If you love the comforting, savory flavors of a traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner but want to try something a little different, this Corned Turkey and Cabbage Dinner Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely adore how the turkey breast soaks up the warm, aromatic spices while roasting alongside tender, caramelized cabbage and root vegetables. This whole meal comes together in just about 45 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for a hearty weeknight dinner or a lovely weekend gathering.
When I first tried this recipe, I was delighted by how the classic pickling spices we usually associate with corned beef perfectly complemented turkey, giving it that nostalgic flavor but with a lighter, juicier twist. You’ll find that this dish is not only delicious but also packed with healthy ingredients, which makes it just as nourishing as it is comforting. Whether you’re looking to shake up your St. Patrick’s Day menu or simply enjoy a cozy meal, this Corned Turkey and Cabbage Dinner Recipe will become one of your go-to favorites.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Flavors, New Twist: Uses familiar corned spices on turkey for a lighter, juicy alternative to beef.
- One-Pan Convenience: Turkey and veggies all roast together, cutting down mess and prep time.
- Balanced and Nutritious: Packed with tender meat, vibrant cabbage, and root vegetables for a wholesome meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Family and guests rave about the flavor and simplicity once you make it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Corned Turkey and Cabbage Dinner Recipe is chosen to build layers of flavor and texture. The blend of warm spices paired with fresh vegetables creates a meal that’s comforting yet bright. Here are some notes on the must-have items before you shop.
- Ground allspice: Adds that sweet, pungent aroma key to corned spice blends.
- Ground mustard: Gives just the right touch of tanginess and heat to the turkey.
- Ground coriander: Offers a mild citrusy backdrop that balances the warm spices.
- Ground ginger: Brings a subtle zing that keeps things interesting.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds depth and a hint of natural sweetness.
- Brown sugar: Helps caramelize the turkey and veggies for that perfect golden crust.
- Ground cloves: Used sparingly, it adds a lovely earthy complexity.
- Coarse ground black pepper: For a bit of kick and seasoning.
- Bay leaf: Crumbled finely so it doesn’t overpower but boosts the overall flavor.
- Olive oil spray: Keeps the cabbage crisp and roasting evenly without extra grease.
- Turkey breast with skin: Using the skin on locks in moisture and flavor.
- Cabbage: Cutting into wedges helps it roast perfectly tender with some caramelized edges.
- Carrots: Their natural sweetness comes alive when roasted.
- Yukon gold potatoes: Chunky cuts ensure fluffy, creamy insides after roasting.
- Canola oil: Neutral oil ideal for tossing your veggies.
- Kosher salt: For seasoning without overpowering.
Variations
I love customizing this Corned Turkey and Cabbage Dinner Recipe depending on what’s in season or what my family’s craving. It’s flexible enough that you can make it your own, and I encourage you to experiment.
- Smoky Twist: Adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the spice rub created a rich, smoky flavor that my husband couldn’t get enough of.
- Vegetarian Adaptation: I once swapped turkey for hearty portobello mushrooms and chickpeas, tossing with the same spices and roasting – still a winner!
- Spice Level: I sometimes add crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that brightens the whole dish.
- Different Veggies: Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes or add parsnips for a sweeter, earthier roast.
How to Make Corned Turkey and Cabbage Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spice Blend and Rub the Turkey
Start by mixing together all the ground spices with the brown sugar—it’s what gives this dish its signature corned flavor. When you rub half the spices under the turkey skin, make sure to gently pull the skin up without tearing it. This helps the flavors penetrate the meat without drying it out. Then rub the remaining spices on top of the skin once the turkey is placed skin-side down on your baking sheet. This dual-layer of seasoning is what makes the flavor so robust.
Step 2: Roast the Turkey While You Prep the Veggies
Pop the turkey into a preheated 400°F oven and let it begin cooking—it’ll take about 35 minutes total. In the meantime, peel and chop the carrots and potatoes. Toss them with canola oil, kosher salt, and pepper to get them ready to join the party. The turkey starts to build that beautiful crust while you get the veggies prepped—a perfect multitasking moment.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Cabbage to Roast Together
Add the carrots, potatoes, and cabbage wedges to the baking sheet with the turkey. I like to give the cabbage a quick spray of olive oil to help it roast up crisp and golden. Continue roasting everything together for about 30 more minutes until the turkey is cooked through and your veggies have those delightful roasted edges. Keep an eye on the cabbage—it crisps up beautifully but can burn if left too long.
Step 4: Final Touches and Serving
Once done, discard the turkey skin (it’s too tough but all the flavor is in the meat beneath). Slice the turkey and serve alongside the roasted vegetables for a plate that looks as good as it tastes. This step is where your kitchen will start smelling heavenly—trust me!
Pro Tips for Making Corned Turkey and Cabbage Dinner Recipe
- Don’t Skip Pulling the Skin: Gently lifting the turkey skin before rubbing in spices ensures maximum flavor infusion without drying out the meat.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Check that the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to avoid under or overcooking.
- Even Vegetable Cuts: Cut your carrots and potatoes uniformly so they cook evenly alongside the turkey.
- Cabbage Care: Spray the cabbage with olive oil right before roasting to get crispy edges without sogginess.
How to Serve Corned Turkey and Cabbage Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley to add a bit of bright color and freshness. Sometimes, a lemon wedge on the side is perfect to squeeze over for a subtle zing that cuts through the richness. If you like a little extra tang, a dab of whole-grain mustard on the side works beautifully too.
Side Dishes
This Corned Turkey and Cabbage Dinner Recipe pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread or a simple buttered dinner roll. For something lighter, a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette complements the roasted flavors nicely. If you’re feeling indulgent, creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
When I’ve served this for special occasions, I arrange the cabbage wedges like petals on a platter with the sliced turkey artfully fanned in the center. Tucking the roasted carrots and potatoes around the edges adds a pop of color that makes the plate look festive and inviting. Adding a small bowl of homemade horseradish sauce alongside makes it extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they keep well for up to 3 days. Keep the turkey separate from the vegetables if possible to maintain their best texture. When you dig in later, the flavors are even more melded and satisfying.
Freezing
Freezing works fine for the turkey meat but I recommend freezing the veggies separately or enjoying them fresh. Wrap the turkey tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing to avoid freezer burn. When thawed, the turkey retains its nice texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the turkey slices in a 325°F oven covered with foil for about 15 minutes, which keeps the meat juicy. For the veggies, a quick sauté in a hot pan refreshes their crispness and warms them through nicely. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to dry things out.
FAQs
-
Can I use turkey thighs instead of turkey breast for this Corned Turkey and Cabbage Dinner Recipe?
Absolutely! Turkey thighs are juicier and have a bit more fat, which means they handle roasting well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—thighs might need a bit longer to reach the safe 165°F internal temperature and become tender.
-
What if I don’t have all the spices listed for the corned spice mix?
Don’t worry if your spice cabinet isn’t fully stocked. The star spices are mustard, allspice, and coriander. You can leave out or reduce others like cinnamon and cloves if needed, though they add nice depth. The recipe still tastes great with a simplified blend.
-
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check that all your spices and oils haven’t been cross-contaminated during processing. Just avoid any added sauces or pre-made spice mixes that might contain gluten.
-
Is it possible to cook this meal in a slow cooker?
You can, but I recommend roasting for the best caramelization. If using a slow cooker, sear the turkey first and add veggies halfway through cooking to avoid over-soft vegetables. It won’t have quite the same roasted flavor, but will be tender and tasty.
-
How do I ensure the cabbage doesn’t get soggy?
Great question! Cutting the cabbage into wedges helps it hold shape. Also, spraying it with olive oil before roasting encourages browning and prevents sogginess. Keep an eye on it during the last 10 minutes and remove it early if you want it firmer.
Final Thoughts
This Corned Turkey and Cabbage Dinner Recipe has become a beloved staple in my kitchen—there’s something so satisfying about taking a classic dish and giving it a fresh, flavorful spin. I love sharing it with friends because it’s both easy to make and packed with comforting, familiar tastes. Give it a try next time you want a cozy meal that feels special without the fuss; I’m sure it’ll become a family favorite in your house too!
PrintCorned Turkey and Cabbage Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Corned Turkey and Cabbage Dinner is a delicious twist on the traditional corned beef meal, using tender turkey breast seasoned with classic pickling spices and roasted alongside vibrant vegetables. The turkey is spiced with a blend of allspice, mustard, coriander, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and brown sugar, then oven-roasted with cabbage, carrots, and Yukon gold potatoes for a comforting and flavorful dinner perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
Spice Blend
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1 bay leaf, crumbled very finely
Main Ingredients
- 3 1/2 lbs turkey breast, boneless and skin on
- 1 head cabbage, cut into 8 wedges
- 4 carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch coins
- 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1 inch chunks
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for roasting the turkey and vegetables.
- Mix the Spices: Combine all the ground spices and brown sugar into a uniform blend for seasoning the turkey.
- Prepare the Turkey: Gently pull the skin up from the turkey breast and rub half of the spice mixture directly onto the meat beneath the skin.
- Season the Turkey Skin: Place the turkey skin side down on a baking sheet and rub the remaining spice blend over the exposed top skin of the turkey breast.
- Begin Cooking Turkey: Place the turkey in the preheated oven to cook for approximately 35 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
- Prepare Vegetables: In a bowl, toss the carrots and potatoes with canola oil, kosher salt, and black pepper to ensure even seasoning and coating.
- Add Vegetables to Baking Sheet: Arrange the seasoned carrots and potatoes around the turkey on the baking sheet. Place the cabbage wedges alongside and spray them lightly with olive oil spray to aid in roasting.
- Continue Roasting: Return the baking sheet with turkey and vegetables to the oven and roast for an additional 30 minutes or until the turkey is thoroughly cooked and the vegetables start to brown.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the turkey and vegetables from the oven, discard the turkey skin, slice the turkey, and serve the roasted vegetables alongside for a complete meal.
Notes
- Swap traditional corned beef for this lighter, flavorful corned turkey to enjoy classic pickling spice flavors.
- Make sure to finely crumble the bay leaf to avoid sharp pieces in the spice blend.
- The turkey breast is cooked skin-on to retain moisture and flavor, but the skin is discarded before serving for a leaner dish.
- Adjust seasoning of vegetables according to your taste preferences.
- Use Yukon gold potatoes for their creamy texture and ability to roast evenly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 ounces cooked turkey and 1/8th the vegetables
- Calories: 276 kcal
- Sugar: 5.6 g
- Sodium: 256 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19.7 g
- Fiber: 3.8 g
- Protein: 27.4 g
- Cholesterol: 74 mg