Corned beef is a beloved deli meat that is often enjoyed in sandwiches and dishes like hash. While homemade corned beef made from brisket has the best flavor, the canned version can be a quick and convenient alternative when you don’t have time to prepare the real thing. With a few simple tricks canned corned beef can be transformed into a tasty meal the whole family will love.
An Overview of Canned Corned Beef
Canned corned beef is made from beef that has been cured in a brine solution. The beef is then cooked minced or chopped, and packed into cans in a gelatinous sauce or broth. This preservation process gives canned corned beef a shelf life of several years. Here are a few key facts about canned corned beef
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It has a much different texture and flavor compared to homemade corned beef brisket. Canned corned beef is quite soft and finer in texture than sliced brisket. The flavor is less intense as well.
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Common brands include Libby’s, Hereford, and Armour Star. They are widely available at most grocery stores.
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A 12-ounce can contains about 2-3 servings.
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The ingredient list contains beef, water, salt, sugar, sodium nitrite, and other preservatives.
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It’s high in sodium but provides protein. Each serving contains 350-450 mg of sodium but about 13 grams of protein.
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The meat is fully cooked so no cooking is required unless you want to brown or crisp it.
Tips for Cooking with Canned Corned Beef
While canned corned beef is pre-cooked, heating it enhances the flavor. Follow these tips when cooking with canned corned beef:
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Remove the beef from the can and rinse off any excess gelatin, salt, or spices. Pat dry before cooking.
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The meat is quite soft. Chilling it for about an hour firms it up for easier slicing or dicing.
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Saute in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes to warm through and lightly brown.
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Add seasonings like pepper, paprika, garlic, and onion powder to boost the flavor.
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Use a small amount of oil or broth for cooking as the meat already contains fat.
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Try pan frying sliced corned beef to get crispy edges. Chill first for clean slices.
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For cabbage and corned beef, steam cabbage wedges then add beef and seasonings.
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An air fryer set at 360°F for 4-5 minutes also crisps it up nicely. Mist with oil spray first.
Simple Recipes Using Canned Corned Beef
With its salty, meaty flavor, canned corned beef makes a convenient substitute for recipes traditionally made with homemade corned beef brisket. Here are some easy ways to use it:
Corned Beef Hash
- Dice 4-5 medium potatoes and cook until tender.
- Drain a 12-ounce can of corned beef and chop into small pieces.
- Sauté beef in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Add chopped onion and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in potatoes and heat through.
- Season with salt, pepper, and spices like paprika or cayenne.
Reuben Sandwich
- Layer sliced canned corned beef on toasted rye bread.
- Top with sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, and Swiss cheese.
- Grill sandwich in a panini press or skillet until cheese melts.
Corned Beef Pitas or Sliders
- Mix chopped canned corned beef with mayonnaise, chopped celery, relish, onion, and seasonings.
- Stuff mixture into halved pitas or slider buns.
- Can also top with coleslaw or sauerkraut.
Corned Beef Shepherd’s Pie
- In an oven safe dish, layer canned corned beef, frozen mixed vegetables, and mashed potatoes.
- Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top 5 minutes before done.
Corned Beef Fried Rice
- Cook white rice according to package directions. Spread on a sheet pan to cool.
- Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
- Quickly stir fry diced carrots, onion, and celery for 2-3 minutes.
- Add chopped canned corned beef and cook 1 minute more.
- Stir in cooled rice and soy sauce. Cook until heated through.
Corned Beef Pasta Sauce
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté minced garlic and onion in olive oil for 1-2 minutes.
- Add canned diced tomatoes, chopped corned beef, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.
- Toss with hot pasta and top with Parmesan cheese.
These simple yet tasty recipes prove that canned corned beef can be so much more than just a sandwich topping. With a bit of doctoring up, it makes a flavorful and budget-friendly addition to all kinds of comfort food dishes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices, vegetables, and other ingredients to find your favorite way to use canned corned beef. Just be sure to season it well and add plenty of texture for a satisfying meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Canned Corned Beef
Can you eat canned corned beef straight from the can?
Yes, you can eat canned corned beef straight from the can without cooking it. However, it has a much better flavor when briefly sautéed or cooked in a recipe.
How long does canned corned beef last?
Properly stored in a cool, dry place, unopened canned corned beef has a shelf life of 2-5 years. Once opened, it will last 4-7 days in the refrigerator.
How do you know if canned corned beef is bad?
Signs that canned corned beef has spoiled include off smells, mushy texture, sliminess, discoloration, or curdling. If you notice any of these, it is best to discard the product.
Is canned corned beef already cooked?
Yes, canned corned beef is fully cooked during the canning process. No additional cooking is required, though heating it improves the flavor.
Can you slice canned corned beef?
It can be difficult to slice canned corned beef neatly since the meat is quite soft. Chilling the meat first firms it up for cleaner slicing. Cut slowly with a sharp knife.
How do you crisp up canned corned beef?
Pan frying, broiling, or air frying canned corned beef results in crispy edges and a nicely browned exterior while keeping the interior tender.
What’s the best way to season canned corned beef?
Pepper, mustard, garlic, paprika, onions, and celery seed all pair well with corned beef. Get creative with spice blends like barbecue seasoning too.
What vegetables go with canned corned beef?
Try serving canned corned beef with potatoes, cabbage, carrots, onions, bell peppers, or any of your favorite vegetables. The meat pairs well with a variety of produce.
Can you make corned beef sandwiches with canned?
Yes, canned corned beef makes quick and easy sandwiches. Simply slice or chop the meat and pile onto bread or rolls with condiments and toppings.
With its convenient canned format, hearty protein, and versatility, corned beef is an underrated canned meat. Follow this guide when making corned beef from a can, and you’ll enjoy delicious sandwiches, hash, and other classic dishes without all the work of homemade. Armed with creativity and the right seasonings, you can transform canned corned beef into family-pleasing comfort food.
How to Cook Air Fryer Canned Corned Beef
There is a way to get just a bit of crisp into it at 360F for about 5 minutes. The best way to do this is to air fry it in your Cosori, AirWave or Ninja Foodi. Olive oil spray will prevent corned beef hash from sticking to your air fryer basket. You’ll have to refrigerate it before slicing as I explained above to get it to stick together.
How to Make canned corned beef and cabbage soup
I decided to add this into my Dutch oven similar to our stewed cabbage, but with this protein. It is basically just steaming your veggies so they wilt and soften as much as you’d like. Then drain the liquid and fold in your canned meat. This is just one way to try it out.
If you wanted to make it into more of a corned beef soup recipe you’d need more liquid of course. Or add it into more of a chowder creamy mixture. I use green cabbage with any sort of recipe during this time of year, I guess it is just the traditional way. With this method it will stay soft in texture as you can see here.