Puerto Rican Corned Beef – a quick and delicious hash using canned corned beef, sofrito and potatoes served over rice. Try one of the customizations below for a really delicious breakfast or dinner!
Puerto Rican-style corned beef is cooked like a picadillo—meat simmered with potatoes—except it starts with corned beef in a can versus fresh ground beef.
Canned Corned Beef
Canned meat is especially popular on islands where weather can be inclement and resources limited.
Another favorite potted meat is SPAM, or canned ham, used in sandwich de mezcla.
They come with an old fashioned key to cut open the can which is a real pain!
I always ditch the key and use a regular can opener although it can be tricky to go around the narrow corners.
If you have any tips, comment below!
Canned corned beef used to be an economical option compared to fresh meat.
Recently, prices have really gone up on corned beef!
This could be due to the fact that most of it is imported, which increases price, and demand has gone down.
While it’s no longer a “poor man’s food,” the flavor still brings back nostalgia for a lot of people.
It’s so quick and easy with bomb flavors and there are many ways to customize it.
How to cook canned corned beef
- Sauté the sofrito
- Add tomato sauce, spices and olives
- Mix in corned beef along with any other additions listed below
- Simmer until potatoes are soft and cooked through
- Serve over rice and any of the sides listed below
What to serve with corned beef:
All of these options are delicious either mixed into the hash or served on the side.
They’ll stretch your meal further.
You’ll get a little more bang for your buck and it makes it more filling.
- White rice – corned beef and rice. Is there any other way to eat it?
- Fried egg – this takes it next level!
- Corn – the burst of sweetness is the perfect savory contrast!
- Fried yellow plantains (maduros) – same concept as the corn. You could also use sweet plantain instead of potatoes
- French fries – a quick and easy hack instead of peeling and dicing potatoes is to use frozen French fries. Fry them before you start the sofrito if you want them browned.
- Green beans – my favorite vegetable to mix in
- Avocado – a side salad with tomato is also a tasty, fresh option
I never add extra salt to this dish since canned corned beef is very high in sodium (including the reduced sodium versions!). The olives are salty as well.
Try to use adobo seasoning without salt to make it healthier.
If you try this canned corned beef recipe, let me know your favorite ingredient to add in a comment below!
Puerto Rican Corned Beef
Puerto Rican Corned Beef – a quick and delicious hash using canned corned beef, sofrito and potatoes served over rice.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons sofrito
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons Manzanilla olives
- 1 teaspoon adobo
- 1 packet sazon (optional)
- 1 can corned beef
- 1 large potato, peeled and diced
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup corn kernels (optional)
- White rice, for serving
- *See post for other serving ideas
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, saute sofrito in oil for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add tomato sauce, olives, adobo and sazon (if using).
- Heat until bubbly, then add corned beef and break up with a spoon. Stir in cubed potato, water and any mix-ins such as corn, if using.
- Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are soft and cooked through.
- If it’s too thick add more water, if too thin let it simmer down without the lid for a few minutes. Serve over rice.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 222Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 238mgCarbohydrates: 38gFiber: 3gSugar: 4gProtein: 6g
Nutritional information provided is an estimate only. Please consult the labels of ingredients you use for more accurate results.
Madeline G
Sunday 30th of March 2025
Rico!!!! It is a rainy day here, Indianapolis, and I wanted to eat comfort food. Saw this and I felt I was home with Mami. So simple and flavorful. Loved it! Thank you for the recipe.
Orlando Maldonado Jr (Chicago)
Sunday 2nd of March 2025
I'm actually going to make this for my wife and kids this afternoon! I love to cook and they love it when I do! Besides I want to take some to work for lunch tomorrow 💪😁👍
Raymond Solivan
Thursday 20th of February 2025
Takes me back to the island and abuela! I've tried all the extras with it but favorite one of mine is the tried and true... With white rice... WEEEPPAA!
Elizabeth Prieto
Sunday 29th of September 2024
I like to add one medium caramelized onion to the corned beef.. it gives it a sweet flavor.
Krystine
Wednesday 13th of September 2023
Delicious! Simple and quick meals like my grandmother used to make. Literally already had everything in my pantry so it’s not a meal that i need To go searching for specific ingredients and i love that! Thanks for sharing.