Corned beef is a delicious cured and cooked beef brisket that’s commonly served around St. Patrick’s Day. But leftovers can easily dry out when you reheat them. This guide will show you how to reheat corned beef in the microwave, oven, or air fryer in the best way. With a little care, you’ll have moist, tender corned beef that tastes freshly-cooked.
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Corned beef should reach 145°F at the thickest part. Also check that any broth or sauce is bubbling and steam is present.
Yes! Use one of the moist reheating methods above and avoid overcooking. Allowing the corned beef to rest afterward also helps retain moisture.
Properly refrigerated corned beef will last 3-4 days. Reheat leftovers within this time frame for the best quality. Freeze for longer storage up to 2-3 months.
Yes, it’s best to cover it to keep in moisture and promote even heating. Use a tight fitting lid or aluminum foil.
Slice the brisket and place slices in a baking dish with some broth. Cover and bake at 325F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Yes. Add 1 cup broth to pot, then place corned beef slices in a steamer basket. Cook at high pressure for 3-5 minutes. Quick release pressure afterwards.
Strain and save the broth. Use it as a base for soups, stews or gravies. The concentrated beefy flavor adds richness.
It’s best to only reheat it once. The texture tends to dry out with repeated reheating. Eat within 3-4 days and don’t reheat leftovers more than once.
Reheating corned beef doesn’t have to lead to dry, overcooked meat. With the right steps for your appliance, you can enjoy tender, flavorful corned beef that you’ve saved.
As a busy mom who loves to cook in batches, I often find myself facing down leftovers of corned beef hash for breakfast the next day That hearty mix of beef, potatoes, onions and peppers is so satisfying, but it doesn’t hold up well. I used to just throw it in the microwave and end up with dried out remnants bearing little resemblance to the original delicious hash There had to be a better way!
I did some digging to find the best practices for reheating corned beef hash without ruining the texture. Follow my tips below for warming up leftovers and enjoying corned beef hash twice without drying it out.
Proper Storage for Optimal Leftovers
To retain moisture and flavor be sure to
-
Allow hash to cool completely before storing.
-
Refrigerate in a shallow, airtight container.
-
Use within 3-4 days for best quality.
-
Do not freeze previously cooked hash.
Proper chilling prevents drying out. Follow these guidelines for corned beef hash that reheats beautifully.
Best Reheating Methods
Oven (300°F): Place hash in oven-safe dish, cover with foil. Heat 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Stovetop: Heat 1-2 Tbsp oil in skillet over medium heat. Cook hash 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts at 50% power, stirring between rounds.
The ambient heat of the oven and stovetop prevent drying. Microwave only if necessary.
Maintain Moisture While Reheating
-
Stir in 1-2 Tbsp broth, milk or cream before reheating.
-
Combine hash with sauce, gravy or stew to reheat.
-
Finish in pan with a quick sauté to recrisp exterior.
-
Microwave in short bursts at lower power.
Adding a bit of liquid and quick searing helps keep hash from drying out.
Restoring Crispy Potatoes
For soggy spuds, revive crispy texture by:
-
Broiling hash briefly after reheating
-
Browning in a hot skillet 2-3 minutes per side
Getting some crispy browned edges brings that hash taste back.
Refreezing Cooked Corned Beef Hash
Refreezing previously cooked hash is not recommended. But leftover cooked hash can be frozen if:
-
Promptly refrigerated after initial cooking
-
Not previously reheated
-
Sealed tightly within 2 hours of cooking
-
Frozen for no more than 2-3 months
When these guidelines are followed, corned beef hash can go straight into the freezer.
Ideal Pairings for Reheated Hash
Serve reheated corned beef hash with:
-
Fried eggs – the runny yolks enhance flavor
-
Hot sauce or salsa – for a kick
-
Toast or biscuits – for soaking up the egg yolk
-
Sautéed peppers and onions – for extra flavor
-
Sliced avocado – for creaminess
-
Sour cream or Greek yogurt – as a cooling contrast
Common Questions about Leftover Hash
Here are some frequently asked questions about reviving corned beef hash:
How do you reheat hash in the microwave?
Microwave in 30-second intervals at 50% power, stirring between rounds.
Can you reheat frozen hash?
No – always thaw completely in the fridge before reheating.
How long is leftover hash good for?
Store in the fridge up to 4 days. Reheat only once.
What is the best way to reheat hash?
The oven and stovetop allow for gentle, even reheating.
Can I add milk or cream when reheating?
Yes – 1-2 Tbsp of dairy restores moisture as hash reheats.
Tips for Safely Reheating Leftover Hash
To safely reheat corned beef hash:
-
Wash hands and prep tools thoroughly before and after handling
-
Use a food thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature
-
Prevent bacterial growth by refrigerating promptly
-
Never leave hash at room temperature before or after reheating
Following food safety guidelines prevents illness when enjoying leftover hash.
Make a Double Batch for Delicious Leftovers
Now that you know how to revive leftover corned beef hash, go ahead and make an extra big batch! Follow my stovetop or oven reheating tips to gently warm it up without drying it out. A splash of liquid while reheating keeps the hash deliciously moist.
With proper storage and safe handling, leftover corned beef hash can absolutely be enjoyed again within 3-4 days. Cook once, eat twice! My morning routine is much simpler when I’ve got this hearty hash waiting in the fridge.
Key Takeaways for Reheating Corned Beef Hash
Follow these tips when reheating leftover corned beef hash:
-
Store promptly in an airtight container in the fridge
-
Use the oven or stovetop to gently reheat
-
Prevent drying by adding a bit of liquid as it reheats
-
Restore crispy texture by finishing in a hot pan or under the broiler
-
Pair with fried eggs, hot sauce or other accompaniments
Your leftovers will taste almost as delicious as the original. Now you can cook up a big batch and enjoy corned beef hash two days in a row!
Reheating Corned Beef in the Oven
The oven allows you to reheat corned beef evenly while adding flavor.
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Line up slices or chunks of corned beef in a dish that can go in the oven.
- Feel free to add a little beef broth, onion soup mix, or barbecue sauce to make it taste and look better.
- Wrap tightly in foil and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until hot all the way through.
- Take off the foil and broil for 3 to 5 minutes, until the top is lightly browned.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Reheating Corned Beef in the Microwave
The microwave provides a quick and easy way to reheat corned beef without drying it out.
- Corned beef should be cut into pieces or slices that are no more than 1/2 inch thick. Thicker pieces may not heat evenly.
- Line up the corned beef pieces in a dish that can go in the microwave. Avoid overcrowding.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of water or broth to the dish. This will add moisture and prevent drying out.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Make sure the seal is airtight to hold in steam.
- Microwave on HIGH for 60-90 seconds per serving. Check on the corned beef often, and if it’s already hot, stop cooking early.
- Before you serve the corned beef, let it rest for one to two minutes. The steam from the microwave will move through the meat again, making the temperature even.