Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Corned Beef Pie?
It is a comfort dish that transforms St. Patrick’s Day leftovers like corned beef, cabbage, and carrots into a hearty pie topped with mashed potatoes.
What ingredients are in the filling?
The filling consists of diced corned beef, cooked cabbage, cooked carrots, onions, and a thickened broth flavored with mustard, horseradish, and coriander.
How many cups of corned beef are needed?
The recipe calls for approximately 2 cups of leftover cooked corned beef cut into 1-inch dice.
What oven temperature is required?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for the best results.
How long is the total baking time?
The pie bakes for 30 minutes, plus an additional 2 minutes after adding the crispy onion topping.
What type of baking dish is best?
You can use a 2.5-quart casserole dish, a deep-dish pie plate, or an 8x8-inch square baking dish.
Why is an egg yolk added to the mashed potatoes?
Folding a beaten egg yolk into the mashed potatoes helps them hold their shape and browns beautifully in the oven.
How much mashed potatoes should I prepare?
You will need between 3 and 4 cups of prepared, seasoned, stiff mashed potatoes.
What spices flavor the broth?
The broth is seasoned with spicy brown mustard, prepared horseradish, ground coriander, salt, and white or black pepper.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Mix 2.5 tablespoons of cornstarch into the corned beef broth to create a slurry before heating it.
Can I use fresh cabbage instead of leftovers?
Yes, but ensure the cabbage is cooked and tender before adding it to the pie filling.
What is the purpose of the French-fried onions?
They provide a crispy texture and savory flavor as a final topping for the pie.
How should the vegetables be cut?
The corned beef, cabbage, and carrots should be diced into bite-sized pieces.
What should I do if I don't have corned beef broth?
While the recipe calls for leftover corned beef broth, you can substitute with beef broth, though the flavor may vary.
How long should the pie rest after cooking?
Let the pie cool for 5 to 7 minutes to allow the filling to set before slicing.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends 2 tablespoons of real salted butter for sautéing the onions.
Is parsley used in the recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of fresh minced parsley is divided between the filling and the garnish.
How do I prevent the French-fried onions from burning?
Only add them during the last 2 minutes of baking and keep a close eye on them.
Can I use black pepper instead of white?
Yes, you can use freshly ground white or black pepper to taste.
What is the calorie count per serving?
This recipe contains approximately 533 calories per serving.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are approximately 30 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains about 47 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content?
The dish provides about 27 grams of protein per serving.
Should I spray the baking dish?
Yes, lightly spray the dish with non-stick cooking spray for easy removal of the servings.
How do I make the potato topping look decorative?
Use a spatula to create swirls or grooves in the mashed potatoes before baking.
Can I add butter to the top of the potatoes?
Optionally, you can dot the top with small pieces of cold butter to enhance browning.
When do I add the onions to the saucepan?
Sauté the chopped onion with minced parsley in melted butter until they are softened and fragrant before adding the liquid.
What consistency should the broth mixture reach?
Whisk the slurry into the saucepan over medium-high heat until it thickens and comes to a gentle boil.
Is this a good recipe for leftovers?
Absolutely, it is specifically designed to use up leftover corned beef, cabbage, and carrots from holiday meals.
Can I make this in a square dish?
Yes, an 8x8-inch square baking dish is a perfect size for this recipe.