So, St. Patrick's Day has come and gone, and you're left with a glorious leftover corned beef brisket. Don't despair! This isn't a problem, it's an opportunity! That beautiful, salty, flavorful meat is the star ingredient for a whole host of delicious and easy recipes. Whether you're looking for quick dinner ideas or want to elevate your homemade cooking to the next level, this post is packed with inspiring ways to use your leftover corned beef. These healthy meals are perfect for busy weeknights, and they're guaranteed to be crowd-pleasers. Let's dive into some of the best recipes to transform your leftover corned beef into something truly special!
Recipe 1: Corned Beef Hash with a Twist
This isn't your grandma's corned beef hash (though we love grandma's too!). This recipe adds a fresh, vibrant twist with the addition of sweet potatoes and a tangy horseradish cream. It's a hearty, flavorful dish that's perfect for a satisfying brunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover corned beef, diced
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Horseradish Cream:
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced sweet potato and red onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced corned beef and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- While the hash cooks, whisk together the sour cream, horseradish, and lemon juice for the cream.
- Serve the corned beef hash topped with a dollop of horseradish cream.
Recipe 2: Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup
A classic combination, elevated to a warm and comforting soup perfect for chilly evenings. This easy recipe is a great way to use up leftover vegetables alongside your corned beef.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover corned beef, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, cabbage, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
- Stir in the shredded corned beef and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Recipe 3: Corned Beef Quesadillas
A fun and unexpected way to use leftover corned beef! This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a casual weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded leftover corned beef
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sauerkraut (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil
Instructions:
- Spread half of the shredded corned beef and cheese on one half of each tortilla. Top with sauerkraut (if using) and the remaining cheese and corned beef.
- Fold the tortillas in half.
- Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the quesadillas for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to any of these recipes for a little extra heat.
- Get creative with vegetables: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables in the hash and soup recipes. Potatoes, turnips, and parsnips would all be delicious additions.
- Add some greens: A handful of spinach or kale added to the soup in the last few minutes of cooking adds extra nutrients and flavor.
- Make it a sandwich: Shredded corned beef makes a fantastic filling for sandwiches or wraps.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving, varies by recipe):
These recipes offer a good source of protein and can be part of a healthy diet. Nutritional information will vary significantly depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For precise nutritional details, use a nutrition calculator.
Enjoy these delicious and easy leftover corned beef recipes! They're a fantastic way to minimize food waste and maximize flavor. Let us know in the comments which recipe is your favorite!