Irish Corned Beef Tacos Recipe

If you’re looking for a unique twist on tacos that brings a bit of Irish charm to your dinner table, you’re going to fall head over heels for my Irish Corned Beef Tacos Recipe. This recipe combines tender, thinly sliced corned beef with creamy cheddar-infused mashed potatoes and crisp cabbage all tucked inside soft tortillas. It’s comfort food with a fun, unexpected twist that your whole family will love. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll keep coming back for more!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Irish Corned Beef Tacos Recipe plays a role in balancing flavors and textures—you’ll get creaminess, crunch, and that satisfying corned beef goodness all in one bite. Here’s a quick rundown with tips on picking them out.

• Tortillas: Flour or corn tortillas work, but I prefer flour for a soft, foldable taco that crisps nicely when fried.
• Russet potatoes: Perfect for mashing, they give a creamy base that holds the taco together without getting soggy.
• Cheddar cheese: Irish cheddar adds bold flavor and melts beautifully into the potatoes.
• Salt and black pepper: Simple but essential to season both the mash and your taste buds.
• Deli corned beef: Thin slices make for easy folding and that classic, tender Irish flavor.
• Cabbage: Adds a fresh crunch—don’t skip the step of softening it slightly for the best texture mix.
• Thousand Island dressing: It seems unusual, but spreading a little on the tortilla gives a creamy tang that holds the filling in place.
• Sweet onion: Just a bit of sweetness and bite for contrast with the savory corned beef.
• Oil for frying: Use vegetable oil for a neutral flavor and crisp finish.

Variations

I love seeing how different folks twist this Irish Corned Beef Tacos Recipe to match their tastes or dietary needs. Feel free to make it your own! Here are a few variations I’ve tried and enjoyed.

• Vegetarian Version: I swapped corned beef for sautéed mushrooms and added some smoky paprika for that umami punch—delicious and just as comforting.
• Spicy Kick: Add finely chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce inside the tacos if you and your family like a bit of heat.
• Different Cheese: Sometimes I use sharp white cheddar or even a mix with Monterey Jack for a creamier melt.
• Gluten-Free Option: Corn tortillas keep this naturally gluten-free if you’re serving guests with sensitivities.

How to Make Irish Corned Beef Tacos Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes and Vegetables

Start by washing and peeling the potatoes, then cutting them into cubes to ensure they cook quickly and evenly. Boil these in salted water for about 10 minutes until tender—you want them soft but not falling apart. Once the potatoes are done, swap them out of the pot and toss in your cabbage and sliced onions to soften for about five minutes. This little trick helps keep everything perfectly cooked and ready to assemble without any one ingredient overpowering the others.

Step 2: Mash and Mix the Potatoes with Cheese

Drain the potatoes really well—this is key, I learned this the hard way because too much water makes your mash soupy and hard to work with. Then mash them up and fold in shredded Irish cheddar while the mash is still warm so it melts beautifully. This cheesy mash becomes the creamy base of your tacos. I love how it makes each bite feel indulgent yet comforting.

Step 3: Assemble Your Tacos

Lay out your tortillas on a clean surface. Spread a dollop of Thousand Island dressing on each tortilla—that tangy layer helps adhere the fillings and adds a bit of zing. Next, spread the cheesy mashed potatoes on half of each tortilla, pressing down gently. Top that with slices of corned beef and then your softened cabbage and onions. Fold the tortilla over carefully—don’t overstuff to keep folding and frying manageable.

Step 4: Fry Until Crispy and Golden

Heat about ¼ cup of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat—this is where your tacos get that irresistible crispy bite. Fry the assembled tacos for 30 seconds on one side, then fold them in half and fry for another 30 seconds to brown the other side. Work in small batches to keep the oil temperature stable so your tacos crisp evenly. Place finished tacos on a baking sheet in a low oven to keep warm while you finish the rest.

How to Serve Irish Corned Beef Tacos Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle freshly chopped chives right on top before serving—it adds a subtle oniony freshness and gorgeous color contrast. Sometimes, a little extra Thousand Island on the side for dipping really amps up the flavor. A wedge of lime isn’t traditional, but it brightens things up nicely if you want a citrus twist.

Side Dishes

These tacos go great with simple sides like crunchy coleslaw, roasted green beans, or even a light cucumber salad to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, pair them with some crispy potato wedges or a fresh garden salad with vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

For St. Patrick’s Day or themed dinner parties, I like to serve these tacos on a platter lined with green cabbage leaves and decorate with little pots of gold-colored cheese dip (cheddar mixed with a bit of turmeric). You could also wrap individual tacos in parchment paper tied with a rustic twine for a cozy, casual vibe that’s great for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the texture, I separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. It’s a great way to avoid waste and enjoy this treat again the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen assembled but unfried tacos wrapped tightly in plastic and frozen in a single layer on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. When I’m ready, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and fry as usual. The texture holds up surprisingly well if you do it this way.

Reheating

To reheat leftover fried tacos, I pop them in a hot oven (about 350°F) for 8-10 minutes to regain their crispiness without drying out the filling. Microwaving is faster but tends to soften the tortilla and lose that satisfying crunch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Irish Corned Beef Tacos Recipe brings two comforting flavors together in a fun and unexpected way. When I first tried it, my family went crazy for the cheesy, hearty filling with just a hint of tang from the Thousand Island dressing. It’s now a recipe I make regularly, especially when I want something quick but special. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite taco twist!

Print