It’s 5 PM. You’re hungry. The family is hungry. And that leftover corned beef from St. Patrick’s Day is staring you down from the fridge. Sound familiar?
Who has time for a whole new boiled dinner? You do. But not that kind of time. I’m talking about a one-pan wonder that solves everything in under an hour. If you love easy skillet meals, you have to try this Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Skillet for another weeknight winner.
Meet your new weeknight hero: Irish Cast Iron Skillet Corned Beef Colcannon Casserole. It’s the cozy, comforting Irish classic. But we’re making it fast, easy, and incredibly tasty. All in your trusty skillet. Let’s get cooking.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Irish
- Category: Main Dish
- 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 I’m a busy cook, just like you. I need flavor without fuss.
This recipe is it. We combine two iconic Irish dishes—corned beef and colcannon (creamy mashed potatoes with cabbage)—into one incredible bake. No boiling a brisket for hours. We use cooked corned beef.
Your cast iron skillet is the magic tool. It goes from stovetop to oven. That means less cleanup. You’ll get a creamy, cheesy interior and a perfectly crispy top. Maximum flavor. Minimum effort. Let’s do this.
The Simple Ingredients
This is all about pantry staples and smart shortcuts. No fancy trips to the store needed. Here’s your list.
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1/2 cup milk or half-and-half
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups cooked corned beef, chopped or shredded
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Let’s Get Cooking! (The Step-by-Step)
Ready? This comes together fast. Follow these simple steps for a no-fail dinner.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your empty cast iron skillet inside to heat up. A hot skillet gives us a great start.
- Boil the cubed potatoes in salted water for 12-15 minutes, until very tender. Drain them well.
- Mash the potatoes with 2 tablespoons of butter and the milk until smooth. Season well with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Set this aside.
- Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Swirl to melt.
- Add the diced onion and cabbage. Sauté for 6-8 minutes over medium heat until soft and slightly golden.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in the chopped corned beef, half of the cheddar cheese, sour cream, and parsley.
- Spread this meat mixture evenly in the skillet. Dollop the mashed potatoes over the top. Gently spread them to cover everything.
- Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Dig in!
What to Serve With This Dish
This casserole is a full meal. But a quick side can make it even better. Here are my go-to ideas.
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
Grab some hearty rye bread or soda bread. It’s perfect for scooping up every last bit.
A simple, tangy side salad cuts the richness. Toss mixed greens with a quick mustard vinaigrette.
For a classic pub feel, serve with steamed green beans or carrots. They cook in the time the casserole bakes.
Make This Recipe Your Own (Quick Swaps)
Make it work for you! Use what you have. Try these easy swaps.
No cabbage? Use kale or Brussels sprouts. Just chop them small.
Swap the cheddar for Swiss or Gruyère cheese. It gives a fantastic nutty flavor.
Use leftover roast chicken or ham instead of corned beef. It’s still delicious and cozy. For another fantastic ground beef and potato combo, check out this hearty Hobo Casserole.
How to Store Leftovers (If You Have Any!)
This reheats like a dream. Let it cool completely first.
Cover the skillet tightly with foil. Or transfer portions to an airtight container. It keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat single servings in the microwave. For the best texture, reheat larger portions in a 350°F oven until warm through. The top gets crispy again.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: ~450 per serving
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
*This is an estimate. Values can change based on your specific ingredients.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I don’t have a cast iron skillet. Can I still make this?
Yes! Use any oven-safe skillet or a 9×13 baking dish. Just sauté the veggies in a regular pan first, then mix and bake in your dish.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the whole thing. Cover and refrigerate for up to a day. Add 5-10 minutes to the bake time since it’s going in cold.
Where’s the best place to get cooked corned beef?
Your deli counter is the fastest spot. Ask them to slice it thick so you can chop it. Or use leftovers from a homemade boiled dinner. Both work great.
So there you have it. A dinner that looks like you spent all day in the kitchen. But you didn’t. You were smart and used one pan, simple ingredients, and a brilliant mash-up idea. If you’re craving more comfort food perfection, this Ultimate Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is pure comfort in a dish.
This Irish Cast Iron Skillet Corned Beef Colcannon Casserole is your ticket to a stress-free, yummy dinner. It turns leftovers into a celebration. Or makes a simple deli purchase feel special.
Go try this and win back your weeknight! Let me know how it goes by leaving a comment and rating below!
