Easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage is the ultimate comfort food, especially when the weather turns chilly. Nothing beats the aroma of seasoned beef and tender vegetables simmering away in your kitchen, promising a hearty and satisfying meal. My grandmother used to make this every St. Patrick’s day, and the scent always brings back happy memories of family gatherings. This easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage recipe is my simplified, no fuss version that delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort.
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Why You Will Love This easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage Recipe
This crock pot corned beef recipe is pure comfort in a bowl! The slow cooking process transforms a tough cut of meat into a melt in your mouth masterpiece. It’s also incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a wholesome and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the leftovers are amazing! Think corned beef hash or sandwiches…yum!
There’s something truly special about slow cooker corned beef and cabbage. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a symphony of savory goodness. It’s a one pot wonder that delivers big on flavor and minimal cleanup. Plus, the predictable results mean you get tender corned beef every time.
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Ingredients Needed for This easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage Recipe
- 1 (3 pound) corned beef brisket, with spice packet
- 1 medium head cabbage, cored and cut into wedges
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
How to Make This easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage Recipe
- 1. Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Discard the brine in the packaging.
- 2. Place the quartered onion in the bottom of your crock pot. This will help prevent the corned beef from sticking and adds flavor.
- 3. Place the corned beef brisket on top of the onion. Sprinkle the spice packet (included with the brisket) evenly over the meat.
- 4. Pour the beef broth over the corned beef. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme.
- 5. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, or until the corned beef is very tender.
- 6. Add the carrots and potatoes to the crock pot and cook for another 2 hours on low, or 1 hour on high, until they are tender.
- 7. Add the cabbage wedges to the crock pot and cook for the final 30 minutes, or until they are tender but still slightly firm.
- 8. Carefully remove the corned beef from the crock pot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- 9. Serve the sliced corned beef with the cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. Spoon some of the cooking liquid over the meat and vegetables. This ensures everything stays moist and delicious.
Have you tried our Quick And Easy Homemade Butter Chicken? It’s another comforting meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in. Or, if you’re looking for other ways to enjoy corned beef, be sure to check out our Crispy Corned Beef Slow Cooker 2 recipe.
How to Serve This easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage Recipe
Serve your easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage hot, straight from the crock pot. A dollop of horseradish sauce or a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice touch. You can also serve it with a side of Irish soda bread for soaking up all the delicious juices.
Consider pairing it with a dry stout or a crisp pale ale for a complete and satisfying meal. For a fun twist, try adding a drizzle of mustard to each serving.
How to Store This easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage Recipe
Leftover corned beef and cabbage can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 to 3 months.
To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or reheat a larger quantity in a pot on the stovetop. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Add a splash of beef broth when reheating to prevent drying out.
Tips to Make This easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage Recipe
- For a richer flavor, brown the corned beef in a skillet before adding it to the crock pot. This step is optional but adds depth.
- Don’t overcook the cabbage, as it can become mushy. Add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking for the best texture.
- If you prefer your vegetables softer, add them earlier in the cooking process.
- Use low sodium beef broth to control the saltiness of the dish. Corned beef is already quite salty, so this helps balance the flavors.
Helpful Notes for This easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage Recipe
The corned beef spice packet usually contains a blend of peppercorns, mustard seeds, coriander, and bay leaf. You can also add your own spices, such as pickling spice or juniper berries, for a unique flavor profile. Be sure to remove the bay leaf after cooking.
Different brands of corned beef brisket vary in size, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. The meat should be fork tender when it’s done. Looking for an alternative method? Our Best Corned Beef Recipe 2 might be right for you!
Variation of This easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage Recipe
For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the crock pot. You can also add other vegetables, such as parsnips or turnips, for a heartier meal.
Another variation is to use Guinness beer instead of beef broth for a deeper, richer flavor. Simply substitute the beer for the broth in the recipe.
How long does it take to cook corned beef in a crock pot?
Corned beef typically takes 6-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high in a crock pot. The exact cooking time depends on the size and thickness of the beef, so use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C).
What’s the best way to prepare cabbage for crock pot corned beef?
Cut the cabbage into wedges and add it to the crock pot during the last 2-3 hours of cooking. This prevents it from becoming overly mushy. Avoid overcrowding the crock pot for even cooking.
Can I use a packet seasoning with my corned beef?
Yes, most corned beef comes with a spice packet which you should add to the crock pot. You can also add other spices like bay leaves, mustard seeds, or peppercorns to enhance the flavor further. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your preferences.
What is the ideal liquid to use when cooking corned beef in a crock pot?
Beef broth or water is the best liquid to use. Be sure to only submerge the meat halfway to avoid a bland flavor.
Conclusion
This easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage recipe is a delicious and stress free way to enjoy a classic Irish American dish. The slow cooking process makes the beef incredibly tender and flavorful, while the vegetables absorb all the savory goodness. I hope you’ll give this easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage recipe a try and share your thoughts! Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations and add your own personal touch. Happy cooking!
Easy Crock Pot Corned Beef & Cabbage: The Ultimate Comfort Dinner
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage recipe delivers tender corned beef and flavorful vegetables with minimal effort. A classic comfort food perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 (3 pound) corned beef brisket, with spice packet
- 1 medium head cabbage, cored and cut into wedges
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water and pat dry. Discard the brine.
- Place the quartered onion in the bottom of your crock pot.
- Place the corned beef brisket on top of the onion. Sprinkle the spice packet evenly over the meat.
- Pour the beef broth over the corned beef. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme.
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the corned beef is very tender.
- Add the carrots and potatoes to the crock pot and cook for another 2 hours on low, or 1 hour on high, until they are tender.
- Add the cabbage wedges to the crock pot and cook for the final 30 minutes, or until they are tender but still slightly firm.
- Carefully remove the corned beef from the crock pot and let it rest for 10 15 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Serve the sliced corned beef with the cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. Spoon some of the cooking liquid over the meat and vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Irish American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
