Quick Corned Beef and Cabbage: Easiest Dinner EVER!

quick corned beef and cabbage

Quick corned beef and cabbage is a dish that always brings back memories of family gatherings and warm, hearty meals. This isn’t just any recipe; it’s a delicious and surprisingly fast way to enjoy a classic comfort food. I’ve streamlined the process to bring you a quick corned beef and cabbage dinner that doesn’t sacrifice any of the traditional flavor we all crave.

Growing up, my grandmother would spend hours preparing this for St. Patrick’s Day. While I cherish those memories, sometimes we need a fast and easy version for busy weeknights! This quick corned beef and cabbage recipe delivers that perfectly tender corned beef and flavorful cabbage in a fraction of the time. Let’s get cooking!

Why You Will Love This quick corned beef and cabbage Recipe

This quick corned beef and cabbage recipe is a lifesaver! It’s comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, even if you’re short on time. Forget spending hours simmering; this recipe cuts the cooking time significantly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a fast corned beef dinner.

I remember one evening when unexpected company arrived just before dinner. I needed something hearty and satisfying, and fast! This recipe was the answer. Within an hour, we were all enjoying a delicious, home cooked meal. That’s the magic of this particular recipe; it brings people together with minimal effort.

What makes this recipe special? It’s the perfect balance of speed and flavor. You don’t have to compromise on the traditional taste of tender corned beef and perfectly cooked cabbage, even when you’re in a hurry. Plus, it’s a one pot meal, making cleanup a breeze. If you are looking for other methods, check out my Easy Crock Pot Corned Beef And Cabbage.

Ingredients Needed for This quick corned beef and cabbage Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing dish:

• 3 pounds corned beef brisket, with spice packet included
• 1 medium head of cabbage, cored and chopped
• 1 large yellow onion, quartered
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and quartered
• 4 cups low sodium beef broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

How to Make This quick corned beef and cabbage Recipe

I’m so excited to share how to make this with you. Here’s the simplified step by step guide to preparing this flavorful meal:

1. 1. Sear the Corned Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Sear the corned beef on all sides until browned. This adds depth of flavor.

1. 2. Add Aromatics: Add the quartered onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for about 3 minutes, until the onion is softened and fragrant.

1. 3. Add Broth and Spices: Pour in the beef broth and add the spice packet that came with the corned beef brisket, along with dried thyme and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 1 ½ hours.

1. 4. Add Potatoes and Carrots: After 1 ½ hours, add the chopped carrots and potatoes to the pot. Cover and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

1. 5. Add Cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the pot. Cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender crisp.

1. 6. Rest and Slice: Remove the corned beef from the pot and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.

1. 7. Serve: Serve the sliced corned beef with the cooked cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. Ladle some of the cooking broth over the top for extra flavor.

How to Serve This quick corned beef and cabbage Recipe

Serving this quick corned beef and cabbage is a delight. Here are some tips:

• Traditional Plating: Arrange slices of corned beef on a platter surrounded by the cooked cabbage, carrots, and potatoes.
• Mustard Pairing: Serve with a side of Dijon mustard or horseradish sauce for dipping. The tanginess complements the richness of the corned beef.
• Bread Accompaniment: Offer slices of crusty bread or Irish soda bread for soaking up the delicious broth.
• Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness.

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How to Store This quick corned beef and cabbage Recipe

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy leftovers without compromising flavor or safety:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover corned beef and cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the corned beef, cabbage, carrots, and potatoes separately in freezer safe containers or bags. They can be frozen for up to 2 to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat refrigerated leftovers in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave. For frozen leftovers, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Tips to Make This quick corned beef and cabbage Recipe

Here are some tips for success when preparing this dish:

• Choose the Right Cut: Opt for a corned beef brisket that is well marbled for tenderness and flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: Add the cabbage in the last 15 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy. You want it to be tender crisp.
• For an even faster version, consider using a pressure cooker. My Instant Pot Corned Beef And Cabbage recipe is another great option.
• Salt Content: Be mindful of the salt content of the corned beef and beef broth. If needed, you can rinse the corned beef before cooking to remove excess salt.
• Slice Against the Grain: Always slice the corned beef against the grain for the most tender slices.

Helpful Notes for This quick corned beef and cabbage Recipe

Here are a few extra things to keep in mind before you begin:

• Spice Packet: The spice packet that comes with the corned beef usually contains a blend of pickling spices like peppercorns, mustard seeds, and bay leaves. Don’t skip it – it adds essential flavor!
• Beef Broth: Using low sodium beef broth allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. If you only have regular beef broth, you may want to reduce or eliminate the added salt.
• If you’re looking for something different, check out Best Corned Beef Recipe 3 for another delicious variation.
• Vegetable Size: Cut the potatoes and carrots into similar sizes to ensure they cook evenly.

Variation of This quick corned beef and cabbage Recipe

Here are some ways to customize this quick corned beef and cabbage recipe:

• Add Beer: Substitute 1 cup of the beef broth with 1 cup of dark beer, such as Guinness, for added depth of flavor.
• Sweetness: Add a tablespoon of brown sugar or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• For a slight variation, consider adding turnips or parsnips to the mix of vegetables.

Conclusion

This quick corned beef and cabbage recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a classic dish without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, unexpected guests, or any time you’re craving a hearty, delicious meal. I hope you give this rendition a try and experience the comforting flavors of a cherished family favorite, made easy and fast. Happy cooking!

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