Name: Corned Beef Tacos with Creamy Cabbage Slaw Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h 15 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pound corned beef with spice pack included; 1 teaspoon mustard powder; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon granulated garlic; 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper; 1 cup shredded purple cabbage; 1 small white onion (diced); 1 jalapeno pepper (diced); 2 tablespoons mayo; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon spicy brown mustard; Warmed flour tortillas; Sliced jalapeno peppers; Homemade Thousand Island Dressing

If you love bold, comforting flavors wrapped in a soft tortilla, you're going to adore this Corned Beef Tacos with Creamy Cabbage Slaw Recipe. Think tender baked corned beef paired with a zesty, creamy cabbage and jalapeno slaw — it’s like a fiesta in every bite!

Three soft tortillas lie side by side on a wooden board over a white marbled surface, each filled with shredded meat as the bottom layer, topped with chopped purple cabbage, then several thin slices of green jalapeño peppers, all drizzled with a light orange creamy sauce. On the board near the front is a small round white bowl filled with the same light orange sauce. Around the board are scattered fresh jalapeño slices, and a glass with light beer and a silver bottle cap are visible in the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Corned Beef Tacos with Creamy Cabbage Slaw Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Corned Beef Tacos with Creamy Cabbage Slaw Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Corned Beef Tacos with Creamy Cabbage Slaw Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made these tacos more times than I can count — they deliver warm, comforting corned beef with a fresh, creamy crunch every single time. Plus, they’re a total crowd-pleaser at any gathering!

Comfort Food Meets Freshness: Tender corned beef baked to perfection, paired with a tangy, creamy cabbage slaw for a balanced flavor and texture.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Easy-to-find pantry staples come together for an impressive, restaurant-quality meal at home.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend get-together, these tacos always hit the spot.
Customizable Heat: The jalapenos and cayenne pepper offer a spicy kick you can adjust to suit your taste buds.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When shopping for this recipe, keep an eye out for a good-quality corned beef with the spice packet included—it makes all the difference. Fresh purple cabbage provides a vibrant crunch, and using a fresh jalapeno adds just the right amount of heat to the slaw without overpowering things.

Flat lay of a thick slab of cooked corned beef with visible spices, a small mound of bright shredded purple cabbage, one whole small white onion with smooth skin, a whole green jalapeno pepper, several thin slices of fresh green jalapeno arranged neatly, a small white bowl filled with creamy mayonnaise, a small white bowl of amber apple cider vinegar, a small white bowl with smooth spicy brown mustard, a small white bowl containing a pale pink, creamy thousand island dressing, and a stack of soft, warm flour tortillas on a simple white ceramic plate, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Corned Beef: The star of the show, a well-seasoned chunk that becomes tender and juicy after baking.
Mustard Powder: Adds a subtle, tangy warmth that complements the corned beef spices perfectly.
Cayenne Pepper: For that gentle kick that wakes up your taste buds without stealing the show.
Granulated Garlic: Enhances the savory depth in the beef’s flavor profile.
Cracked Black Pepper: A little sharpness and aroma that balances the richness.
Purple Cabbage: Provides a crisp texture and vibrant color to brighten the tacos.
White Onion: Adds a mild sweetness and crunch to the slaw.
Jalapeno Pepper: Brings fresh heat with a slight fruity note.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base that ties the slaw ingredients together beautifully.
Apple Cider Vinegar: A tangy punch that cuts through the richness of the beef and mayo.
Spicy Brown Mustard: Gives the slaw a little extra zing and depth.
Flour Tortillas: Soft and warm to wrap all the delicious fillings snugly.
Sliced Jalapeno Peppers: Optional extra heat and garnish for presentation.
Homemade Thousand Island Dressing: Creamy, tangy drizzle that complements both the beef and slaw perfectly.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Corned Beef Tacos with Creamy Cabbage Slaw Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your tastes and mood. Whether you want to kick up the heat, add a touch of sweetness, or swap ingredients for dietary needs, there’s plenty of room to make it your own.

Extra spicy: I love adding extra diced jalapenos to the slaw or as a topping to give these tacos a fiery kick. The fresh jalapeno crunch complements the tender corned beef perfectly.
Vegetarian twist: Swap the corned beef for roasted portobello mushrooms seasoned with the same spice mix. It’s surprisingly satisfying and still pairs beautifully with the creamy cabbage slaw.
Make it gluten-free: Use corn tortillas instead of flour to keep the tacos light and gluten-free without losing any flavor.
Seasonal slaw variations: In the fall, I like mixing in shredded carrots or apples into the slaw for extra texture and sweetness. It adds a fresh seasonal spin to the tacos.
Swap the dressing: If you’re not a fan of Thousand Island dressing, try a tangy avocado crema or a zesty cilantro-lime sauce instead. Both add a vibrant finish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Corned Beef Tacos with Creamy Cabbage Slaw Recipe

The image shows a round white bowl filled with a colorful salad made of small pieces of purple cabbage, green vegetables, and white chunks that look like apple or cheese. The salad looks fresh and mixed well, with the purple cabbage giving a bright color all over. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and the overall look is clean and fresh. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Season and Prepare the Corned Beef

Start by placing the 2-pound corned beef into a large pot or Dutch oven. Add in the spice packet that came with the meat along with 1 teaspoon mustard powder, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon granulated garlic, and ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper. Pour in about an inch of water to keep the meat moist while baking. Cover the pot tightly with its lid to trap all the flavors and moisture.

Step 2: Bake Until Tender and Finish with a Crisp

Place the covered pot in your preheated oven at 350°F and let the corned beef bake for 2 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the meat feels tender and pulls apart easily. Then, remove the lid and crank the oven temperature up to 400°F. Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to develop a slight crust on the surface—that little bit of caramelization adds fantastic flavor.

Step 3: Shred the Corned Beef

Once out of the oven, allow the corned beef to cool just enough to handle safely. Using two forks or a sharp knife, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. This shredding step is crucial because each tender bite will soak up the flavors from the slaw and dressing later on.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Cabbage-Jalapeño Slaw

In a large bowl, toss together 1 cup shredded purple cabbage, 1 small diced white onion, and 1 diced jalapeno pepper (remove seeds if you want milder heat). Add 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon spicy brown mustard. Stir everything until the slaw is creamy and evenly coated. The tang from the vinegar and mustard perfectly balances the richness of the corned beef.

Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos and Enjoy!

Warm your flour tortillas until soft and pliable—either in a hot dry skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven. Fill each tortilla generously with the shredded corned beef, then top with a heaping spoonful of that delicious creamy cabbage slaw. Drizzle with your homemade Thousand Island dressing and finish with sliced jalapenos if you like extra heat. Serve immediately and savor every bite of these comforting, spicy, and creamy tacos.

Top Tip

Getting the most out of your Corned Beef Tacos with Creamy Cabbage Slaw Recipe means focusing on simple techniques that boost flavor and texture. These tips come straight from my kitchen to yours—little things that make a big difference!

Season the Corned Beef Well: I always make sure to toss in the mustard powder, cayenne, garlic, and cracked black pepper along with the spice pack to really deepen the flavors during baking.
Patience with Baking: Baking low and slow at 350 degrees for 2 hours ensures the corned beef becomes tender and shreddable. Rushing this step compromises that melt-in-your-mouth texture!
Mix the Slaw Gently: When combining the cabbage, onion, jalapeno, and creamy dressing, I fold everything together gently so the slaw stays crisp yet fully coated.
Warm the Tortillas Properly: Warming the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or in the oven until pliable prevents cracking and makes assembling your tacos a breeze.

How to Serve Corned Beef Tacos with Creamy Cabbage Slaw Recipe

A soft, white tortilla folded and filled with several layers: the bottom layer is shredded pink meat, followed by finely chopped purple cabbage mixed with light green onions, then slices of bright green jalapeño peppers on top. A light orange creamy sauce is drizzled generously over the filling, adding a smooth texture that contrasts with the crunchy vegetables. The tortilla is held by a woman's hand against a white marbled background with more tacos blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your tacos with extra slices of fresh jalapeno for a spicy kick, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for herbal freshness, or a squeeze of lime to add bright acidity that complements the creamy slaw beautifully.

Side Dishes

These tacos pair wonderfully with classic Mexican street corn, a cooling avocado salad, or even crispy roasted potatoes. For something lighter, a simple black bean and corn salad brings a nice balance to the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover shredded corned beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the creamy cabbage slaw separate to maintain its fresh crunch and mix just before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked shredded corned beef by placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. It’s best not to freeze the slaw as it can become watery upon thawing.

Reheating

Reheat the shredded corned beef gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Warm the flour tortillas separately. Add the creamy cabbage slaw fresh after reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use corned beef brisket instead of the packaged corned beef?

Yes! If you prefer, you can use a corned beef brisket and follow similar baking instructions, adjusting the cooking time as needed until the meat is tender enough to shred.

How spicy is the jalapeno slaw?

The slaw has a mild to medium heat level thanks to the single diced jalapeno. You can easily add more or fewer jalapenos depending on your heat preference.

Can I make the Thousand Island dressing from store-bought ingredients?

Absolutely! If you don’t want to make it yourself, a good-quality store-bought Thousand Island dressing works well and saves time.

What’s the best way to shred the corned beef?

Once the corned beef has cooled slightly, use two forks to pull the meat apart. A sharp knife can also be used to make shredding easier if preferred.

Final Thoughts

These Corned Beef Tacos with Creamy Cabbage Slaw combine comforting, tender baked meat with a refreshing crunch and just the right amount of spice. They’re perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or whenever you want a satisfying, flavorful meal that feels a little special. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I’ve enjoyed perfecting it. Happy cooking!