My family loves a big corned beef dinner, but we always seem to end up with plenty of leftovers staring back at us. That’s exactly why I keep this collection of 24 recipes handy. They turn yesterday’s corned beef into something fresh and delicious every single time, from cozy chowders to crispy egg rolls.
1. Leftover Corned Beef Cabbage and Potato Soup
This twist on cabbage soup brings together cabbage, carrots, potatoes, and leftover corned beef with a medley of herbs. A cup of Irish ale is the secret ingredient that gives the broth a deep, bold richness you just can’t replicate. I’m telling you, don’t skip it unless you absolutely must, because that malty backbone makes all the difference.
2. Corned Beef Cabbage Rolls
These corned beef cabbage rolls ask for a bit of patience, but the end result is so worth the effort. Pay close attention to the steps for steaming and deveining the cabbage leaves. Getting that right helps the leaves hold together and stay neatly wrapped around that savory filling.
3. Corned Beef and Cabbage Egg Rolls
Corned beef might be about as traditional English as it gets, but that doesn’t mean you can’t infuse it with a little Asian flair. Turn those leftovers into egg rolls! The wrappers fry up shatteringly crispy and crunchy, while the filling packs in Monterey Jack cheese, potatoes, cabbage, and plenty of corned beef.
4. Reuben Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Reuben stuffed baked potatoes might not be my absolute number one, but they easily land in the top five. The combo of Swiss, whipped cream, and Parmesan cheeses makes them wonderfully indulgent. The sauerkraut brings a tangy pop, and the paprika and corned beef tie it all together in the best way.
5. Potato and Corned Beef Chowder
Thick, hearty chowders are my go to when I’ve got leftover meat hanging around. This one builds a cozy base with shredded cabbage, russet potatoes, chicken broth, and plenty of corned beef. A quick sauté of onions and garlic, a splash of heavy cream, and a handful of herbs and seasonings later, you’ve got a creamy, comforting bowl that practically hugs you from the inside.
6. Reuben Stuffed Chicken
Take your Reuben obsession to the next level by stuffing all that goodness right into juicy chicken breasts. Corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese get tucked inside for a dinner that’s a total showstopper. Don’t skip the Russian dressing on the side for dipping.
7. Corned Beef Tacos with Cabbage Slaw
These tacos are proof that you can turn just about anything into taco magic. And honestly, they taste ridiculously good. I’m pretty sure the crunchy cabbage slaw is what makes them shine, especially with a drizzle of thousand island dressing and a scatter of chopped jalapeños on top.
8. Reuben Casserole
This casserole asks for a handful more ingredients than the previous one, but the payoff is that it cooks in half the time. The heart of it is just four things: corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and pumpernickel bread. Mix up your dressing, then layer everything up and let it bake into a bubbly, golden masterpiece.
9. Corned Beef and Cabbage Quesadillas
Cheesy quesadillas are always a good idea, and they’re an incredible vehicle for leftover corned beef. Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and a swipe of thousand island dressing turn this into a snack you’ll crave on repeat. Basically, it’s a Reuben that got crisped up in a tortilla.
10. Reuben Calzones
Calzones give the classic Reuben yet another delicious spin. You only need Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, corned beef, and a tube of refrigerated pizza dough. Stuff everything inside, bake them for about 15 minutes, and then dip each golden pocket into, you guessed it, thousand island dressing.
11. Reuben Pudgy Pie
I mean, buttery golden brown bread hugging salty tangy sauerkraut and tender, juicy corned beef? Sign me up.
Make these pudgy pies in a skillet on the stove or over a campfire, and watch them disappear. If by some miracle there are leftovers, that’s just a win for you.
12. Leftover Corned Beef Soup with Sauerkraut
Yes, the ingredient list looks long, but this soup comes together with almost zero fuss thanks to the Instant Pot. It reminds me of a Brunswick stew, and I’ve served it in every season without anyone batting an eye.
There’s a cozy warmth that makes it perfect for chilly evenings, yet it stays light and bright enough for a summer lunch. It’s just a delicious all purpose bowl.
13. Leftover Corned Beef Hash
Out of all the classic ways to use up leftovers, corned beef hash is the one I reach for again and again. It comes together in a flash, tastes incredible, and keeps me full for hours. I especially love making it for breakfast on days when I know lunch might not happen.
14. Reuben Egg Rolls
Reubens and egg rolls aren’t an obvious match, but somehow these little golden parcels absolutely crush it. The outside gets fabulously crispy and golden brown, while the inside is a jumble of corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, and tangy sauerkraut. It’s the best kind of fusion snack.
15. Reuben Mac and Cheese
Right when you think you’ve seen every possible Reuben mashup, this mac and cheese enters the chat. Corned beef adds the most wonderful salty kick to an ultra gooey mac. Baked until hot and bubbly and crowned with rye bread crumbs, it’s pure comfort in every bite.
16. Corned Beef and Cabbage Casserole
There’s something so satisfying about a complete meal that only needs five ingredients, and this casserole delivers exactly that. You’ll have it into the oven in about 10 minutes, and while it bakes for an hour, your kitchen fills with the most wonderful aroma. It’s wholesome, flavorful, and a true love letter to cabbage and corned beef fans.
17. Corned Beef Cottage Pie
Think of this as a shepherd’s pie that swapped in corned beef for the filling. It’s packed with an incredible herby flavor and would absolutely take home the trophy in a “hearty pie” contest. I’m obsessed with the fluffy, cheesy potato and breadcrumb topping, though the savory, rich filling beneath gives it some serious competition.
18. Reuben Dip
Cream cheese, corned beef, Swiss, sauerkraut, and thousand island dressing come together to create a Reuben you can scoop. It’s basically everything you love about the sandwich, just in dippable form. Serve it with mini toasts, Triscuits, or rye chips for the perfect crunch.
19. Corned Beef Sliders
Let’s be real: these sliders are just adorable little Reubens. They pack all the essentials like sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and corned beef onto soft, poppyseed studded buns. They may be small, but they’re surprisingly satisfying, and a couple is all you’ll need.
20. Corned Beef Potato Pie
The first thing you’ll spot when you open this recipe is that stunning ivy and berry pattern on top. And before you worry, no, you don’t need to be a pastry artist to make this pie taste incredible. Honestly, those decorations are way easier to pull off than they look.
21. Reuben Nachos
I had to sneak in one more way to get your Reuben fix without actually making a sandwich. These nachos are a glorious, gooey, tangy, cheesy pile of deliciousness. With just five ingredients, you can have them ready in under 30 minutes.
22. Reuben Sandwich
Not in a casserole mood? Go the classic route and whip up a Reuben sandwich instead.
The ingredient list is basically identical, and you can either stir together a quick homemade thousand island dressing or grab your favorite jar from the fridge. Assemble it, then fry it up until both sides are gorgeously golden brown and the cheese is completely melted.
23. Corned Beef and Cabbage Chowder
Corned beef and cabbage are a pairing that just works, and I guess we owe the Irish a nod for that. This Crockpot chowder is right up there with all the other soul warming soups in this roundup. It simmers low and slow for hours, so you can practically ignore it while it works its magic.
24. Corned Beef and Potato Casserole
This corned beef and potato casserole gives the classic pairing a serious run for its money. It’s perfect for a festive St. Patrick’s Day breakfast, setting the tone for a day of celebrating. But honestly, it slides right into dinner as a hearty side any night you need one.