Start With ... Corned Beef

Corned beef is just beef that has basically been 'pickled' using a mixture of water, salt, sugar, herbs, and pickling spices. You can buy beef already 'corned', or do it yourself. I looked at my co-op this weekend and found a wonderful uncured corned beef that doesn't contain nitrates or nitrites. The beef doesn't have the characteristic dark pink color that those ingredients give beef, but it was so delicious. And I enjoyed eating it more knowing it had fewer chemicals. It is made by Garrett County Farms, which is part of Wellshire Farms.

Whatever corned beef you buy (or make), it must be cooked before you can eat it. Sliced corned beef from the deli, or that sold to make sandwiches, is ready to eat. Read the label to make sure. Cook your corned beef in the crockpot, or simmer on the stovetop. Then use it to make one of these delicious recipes.

These recipes can also be made with regular leftover beef roast or steak. Or you can use canned corned beef if you'd like. Enjoy!

Start With ... Corned Beef

• Corned Beef Shepherd's Pie
  Corned beef is a natural choice for Shepherd's Pie, that classic mix of beef and vegetables topped with mashed potatoes. This version includes cabbage.
• Corned Beef Scramble
  Scrambled eggs are cooked with corned beef, potatoes, and vegetables for a quick and easy supper or breakfast dish. This one has Cheddar cheese added to the mix for even more flavor.
• Corned Beef and Cabbage Quiche
  This super easy quiche is soft and tender and full of flavor. You do have to cook the cabbage in a certain way, but it's very easy. This is a great recipe even if you leave out the corned beef for a vegetarian version!
• Corned Beef and Slaw Sandwiches
  I love the combination of textures and flavors in this easy recipe. And it's so easy to make.
• Corned Beef and Sauerkraut Balls
  This wonderful little appetizer is delicious, despite its strange-sounding name. The balls are crisp and creamy with a rich texture and taste.
• Reuben Monte Cristo
  This excellent sandwich recipe uses corned beef instead of ham and chicken. I love the rich flavor the corned beef gives to this recipe.
• Corned Beef Melt
  A caramelized onion and mustard mixture adds flavor to these easy grilled cheese and beef sandwiches.
• Corned Beef Hash
  This classic recipe has a bit of apple cider vinegar for some zip. You can serve this topped with some fried eggs for a hearty breakfast.
• Corned Beef Egg Rolls
  Wow, these are good. These crisp egg rolls are filled with St. Patrick's Day flavors. They're irresistible.
• Corned Beef and Cabbage Chowder
  This rich and thick chowder is the perfect way to use up the last of the corned beef. It's delicious on a cold spring night.
• Corned Beef and Cabbage Tarts
  If you think cooked cabbage sounds like a strange ingredient for a tart, you haven't tasted this recipe. It's rich, delicious, and satisfying.
• Creamy Corned Beef and Noodles
  This comforting dish is very easy to make. Serve it with a green salad and some crisp breadsticks straight from the oven.
• Reuben Casserole
  This super easy five ingredient casserole adds apple to the mix for a bit of sweetness and texture.