Jiggs’ Dinner is a traditional Newfoundland boiled dinner featuring salted beef, root vegetables, savory stuffing, and optional pease pudding, all simmered together in a flavorful broth. This classic East Coast meal is a staple in Newfoundland and Labrador, often served for Sunday dinners and special gatherings. With its hearty ingredients and rich history, Jiggs’ Dinner is a true comfort food that brings family and friends together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Newfoundland Cuisine – A beloved dish passed down through generations.
- Simple & Wholesome Ingredients – Made with salted beef, hearty vegetables, and homemade stuffing.
- One-Pot Meal – Everything is cooked together for a rich, well-developed flavor.
- Versatile – Easily customize with additional vegetables or pease pudding.
- Perfect for Family Gatherings – A warm, filling meal ideal for Sunday dinners or holiday feasts.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Boiled Dinner:
- 1 lb salted beef (soaked overnight and rinsed)
- 6 cups water
- 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 potatoes, peeled and halved
- 1 small cabbage, quartered
- 1 turnip, peeled and cubed
For the Pease Pudding (Optional):
- 1 cup yellow split peas
- 1 small onion, diced
For the Stuffing:
- 1 cup dry bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon dried savory
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
1. Prepare the Salted Beef
- Rinse the salted beef thoroughly to remove excess salt.
- Place in a large pot with 6 cups of water and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours, occasionally skimming off any foam.
2. Cook the Vegetables
- Add carrots, potatoes, cabbage, and turnip to the pot.
- Simmer for another 45 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
3. Make the Pease Pudding (Optional)
- Place yellow split peas in a cloth bag (cheesecloth or a pudding bag).
- Submerge in the pot and cook for 1.5-2 hours alongside the beef and vegetables.
- Remove, mash, and season as desired.
4. Prepare the Stuffing
- In a bowl, mix bread crumbs, melted butter, diced onion, dried savory, and black pepper.
- Form into a ball and wrap in cheesecloth.
- Add to the pot for the final 30 minutes of cooking.
5. Serve
- Drain the broth and arrange the meat, vegetables, stuffing, and pease pudding on a serving platter.
- Serve hot with mustard pickles, gravy, or buttered bread.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
Variations
- Turkey or Chicken Version: Some families replace salted beef with turkey or roasted chicken, especially during holidays.
- Extra Vegetables: Add parsnips, rutabaga, or turnip greens for added variety.
- Pease Pudding Alternative: Instead of traditional pease pudding, try mashed lentils or chickpeas.
- Slow Cooker Method: Cook on low for 6-8 hours for a hands-off approach.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the meat and vegetables in separate containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a pot over low heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals.
FAQs
1. What is Jiggs’ Dinner?
Jiggs’ Dinner is a traditional Newfoundland boiled dinner made with salted beef, root vegetables, and stuffing, often served on Sundays.
2. Why is it called Jiggs’ Dinner?
The dish is named after Jiggs, a character from the comic strip “Bringing Up Father”, known for loving boiled dinners.
3. Can I use fresh beef instead of salted beef?
Yes! Use regular beef brisket, but add extra salt to mimic the traditional flavor.
4. What does pease pudding taste like?
Pease pudding is mild, slightly creamy, and subtly nutty, similar to mashed chickpeas or lentils.
5. How do I make this meal less salty?
Soak the salted beef overnight in cold water, changing the water once or twice before cooking.
6. Can I make Jiggs’ Dinner in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook the beef and vegetables on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
7. What can I serve with Jiggs’ Dinner?
Common sides include mustard pickles, gravy, or homemade bread.
8. How can I make the stuffing more flavorful?
Add chopped bacon, sausage, or extra herbs like thyme and sage.
9. What’s the difference between Jiggs’ Dinner and New England Boiled Dinner?
Both meals use boiled meat and vegetables, but Jiggs’ Dinner traditionally uses salted beef and savory stuffing, while New England versions often include corned beef.
10. Can I make this meal ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the ingredients in advance and reheat in the broth before serving.
Conclusion
Jiggs’ Dinner is a warm, hearty, and traditional Newfoundland meal that brings together tender salted beef, flavorful vegetables, stuffing, and pease pudding. Whether you serve it for Sunday dinner, holidays, or a comforting homemade meal, this dish is a taste of Canadian heritage that will delight your family and guests. Try making it today and enjoy a true East Coast classic!
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Jiggs’ Dinner
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A traditional Newfoundland boiled dinner featuring salted beef, root vegetables, and savory stuffing, all simmered to perfection. A hearty and comforting dish enjoyed across the East Coast!
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb salted beef (soaked overnight and rinsed)
- 6 cups water
- 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 potatoes, peeled and halved
- 1 small cabbage, quartered
- 1 turnip, peeled and cubed
For the Pease Pudding (Optional):
- 1 cup yellow split peas
- 1 small onion, diced
For the Stuffing:
- 1 cup dry bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon dried savory
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
-
Prepare the Beef:
- Rinse the salted beef thoroughly.
- Place in a large pot with 6 cups of water and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours.
-
Cook the Vegetables:
- Add carrots, potatoes, cabbage, and turnip to the pot.
- Simmer for another 45 minutes until vegetables are tender.
-
Make the Pease Pudding (Optional):
- Place split peas in a cloth bag and submerge in the pot.
- Cook alongside the beef and vegetables for 1.5-2 hours, then mash.
-
Prepare the Stuffing:
- In a bowl, combine bread crumbs, melted butter, diced onion, dried savory, and black pepper.
- Form into a ball and wrap in cheesecloth.
- Add to the pot for the final 30 minutes of cooking.
-
Serve:
- Drain the broth and arrange meat, vegetables, pease pudding, and stuffing on a plate.
- Serve with mustard pickles or gravy.
Notes
- If salted beef is too salty, soak it for several hours or overnight, changing the water a couple of times.
- Add parsnips or turnip greens for extra variety.
- Serve with butter, vinegar, or pickled beets for a traditional touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course / Traditional Dish
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: Canadian (Newfoundland
