Canned Corned Beef and Potato Bake
A comforting, budget-friendly one-dish meal made with canned corned beef, tender potatoes, onions, and melted cheese. It’s easy to prepare and works well for a family dinner.
Ingredients
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1 can (12 oz / 340 g) corned beef, chopped
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4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
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1 medium onion, thinly sliced
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup milk
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon paprika
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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½ cup breadcrumbs, optional
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1 tablespoon chopped parsley, optional
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the potatoes thinly so they cook evenly. If you prefer softer potatoes, boil the slices for 5–7 minutes, then drain well.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Go easy on the salt because canned corned beef is usually quite salty.
3. Assemble the Bake
Lightly grease a baking dish.
Layer:
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Half of the potatoes
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Half of the onion
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Half of the chopped corned beef
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A little cheese
Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
Pour the creamy sauce evenly over everything and finish with the remaining cheddar cheese.
4. Add Breadcrumbs
If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them over the cheese for a crispy golden topping.
5. Bake
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbling.
6. Rest and Serve
Let the bake rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.
Easy Variations
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Add vegetables: Peas, carrots, corn, or spinach work well.
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Make it spicy: Add chopped chili or a pinch of cayenne.
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Extra cheesy: Add mozzarella along with cheddar.
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Use leftover potatoes: Slice cooked potatoes and reduce the baking time.
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Crispy topping: Mix breadcrumbs with a little melted butter before sprinkling them on top.
Helpful Tip
Because corned beef and cheese can both contain a lot of salt, taste the sauce before adding additional salt. Thinly sliced potatoes also cook more evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
