Corned silverside, cheese sauce, and mashed potato pie

Corned Silverside, Cheese Sauce, and Mashed Potato Pie

Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this Corned Silverside, Cheese Sauce, and Mashed Potato Pie. Rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying, this dish transforms a classic corned silverside into a family-friendly pie layered with creamy mashed potatoes and a luscious cheese sauce. It’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with warmth and nostalgia, perfect for cooler nights, Sunday dinners, or when you want leftovers that taste even better the next day.

This pie is an excellent way to use leftover corned silverside, but it’s just as good when made from scratch. The salty, tender beef pairs beautifully with smooth potatoes, while the cheese sauce adds indulgence without overpowering the dish. Simple ingredients, big flavour, and pure comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Great for leftovers: Ideal for using cooked corned silverside
Family-friendly: Mild, creamy flavours everyone enjoys
Make-ahead friendly: Assemble earlier and bake when needed
Perfect comfort food: Hearty, warming, and satisfying

Ingredients

For the Corned Silverside Filling

800 g cooked corned silverside, shredded or chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon or wholegrain mustard
½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)

For the Cheese Sauce

50 g butter
¼ cup plain flour
2 cups milk, warmed
1½ cups grated cheddar cheese (or tasty cheese)
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Salt and white pepper, to taste

For the Mashed Potato Topping

1 kg potatoes, peeled and chopped
40 g butter
½ cup milk or cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ cup grated cheese (optional, for topping)

Method

1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

Place the chopped potatoes into a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a knife. Drain well and return to the pot. Add the butter and mash until smooth. Gradually add the milk or cream, mashing until fluffy and creamy. Season generously with salt and pepper. Set aside and keep warm.

2. Make the Corned Silverside Filling

Heat the olive oil or butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5–6 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Stir in the shredded corned silverside, mustard, black pepper, and parsley if using. Cook for 3–4 minutes, just until heated through and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (remember the beef is already salty). Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a smooth roux. Gradually whisk in the warm milk, a little at a time, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.

Reduce heat to low and stir in the grated cheese until fully melted. Add nutmeg if using, then season with salt and white pepper to taste. The sauce should be thick, creamy, and rich.

4. Assemble the Pie

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Lightly grease a large baking dish or pie dish. Spread the corned silverside mixture evenly across the base. Pour the cheese sauce over the beef, spreading it gently to cover the filling completely.

Spoon the mashed potatoes on top and spread evenly with a spatula or fork. For a rustic look, run a fork across the surface to create texture. Sprinkle with extra grated cheese if desired.

5. Bake

Place the pie into the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges. For extra colour, finish under the grill for 3–5 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Remove from the oven and allow the pie to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this corned silverside pie with steamed green vegetables such as beans, peas, or broccoli to balance the richness. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also works beautifully. For an extra indulgent meal, serve with buttered cabbage or roasted carrots.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 170°C until heated through, or microwave individual portions. This pie also freezes well for up to 2 months.

Tips and Variations

Add vegetables: Mix peas, corn, or sautéed leeks into the beef layer
Change the cheese: Try gruyère, mozzarella, or a mix of cheeses
Extra crunch: Top with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter
Lighter option: Use reduced-fat milk and cheese in the sauce

This Corned Silverside, Cheese Sauce, and Mashed Potato Pie is a timeless, crowd-pleasing dish that turns simple ingredients into something truly comforting. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favourite.