Corned Beef Tacos

Corned beef tacos may seem like an Irish, Mexican and Jewish deli mash-up, but this meat is truly delicious tucked into a tortilla. The corned beef is beautifully enhanced by crispy potatoes and a creamy, slightly spicy slaw. If you’re staring down a container of leftover corned beef and thinking, I cannot make even one more sandwich, this is your move. These Irish tacos are quick, flexible and wildly snackable, making them perfect for weeknight dinners, casual parties or the inevitable day-after-the-feast fridge clean-out.

Ingredients for Corned Beef Tacos

• Coleslaw mix: Bagged coleslaw mix keeps things fast and crunchy, with just the right balance of cabbage and carrots. It’s sturdy enough to hold up under dressing without going limp halfway through dinner.
• Green onions: Green onions add a mild bite and fresh allium flavor that brightens up the rich corned beef. Scallions and chives could work here as well.
• Jalapeno peppers: Jalapenos add a little heat and a lot of personality to the slaw. Deseed them for a gentler kick, or leave some seeds if you like to live dangerously. If you want a milder flavor, toss them in 1/4 cup of vodka for about 10 minutes after you slice them. It removes some of the heat while keeping that bright jalapeno flavor intact.
• Thousand Island dressing: This creamy, tangy dressing leans into the classic corned beef and cabbage pairing and pays homage to the classic Reuben.
• Sriracha chili sauce: Sriracha adds heat and depth without overpowering the other flavors. You can use more or less depending on your spice tolerance and mood.
• Canola oil: A neutral cooking oil crisps and heats the corned beef and potatoes evenly.
• Cooked corned beef: Leftover corned beef works perfectly here. You can also use deli-style corned beef, chopped finely for a slightly softer texture.
• Diced potatoes with onion: Buy these in the refrigerated section to save some time. They add a hearty structure to the tacos.
• Flour tortillas: Soft flour tortillas make these tacos easy to fold and eat. Corn tortillas also work if you prefer them, just warm them well so they don’t crack.

Directions

Step 1: Make the slaw and sauce

In a small bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, green onions and jalapenos.

In another small bowl, whisk the salad dressing and Sriracha chili sauce until they’re combined.

Step 2: Heat the corned beef and potatoes

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the corned beef and diced potatoes, then cook and stir until everything is heated through, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the tacos

Serve the corned beef and potato mixture in warm tortillas, topped with the coleslaw and dressing.

Corned Beef Taco Variations

• Change up the cabbage: Replace the slaw with sauerkraut or use a mix of both for extra tang and texture in your taco.
• No potatoes, no problem: Skip the potatoes for a lighter taco and let the corned beef and slaw do all the heavy lifting.
• Switch up the slaw: Try a vinegar-based slaw, a classic cabbage and carrot mix, or even a broccoli slaw for extra crunch.
• Rev up the Reuben flavors: Mustard cream sauce and spicy brown mustard mixed with sour cream are great alternatives to Thousand Island dressing. They keep the Reuben vibes strong.

How to Store Corned Beef Tacos

Corned beef tacos store best when the components are kept separate. Transfer the corned beef and potatoes to one airtight container and the slaw and sauce to another, then refrigerate them. This keeps everything from getting soggy and sad.

How long do corned beef tacos last?

When stored properly, the fillings will last up to four days in the refrigerator. Tortillas are best warmed fresh, so keep those separate and use them as needed.

How should you reheat corned beef for tacos?

Reheat the corned beef and potatoes in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until they’re warmed through. Assemble the tacos after reheating the corned beef so the slaw stays crisp.

Corned Beef Tacos Tips

What else can you serve with corned beef tacos?

When choosing sides for corned beef tacos, you can go in many different directions. Serve them with macaroni salad for Jewish deli vibes, with chips and guacamole for a weeknight taco party, or with roasted carrots for a more Irish spin.