Make this comforting corned beef and potato bake with tender potatoes, savory corned beef, onions, and melted cheddar cheese. An easy family dinner with simple ingredients.
If you’re looking for an easy, hearty dinner that doesn’t require a long list of ingredients, this Corned Beef and Potato Bake is a perfect choice.
Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with savory corned beef and onions, then baked until the potatoes are tender and the top is beautifully golden. A generous layer of melted cheddar brings everything together.
It is the kind of comforting, budget-friendly meal that works especially well on busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 can (12 oz / 340 g) corned beef, crumbled or diced
- 2 lb (900 g) potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1½–2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter or cooking oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme, optional
- ¼ cup milk or cream, optional
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Tip: Corned beef is already quite salty, so taste before adding extra salt.
How to Make Corned Beef and Potato Bake
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a medium baking dish with butter or cooking oil.
2. Prepare the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly and evenly. Keeping the slices similar in thickness helps them cook at the same rate.
3. Start Layering
Place about half of the potato slices in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Add half of the sliced onions and half of the corned beef.
Sprinkle with a little black pepper and thyme.
4. Add the Second Layer
Repeat with the remaining potatoes, onions, and corned beef.
If using milk or cream, drizzle a small amount around the edges and between the layers. This can help keep the bake moist while the potatoes cook.
5. Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the top.
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
6. Bake
Bake covered for approximately 35–50 minutes, depending on the thickness of your potato slices and the size of your baking dish.
Check the potatoes with a fork. They should be tender.
Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Similar corned-beef-and-potato bakes use a covered baking stage followed by uncovered cooking to soften the potatoes before browning the top.
7. Rest and Serve
Remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for about 5–10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
What to Serve With It
Because this is already a rich and filling dish, something fresh or lightly cooked makes a great side.
Try serving it with:
- Steamed green beans
- Peas
- Roasted carrots
- A simple green salad
- Steamed cabbage
- Pickles or a light vegetable salad
Easy Variations
Add Cabbage
For extra vegetables, add a layer of chopped cabbage. Corned beef, potatoes, cabbage, and cheese are a classic combination in baked versions of this dish.
Add More Vegetables
You can also add peas, carrots, spinach, or bell peppers.
Make It Extra Cheesy
Use a combination of cheddar and Parmesan for a deeper, richer flavor.
Use Leftover Corned Beef
If you have leftover cooked corned beef brisket rather than canned corned beef, simply chop it into small pieces and use it in the same way. A beef-based version uses chopped corned beef with potatoes, onion, herbs, and cheese.
Helpful Tips
Slice the potatoes evenly: Thin, consistent slices cook more evenly.
Don’t over-salt: Corned beef and cheese can both contain plenty of salt.
Cover before uncovering: Keeping the dish covered during most of the cooking helps the potatoes become tender.
Let it rest: A short resting period makes the bake easier to cut and serve.
Final Thoughts
This Corned Beef and Potato Bake is simple, filling, and comforting without requiring complicated preparation. The combination of tender potatoes, savory corned beef, sweet onions, and melted cheese makes it a satisfying meal for the whole family.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive dinner that can be prepared with everyday ingredients, this is definitely one to keep in your recipe collection.