 minutes until center is just set and top is lightly golden. Cool 10 minutes before slicing to allow custard to firm up properly.
10. Quick Corned Beef Spaghetti
Weeknight pasta dinner using canned corned beef and jarred sauce for maximum convenience. Customize with your favorite pasta shapes and seasonings.
Ingredients: 1 pound spaghetti, 1 can corned beef, 24 oz marinara sauce, 2 cloves garlic, 2 tablespoons olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes.
How To Make Quick Corned Beef Spaghetti
1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining to help bind sauce if needed.
2. Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
3. Break corned beef into bite-sized chunks and add to skillet. Cook 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to warm through and lightly brown edges.
4. Add marinara sauce and simmer 5 minutes to blend flavors. Add drained pasta and toss to coat, adding pasta water if sauce seems too thick.
5. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes on the side. This simple combination creates surprisingly satisfying comfort food dinner.
11. Comforting Corned Beef Casserole
Creamy pasta casserole combining pantry staples into family-friendly dinner. Top with buttered breadcrumbs for satisfying crunch in every bite.
Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni, 1 can corned beef, 1 can cream of chicken soup, 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, 1 cup shredded cheese, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons butter.
How To Make Comforting Corned Beef Casserole
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 2-quart casserole dish. Cook macaroni according to package directions until just tender, then drain well.
2. Break corned beef into chunks and mix with cooked macaroni, cream of chicken soup, frozen vegetables, and half the shredded cheese until well combined.
3. Transfer mixture to prepared casserole dish and top with remaining cheese. Melt butter and mix with breadcrumbs, then sprinkle over cheese layer.
4. Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake 10 more minutes until bubbly and breadcrumbs are golden brown on top.
12. Filipino Corned Beef and Cabbage
Filipino-style corned beef simmered in savory tomato sauce with tender cabbage. This comforting dish pairs perfectly with steamed white rice.
Ingredients: 2 cans corned beef, 1 small head cabbage, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 large onion, 3 cloves garlic, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, soy sauce, pepper.
How To Make Filipino Corned Beef and Cabbage
1. Heat oil in large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Sauté diced onion until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more.
2. Add corned beef to skillet, breaking into chunks with spoon. Cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently to lightly brown and develop deeper flavor.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes with juice and simmer 10 minutes until sauce reduces slightly. Season with soy sauce and pepper to taste.
4. Cut cabbage into bite-sized pieces and add to skillet. Cover and cook 8-10 minutes until cabbage wilts and becomes tender but still has slight bite.
5. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve over hot steamed rice with additional soy sauce on the side for individual preference.
13. Cheesy Corned Beef Toasted Sandwiches
Grilled sandwich featuring corned beef, melted cheese, and creamy mayo spread. Make these double-decker style for extra hearty lunch or dinner.
Ingredients: 8 slices bread, 1 can corned beef, 4 slices Swiss cheese, 4 slices cheddar cheese, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons butter, sliced onions optional.
How To Make Cheesy Corned Beef Toasted Sandwiches
1. Spread mayonnaise on one side of each bread slice. Layer corned beef, Swiss cheese, and cheddar cheese on mayo side of 4 slices.
2. If using onions, sauté thin slices in small skillet until golden and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Add to sandwiches for extra flavor.
3. Top with remaining bread slices, mayo side down. Butter outside of sandwiches generously for golden, crispy exterior when grilled.
4. Heat large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook sandwiches 3-4 minutes per side until bread is golden brown and cheese melts completely.
5. Cut diagonally and serve immediately while cheese is still melted and gooey. These sandwiches pair well with pickles and potato chips.
14. Easy Three-Ingredient Corned Beef Dip
Simple party dip requiring just three ingredients and five minutes prep time. This crowd-pleasing appetizer disappears quickly at every gathering.
Ingredients: 1 can corned beef, 8 oz cream cheese, 1 packet onion soup mix, crackers or chips for serving.
How To Make Easy Three-Ingredient Corned Beef Dip
1. Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for 30 minutes to make mixing easier and ensure smooth, lump-free dip consistency.
2. Finely shred corned beef using fork, breaking apart any large chunks for smooth texture that spreads easily on crackers or chips.
3. Mix softened cream cheese, shredded corned beef, and onion soup mix in medium bowl until well combined and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout.
4. Taste and adjust if needed, though the soup mix typically provides perfect seasoning balance. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour for flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled with assorted crackers, tortilla chips, or sliced vegetables. This dip keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days covered tightly.
Final Thoughts
These corned beef recipes prove that pantry staples can create memorable family dinners without breaking the budget or spending hours cooking.
Keep a few cans on hand for those nights when you need something hearty and satisfying fast.