There’s an old Irish proverb that says “laughter is loudest where food is the best.” And we couldn’t agree more. Gather friends around a table, feed them good food and even the most dreary evening will turn into a deliciously enjoyable affair.
This time of year, dreary evenings seem to happen a lot. From late winter greys to springtime rain, the weather has us heading to the kitchen for comfort food (and a room full of friends), constantly. So we turned to classic Irish fare as inspiration for a hearty casserole that’s perfect for feeding a whole crowd of favorite people.
To make this dish, we relied on two shortcuts–instant mashed potatoes and canned corned beef. If you prefer a more authentic flavor, feel free to make your favorite mashed potatoes from scratch. This dish is a great way to use leftover corned beef, as well, supposing you have some in your fridge after a St. Patty’s day feast.
No matter how you prepare it, this dish delicious. Fresh chopped herbs season the mashed potatoes, transforming them into delicious colcannon. The corned beef is coated in a light gravy, which keeps the meat moist and tender.
Working with canned corned beef can be a tricky process. The meat is soft and sticky, so using a Meat Chopper is almost a necessity when prepping the gravy. A soft spatula doesn’t quite break up the meat enough, but a meat chopper makes it easy to break the mixture up to cook it evenly.
Once the dish is whipped up, a few pats of butter are added, creating a crispy browned layer once baked.
Similar to Shepherd’s Pie, this dish makes a great make-ahead meal. Prep it in our versatile 3-Quart Ceramic Baking Dish–which can go right from your fridge to the oven, and looks great on your table, too! Then, call your friends and enjoy an evening of food and laughter.
After all, that’s the Irish way…and it’s a delicious way, indeed.
Get the Tools
Need to stock your kitchen with casserole essentials–ceramic bakeware, new sharp knives or a meat chopper? You can find these essentials and more in our Amazon Store. Click here now to shop & ship directly to your front door.
Tried This Recipe?
We’d LOVE to see it! Snap a photo and upload it to Instagram, with the hashtag #lovegoodcook. We may just feature it on our Instagram channel.
