Get Your Shamrock On: 3 Corned Beef Recipes For St. Patrick's Day

Guess what's sneaking up on us like a leprechaun on a pot of gold? That's right, St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner! And what better way to get your shamrock on than with some scrumptious corned beef? 

This Irish classic is made from beef brisket that's been cured with salt and spices, and usually enjoyed with cabbage and spuds. But hold on to your kilts, because there are loads of other ways to savor this tasty meat. 

We've got your back with three mouthwatering corned beef ideas, including a classic Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe and two sandwich options — the Corned Beef Special and the Reuben.

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Corned Beef and Cabbage in Crockpot Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4-5 lb. corned beef brisket (seasoned)
• 6-8 cups water
• 1 onion, quartered
• Bay leaf
• 1 head of cabbage, chopped into large pieces
• 8-10 small potatoes, halved
• 4 large carrots sliced and chopped (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place seasoned brisket into bottom of a large crockpot.
2. Add water, onion, and bay leaf. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until fork tender. After 6-8 hours, remove the corned beef from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Cover with foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
3. While the corned beef is resting, add the cabbage, potatoes, and carrots to the crockpot. Turn the heat up to high and cook for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Slice the corned beef against the grain and serve with the vegetables.
5. If you prefer shredded corned beef, cook an additional hour or until the beef is easily shredded with two forks.

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Cold Corned Beef Special Sandwich

Ingredients:

• Rye bread, sliced
• Corned beef, sliced thin
• Swiss cheese, sliced thin
• Thousand Island dressing
• Prepared coleslaw

Instructions:

1. Spread Thousand Island dressing on each slice of rye bread.
2. Layer sliced corned beef on one slice of bread, followed by a layer of coleslaw and a layer of Swiss cheese.
3. Top with the other slice of bread and cut in half.
4. Make it a true “special” and make multiple layers of beef, cheese, and coleslaw. Hold it together with a skewer and pickle, then slice and enjoy!

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Hot Reuben Sandwich 

Ingredients:

• Rye bread, sliced
• Corned beef, sliced thin
• Swiss cheese, sliced thin
• Thousand Island dressing
• Sauerkraut
• Butter

Instructions:

1. Butter two slices of rye bread.
2. Spread Thousand Island dressing on the other side of each slice of bread.
3. Layer a slice of Swiss cheese and corned beef on one slice of bread, followed by a layer of sauerkraut and another layer of cheese.
4. Top with the other slice of bread (buttered sides out).
5. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
6. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook on each side about 3 minutes or until the sandwich is warmed through, the bread is crispy, and the cheese is melted.

This St. Patrick's Day, try making Corned Beef and Cabbage in a Crockpot for a traditional Irish meal, and then use the leftovers to make a Corned Beef Special Sandwich or a Reuben Sandwich. These recipes are easy to make and sure to please any corned beef lover. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Charlotte Linde is the publisher of Macaroni KID EATS and Macaroni KID Cedar Rapids.