Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Leftover Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that repurposes your St. Patrick’s Day leftovers into a warm and satisfying meal. Packed with tender corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, and carrots in a flavorful broth, this soup is both economical and delicious—perfect for cozy evenings or easy next-day lunches.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
leftover corned beef (chopped)leftover cooked cabbage (chopped)carrots (sliced)potatoes (cubed)celery (chopped)onion (diced)garlic (minced)beef brothwaterbay leavesthymeblack peppersaltolive oil
directions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the potatoes and stir to combine.
Pour in beef broth and water. Add bay leaves and thyme. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Stir in the leftover corned beef and cabbage. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to heat through.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove bay leaves before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 30 minutesTotal time: 40 minutes
Variations
Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or Dijon mustard for tang.
Stir in some chopped kale or spinach at the end for added greens.
Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a twist.
Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
storage/reheating
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove over medium heat until hot.

FAQs
Can I use uncooked vegetables?
Yes, you can, but cooking time will increase to ensure everything is tender.
Do I need to use beef broth?
Beef broth gives the best flavor, but vegetable or chicken broth works in a pinch.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, if using gluten-free broth and leftovers.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, sauté the aromatics first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Can I use other leftover meats?
Certainly—leftover ham or roast beef can be substituted.
What if I don’t have leftover cabbage?
You can use fresh cabbage; just add it earlier so it has time to cook down.
Conclusion
Leftover Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup is the ultimate comfort food makeover. With minimal effort, your holiday leftovers transform into a cozy bowl of goodness that’s perfect for any chilly day. This soup not only reduces waste but also brings new life to yesterday’s meal with bold flavors and hearty ingredients.
PrintLeftover Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Irish-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A comforting, hearty soup that transforms leftover corned beef and cabbage into a flavorful, warming meal perfect for chilly nights.
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover corned beef, chopped
- 3 cups leftover cooked cabbage, shredded
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 cup diced potatoes (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and thyme; cook another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in chopped potatoes (if using) and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Add beef broth, bay leaf, and bring to a simmer.
- Once simmering, add chopped leftover corned beef and shredded cabbage. Stir to combine.
- Simmer for 10–15 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Remove bay leaf, ladle into bowls, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Potatoes are optional—add them for more substance.
- For added depth, stir in ½ cup of cream or milk at the end.
- Leftover mashed potatoes can be stirred in instead of diced potatoes.
- Adjust thickness by adding more or less broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 2 cups)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
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