It’s 5 PM. You’re hungry. The family is hungry. You need something fast and filling. But you also want it to taste like you actually tried.
I get it. That’s my life, too. We’re all busy cooks here. We need hero recipes that save the day without a fuss. If you love a hearty, one-pan meal, you should try our Ultimate Ground Beef & Potato Casserole for another comforting option.
That’s where this Irish Cast Iron Skillet Corned Beef Colcannon Casserole comes in. It’s your leftover corned beef’s destiny. It’s a one-pan wonder. It’s comfort food that cooks itself while you relax.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Irish-American
- Category: Main Dish Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Ultimate Guide to Irish Cast Iron Skillet Corned Beef Colcannon Casserole
This is the only guide you need. Why? Because it combines two classic Irish dishes into one easy skillet meal.
We’re talking tender corned beef and creamy colcannon. All baked under a golden, cheesy crust. The cast iron skillet is the magic tool here.
It goes from stovetop to oven to table. That means less cleanup for you. The flavor is huge. The effort is tiny. Let’s make your weeknight dinner a win.
The Simple Ingredients
This recipe is a pantry-staple dream. You probably have most of this already. Let’s check the list.
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cups chopped or shredded cooked corned beef
- 3 cups chopped cabbage (about 1/4 of a small head)
- 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes (or 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled, boiled, and mashed with butter/milk)
- 1/2 cup beef broth or stock
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for color)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Let’s Get Cooking! (The Step-by-Step)
Ready? This is where the magic happens. Grab your trusty 10 or 12-inch cast iron skillet. Let’s go.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Melt the butter in your skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion. Cook for 5 minutes until soft.
- Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Stir and cook for another 5-7 minutes. You want it just starting to soften.
- Stir in the chopped corned beef. Pour in the beef broth. Let it simmer for 2 minutes. This builds the flavor base.
- Turn off the heat. Spread the corned beef and cabbage mixture evenly in the skillet.
- In a bowl, mix your mashed potatoes with half of the shredded cheese. If using fresh potatoes, season them well now.
- Carefully spread the cheesy potato mixture over the corned beef layer. Use a spoon or spatula to seal it to the edges.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. This creates that perfect, bubbly crust.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. It’s done when the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbling.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley. Then, dig right in from the skillet!
What to Serve With This Dish
This casserole is a full meal. But a simple side can make it even better. Think quick and easy.
Irish Cast Iron Skillet Corned Beef Colcannon Casserole Recipe
The Simple Ingredients
Let’s Get Cooking! (The Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Irish Cast Iron Skillet Corned Beef Colcannon Casserole Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Buttered rye bread or soda bread is perfect for soaking up juices. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts the richness. For another cozy, family-friendly dinner idea, our Ultimate Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is always a crowd-pleaser.
Steamed green beans or carrots also work. They add a fresh crunch. Dinner is served in under an hour.
Make This Recipe Your Own (Quick Swaps)
No corned beef? No problem. This recipe is super flexible. Use what you have.
Swap the corned beef for diced ham or roasted chicken. It’s just as tasty. Use store-bought refrigerated mashed potatoes to save 15 minutes.
Try a different cheese. Swiss or Gruyère would be amazing. Add a handful of frozen peas to the cabbage layer for extra veggies.
How to Store Leftovers (If You Have Any!)
This dish makes great leftovers. Let it cool completely first. Then, cover the skillet tightly with foil.
You can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave.
For the best texture, reheat larger portions in a 350°F oven until warm. Add a tiny splash of broth if the potatoes seem dry.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: ~450
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
*Estimates based on ingredients used. Values will vary with substitutions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this without a cast iron skillet?
Yes! Use any oven-safe skillet or a 9×13 baking dish. Just start the onion and cabbage in a regular pan, then transfer everything to your greased dish to bake.
What if I don’t have leftover corned beef?
Many grocery stores sell pre-cooked corned beef at the deli counter. It’s a total time-saver. Just chop it up and you’re ready to go.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the whole dish in the skillet. Cover and refrigerate for up to a day. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the bake time.
See? I told you it was easy. You just turned a busy night into a cozy, delicious dinner. Your kitchen smells amazing. Your family is happy.
You didn’t slave over the stove. You used one pan. You’re a weeknight hero. That’s what busy cooking is all about. If you’re looking for another simple, hearty skillet meal, check out this classic Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes.
Go try this and win back your weeknight! Let me know how it goes by leaving a comment and rating below!
