This corned beef casserole is a cozy dish that combines tender corned beef, creamy cheese, and hearty potatoes. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug.
I love making this casserole when I want something easy but tasty. Just layer the ingredients, pop it in the oven, and you’ll have a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: I recommend using Yukon Gold or russet potatoes for their creamy texture. If you’re short on time, frozen diced potatoes work well too. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are heated through.
Corned Beef: The canned corned beef is convenient, but you could use leftover cooked corned beef for more flavor. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, chickpeas or lentils can be substituted.
Cheese: Cheddar adds a rich flavor, but feel free to replace it with Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even a dairy-free cheese. Mixing different cheeses can also enhance the taste!
Tomato Sauce: While tomato sauce gives a nice tang, using barbecue sauce instead can add a different twist. Ketchup is an easy alternative if you want something sweeter.
Sour Cream: For a lighter option, Greek yogurt works beautifully. If you’re dairy-free, try coconut cream or omit it altogether without sacrificing too much creaminess.
How Can I Ensure My Casserole Stays Creamy and Flavorful?
Mixing your ingredients well is key to a creamy casserole. When combining the potatoes, corned beef, and sauces, be gentle yet thorough. Ensure everything is coated in the sauce before baking. This helps maintain moisture throughout cooking.
- Cook onions on medium heat until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic for just a minute to keep it fragrant.
- Mix in corned beef and warm it up before combining with other ingredients.
- Don’t skip the seasoning! Salt and pepper help enhance the flavors.
Letting your casserole rest after baking for a few minutes before serving helps it set a bit more and makes serving easier. Trust me, that first slice will look much nicer!
How to Make Corned Beef Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked potatoes, diced or small potato chunks (boiled or roasted)
- 1 can (12 oz) corned beef, diced or shredded
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1 cup tomato sauce or ketchup
- 1/2 cup sour cream or cream (optional, for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables for added texture and nutrition
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious corned beef casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to bake, giving you a total time of roughly 45 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and cozy meal that’s perfect for any night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your casserole will bake evenly and come out perfectly bubbly and golden.
2. Cook the Onions and Garlic:
In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook them until they become soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté it for another minute to bring out its lovely fragrance.
3. Add the Corned Beef:
Next, stir in the diced corned beef into the skillet with the cooked onions and garlic. Keep cooking this mixture for a few minutes until the corned beef is heated through. The aroma will be delightful!
4. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked potatoes, the corned beef mixture, tomato sauce (or ketchup), sour cream (if you’re using it), and beef broth. Mix everything together well, making sure the potatoes are coated in the sauce. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you are using frozen peas or any mixed veggies, toss them in now!
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Take a greased baking dish and transfer the mixture into it, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. This will help it cook evenly in the oven.
6. Add Cheese and Breadcrumbs:
Now, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Next, spread the breadcrumbs over the cheese layer. This will create a crispy topping as it bakes!
7. Bake the Casserole:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You want it to be bubbly with a beautiful golden brown color on top. The wait will be worth it!
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once finished, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, garnish it with chopped fresh parsley to add a touch of brightness before serving.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to dig in! Serve your corned beef casserole hot as a hearty main dish that’s sure to please everyone. Enjoy every comforting bite!
This corned beef casserole combines tender potatoes, savory corned beef, a cheesy crust, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping—a fantastic comfort food dish for any occasion!
Can I Use Leftover Corned Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked corned beef adds great flavor to the casserole. Just dice or shred it before combining it with the other ingredients for a delicious twist.
How Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
If you want a vegetarian version, you can replace the corned beef with cooked lentils or chickpeas. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to enhance the flavors and texture.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before putting it in the oven.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
