I’m sharing a childhood favorite of mine: Puerto Rican Canned Corned Beef. This simple, comforting dish is a staple in many Puerto Rican households, and it’s one of my children’s favorites too!
If you’ve ever spotted a can of corned beef at the store and thought, “Who actually eats this?” — well, we do! And trust me, it’s absolutely delicious. Pair it with white rice, and you’ve got yourself a quick, affordable meal that’s full of flavor.
A Taste of Puerto Rican Tradition
Corned beef, or “carne bif” as it’s known in Puerto Rico, has a special place in our culinary history. A can of canned corned beef has became a pantry staple. Its long shelf life and versatility made it a go-to ingredient for quick and hearty meals. Today, it remains a nostalgic dish, often enjoyed with rice, plantains, or even with pasta. Every family has their own spin on it, making it a true reflection of our island’s resourcefulness and creativity.
Why You’ll Love This Canned Corned Beef Recipe
- Budget-friendly: You can make it for under $5!
- Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples and easy-to-find items.
- Comfort Food: Perfect for a cozy, nostalgic meal.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious canned corned beef recipe:
- 1 can of corned beef
- 1 small can of tomato sauce
- 1 can of sweet corn (drained)
- 1 small potato (peeled and diced)
- 1 packet of sausage (your choice)
- 1-2 tablespoons of sofrito or “regalito”
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- White rice (cooked, for serving)
Optional Sides:
- Tostones (fried plantains)
- Maduros (sweet fried plantains)
- Avocado slices
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Potato
- Peel and dice your potato into small cubes.
Step 2: Sauté the Potatoes
- Heat the canola oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Add the potatoes and sauté until they are lightly golden and starting to soften.
Step 3: Prepare the Corned Beef
- Open the can of corned beef using the key provided. (Pro tip: Pierce a small hole on top first to release the vacuum pressure and make it easier to open!)
- Add the corned beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a spatula. The corned beef is already cooked, so you just want to heat it through.
Step 4: Add the Flavor
- Stir in the sofrito for that authentic Puerto Rican taste.
- Add the tomato sauce and give everything a good mix.
- Toss in the drained corn.
Step 5: Let It Simmer
- Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low.
- Let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and all the flavors have melded together.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your corned beef over fluffy white rice. For a complete Puerto Rican meal, pair it with tostones, maduros, or a fresh avocado slice. The savory, slightly sweet, and salty combination is simply irresistible!
Memories in Every Bite
This dish takes me straight back to my childhood. I can still remember the excitement when my mom would make corned beef for dinner. And now, it’s one of those recipes I love passing down to my own kids.
Give this canned corned beef recipe a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments below!
Buen provecho!
💖 Yessi
Puerto Rican Corned Beef
Ingredients
- 1 can of corned beef
- 1 small can of tomato sauce
- 1 can of sweet corn drained
- 1 small potato peeled and diced
- 1 packet of sausage your choice
- 1-2 tablespoons of sofrito or “regalito”
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- White rice cooked, for serving
Instructions
- Peel and dice your potato into small cubes.
- Heat the canola oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Add the potatoes and sauté until they are lightly golden and starting to soften.
- Open the can of corned beef using the key provided. (Pro tip: Pierce a small hole on top first to release the vacuum pressure and make it easier to open!)
- Add the corned beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a spatula. It’s already cooked, so you just want to heat it through.
- Stir in the sofrito for that authentic Puerto Rican taste.
- Add the tomato sauce and give everything a good mix.
- Toss in the drained corn.
- Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low.
- Let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and all the flavors have melded together.
- Serve your corned beef over fluffy white rice and pair it with tostones, maduros, or a fresh avocado slice.
Video
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of sofrito based on your taste preference.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
