easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage recipe is a true testament to simple flavors coming together in the most comforting way. This classic Irish American dish has been a staple in my kitchen for years, and I’m so excited to share my foolproof method with you. There’s something magical about tender corned beef, melt in your mouth cabbage, and perfectly cooked potatoes all simmered together in a crock pot. It makes for an easy and delicious one pot corned beef meal. The best part is that this easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage recipe basically cooks itself.
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Every March, my family requests this dish, and the aroma fills the house with warmth and anticipation. It’s more than just a meal it’s a tradition steeped in history and love. Let’s dive in and create some kitchen magic together.
Why You Will Love This easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage recipe Recipe
This crock pot corned beef recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights or when you want a hearty, comforting meal without the fuss. The slow cooking process ensures the corned beef is incredibly tender and flavorful, while the cabbage and potatoes absorb all the delicious juices.
What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity. Minimal prep time and hands off cooking make it perfect for even the most novice cooks. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze since it’s a one pot corned beef meal. I particularly love coming home to the aroma; it feels like such a warm hug after a long day. This recipe is also incredibly customizable. Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on your preference. Maybe you prefer carrots or turnips. This dish always reminds me of family gatherings and the simple joy of sharing good food. Looking for another easy corned beef dinner? Try this Easy Crock Pot Corned Beef And Cabbage.
Ingredients Needed for This easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage recipe Recipe
- 3 to 4 pound corned beef brisket, with spice packet
- 1 large head of cabbage, cored and chopped into wedges
- 1.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 3-4 carrots, peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns (optional, if not in spice packet)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make This easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage recipe Recipe
- 1. Prepare the Crock Pot: Place the quartered onion and carrots at the bottom of your crock pot. These will act as a bed to keep the corned beef from sticking.
- 2. Add the Corned Beef: Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Place the brisket on top of the vegetables in the crock pot, fat side up. Sprinkle with the included spice packet or 1 tsp black peppercorns.
- 3. Add Liquids and Flavorings: Pour the beef broth over the corned beef. Add the apple cider vinegar; It helps tenderize the meat and enhances the flavor. If desired, sprinkle with brown sugar for a hint of sweetness.
- 4. Slow Cook: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 7 8 hours, or on high for 4 5 hours, or until the corned beef is fork tender.
- 5. Add Potatoes: About 2.5 hours before the end of the cooking time, add the quartered potatoes to the crock pot, nestling them around the corned beef.
- 6. Add Cabbage: About 2 hours before the end of the cooking time, add the cabbage wedges on top of the potatoes and corned beef. This timing ensures the cabbage is tender but not mushy.
- 7. Check for Doneness: Ensure that the potatoes and cabbage are tender and the corned beef is easily shredded with a fork.
- 8. Rest: Once everything is cooked through, turn off the crock pot and let the corned beef rest in the juices for about 15 minutes before slicing. This helps retain moisture.
- 9. Slice and Serve: Remove the corned beef from the crock pot and place it on a cutting board. Slice the corned beef against the grain into thin slices.
- 10. Plate: Arrange the sliced corned beef on a platter, surrounded by the cooked cabbage, potatoes, and carrots. Ladle some of the cooking broth over the meat and vegetables to keep them moist.
- 11. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your easy and delicious crock pot corned beef dinner!
How to Serve This easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage recipe Recipe
When serving, consider a rustic presentation. Pile the sliced corned beef high on a wooden platter and surround it with the tender cabbage and potatoes. Drizzle the flavorful cooking liquid over everything to keep it moist and add a burst of flavor.
Another great addition is a dollop of horseradish sauce or a creamy mustard on the side for dipping. For plating, consider using large, shallow bowls to showcase the dish’s vibrant colors and textures. As for pairing, a dark Irish stout or a dry Riesling complements the richness of the corned beef beautifully. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of freshness! This recipe is very similar to this Corned Beef And Cabbage Recipe.
How to Store This easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage recipe Recipe
Leftover corned beef and cabbage is a treat! To store, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 4 days.
For longer storage, freezing is an option. Portion the corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes into freezer safe bags or containers. Ensure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen leftovers can last for up to 2 3 months.
When reheating, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a little bit of beef broth or water to keep it moist. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience.
Tips to Make This easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage recipe Recipe
To ensure the best flavor, don’t skip rinsing the corned beef before cooking. This helps remove excess salt. If you’re watching your sodium intake, consider soaking the corned beef in water for a couple of hours before cooking, changing the water periodically.
For ingredient swaps, feel free to add other root vegetables like turnips or parsnips. To avoid mushy cabbage, add it during the last few hours of cooking. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add a touch of maple syrup along with the brown sugar. A common mistake is overcrowding the crock pot. Make sure there’s enough room for everything to cook evenly. Pro tip: Sear the corned beef in a hot skillet before placing it in the crock pot for extra depth of flavor.
Helpful Notes for This easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage recipe Recipe
When selecting a corned beef brisket, look for one that is well marbled with fat. This fat will render during cooking, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
The spice packet included with the corned beef usually contains a blend of peppercorns, mustard seeds, and coriander. Feel free to add other spices like bay leaves or allspice berries for a unique twist.
For equipment, a 6 quart or larger crock pot works best for this recipe. If you don’t have a crock pot, you can also make this dish in a Dutch oven on the stovetop.
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Variation of This easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage recipe Recipe
For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sliced jalapeno to the crock pot. A seasonal twist could involve using different root vegetables, such as sweet potatoes or butternut squash, in place of the regular potatoes.
If you prefer a lighter dish, try adding bone broth instead of beef broth for the cooking liquid. For a vegetarian version, you could use lentils or mushrooms in place of the corned beef and add smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor.
Another creative modification is to add Guinness beer to the cooking liquid for a richer, more complex flavor profile. This is similar to this Instant Pot Corned Beef And Cabbage 2.
How long does corned beef take in a slow cooker?
Corned beef typically takes 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in a slow cooker. The cooking time can vary based on the size and thickness of the corned beef, so it is best to check for tenderness using a fork.
What is the best way to keep corned beef from being tough?
To prevent tough corned beef, cook it low and slow. Ensure the meat is submerged in liquid during cooking. Cook until the corned beef is fork-tender.
What vegetables go well with corned beef?
Classic vegetables that complement corned beef include cabbage, potatoes, and carrots. These vegetables absorb the flavorful broth and provide a balanced and satisfying meal.
Should I rinse corned beef before cooking in a crock pot?
Rinsing corned beef before cooking is optional, but recommended to reduce the sodium content and some of the spices intensity. This can prevent the dish from being too salty.
Conclusion
This easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage recipe is not just a meal it’s an experience. The slow cooking process brings out all the best flavors, creating a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. Give this easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage recipe a try! I know you’ll love it. Please let me know how it turns out.
Easy Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe: Foolproof Dinner
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Description
This easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage recipe creates a tender, flavorful, and incredibly comforting one pot meal. It’s a simple and delicious way to enjoy an Irish American classic with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 pound corned beef brisket, with spice packet
- 1 large head of cabbage, cored and chopped into wedges
- 1.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 3–4 carrots, peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns (optional, if not in spice packet)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place the quartered onion and carrots at the bottom of your crock pot.
- Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water and pat it dry. Place the brisket on top of the vegetables, fat side up. Sprinkle with the spice packet.
- Pour the beef broth over the corned beef. Add the apple cider vinegar and brown sugar (optional).
- Cover and cook on low for 7 8 hours, or on high for 4 5 hours.
- About 2 2.5 hours before the end of cooking, add the quartered potatoes.
- About 1.5 2 hours before the end of cooking, add the cabbage wedges.
- Check that potatoes and cabbage are tender and corned beef is easily shredded with a fork.
- Turn off the crock pot and let the corned beef rest for 15 minutes.
- Slice the corned beef against the grain into thin slices.
- Arrange the sliced corned beef on a platter with the cooked cabbage, potatoes, and carrots. Ladle some cooking broth over.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
- 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: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
