Go Back

Irish Trash Can

A comforting one-pan dish combining crispy-edged potatoes, corned beef, cabbage, and melted cheese for a hearty Irish-American meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Irish-American
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 4 medium potatoes peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 pound canned corned beef broken into bite-sized chunks (or leftover corned beef)
  • 4 cups fresh cabbage chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives or green onion chopped (optional garnish)

Equipment

  • Large cast-iron skillet or non-stick frying pan (12 inches)
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Box grater or microplane
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Peel and dice 4 medium potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes and set aside.
  2. Chop 4 cups of cabbage into bite-sized pieces, dice 1 medium onion, and shred 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese.
  3. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 3 tablespoons of butter, letting it melt and foam.
  4. Add the diced potatoes in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until the cut sides begin to brown.
  5. Stir the potatoes and cook for an additional 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and brown.
  6. Add the diced onion and chopped cabbage to the skillet, stir to coat, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and edges are caramelized.
  7. Break apart 1 pound of canned corned beef and add to the skillet with 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika; stir and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
  8. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mixture, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes without stirring to allow the cheese to melt and crisp on the edges.
  9. Gently stir to combine the melted cheese, taste, and season with salt as needed.
  10. Garnish with chopped fresh chives or green onion before serving.

Notes

Let the dish rest for a minute before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve with sour cream or a fried egg for extra richness.