Slow cooker corned beef and cabbage, a St. Patrick’s Day staple and a true comfort food classic, is calling your name! There’s something magical about transforming a humble cut of beef into a tender, flavorful masterpiece with just a little patience and a slow cooker. This recipe brings all the traditional flavors of classic irish corned beef to your table with a simple, hands off approach.
Table of Contents
This recipe for slow cooker corned beef and cabbage has been a family favorite for years, a reminder of cozy evenings, laughter filled gatherings, and the simple joy of a heartwarming meal. My hope is you enjoy this tender slow cooker corned beef as much as I do. If you’re looking for a traditional meal without spending hours in the kitchen, then you’ll absolutely adore this slow cooker adaptation. Get ready to enjoy the aroma of comforting flavors wafting through your home as your easy corned beef and cabbage simmers to perfection.
Why You Will Love This slow cooker corned beef and cabbage Recipe
This slow cooker corned beef and cabbage recipe is a winner for so many reasons! First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy. The slow cooker does all the work! Simply toss in the ingredients, set it, and forget it until dinner time. The result delivers a richly flavored, fall apart tender slow cooker corned beef that melts in your mouth, perfectly complemented by the sweetness of the cabbage and carrots. It’s a perfect meal on a busy weeknight or a festive St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Plus, the leftovers are fantastic for sandwiches or corned beef hash!
This recipe reminds me of my grandmother. Every year, she’d make a huge pot of crockpot corned beef and cabbage. The aroma would fill the house, and we knew it was a special day. This slow cooker version captures that same comforting essence, with a modern twist. It’s less fuss, more flavor, and just as much love!
Ingredients Needed for This slow cooker corned beef and cabbage Recipe
- Corned Beef Brisket: 3 pounds, with the spice packet included
- Yellow Onion: 1 large, quartered
- Carrots: 1 pound, peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces
- Potatoes: 1.5 pounds, quartered (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well)
- Cabbage: 1 medium head, cored and cut into wedges
- Beef Broth: 1 cup
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Bay Leaf: `1`
- Dried Thyme: `1/2 teaspoon`
- Black Pepper: `1/4 teaspoon`
How to Make This slow cooker corned beef and cabbage Recipe
- 1. Rinse the corned beef brisket thoroughly under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels.
- 2. Place the quartered onion in the bottom of your slow cooker. This will help prevent the beef from sticking.
- 3. Add the corned beef brisket on top of the onions, fat side up. Sprinkle the contents of the spice packet that came with the brisket over the beef.
- 4. Scatter the carrots, potatoes, and minced garlic around the beef. Tuck a bay leaf among the vegetables.
- 5. Pour the beef broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Sprinkle with dried thyme and black pepper.
- 6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, or until the corned beef is fork tender.
- 7. Add the cabbage wedges to the slow cooker during the last 2 hours of cooking time of classic irish corned beef.
- 8. Once the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork and the cabbage is tender, remove the corned beef from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing against the grain. Discard the bay leaf.
- 9. To serve, arrange the corned beef slices, cabbage, potatoes, and carrots on a platter with a little broth.
How to Serve This slow cooker corned beef and cabbage Recipe
Serve your slow cooker corned beef and cabbage piping hot, straight from the slow cooker. The broth from the slow cooker makes a flavorful base. For extra richness, try adding a dollop of horseradish cream or a spoonful of grainy mustard to each serving. Some people also enjoy a drizzle of melted butter over the veggies.
This dish pairs perfectly with a hearty Irish soda bread or crusty baguette for soaking up all those delicious juices. For a more upscale presentation, arrange the sliced corned beef in the center of a platter, surrounded by the colorful vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of green.
How to Store This slow cooker corned beef and cabbage Recipe
Leftover slow cooker corned beef and cabbage can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, separate the corned beef and vegetables into freezer safe containers or bags. Properly stored, they can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
To reheat, thaw frozen leftovers in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions. Add a splash of beef broth or water when reheating to prevent the meat and vegetables from drying out.
Tips to Make This slow cooker corned beef and cabbage Recipe
*Ingredient Swaps:* If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth or even water can be used. You can also add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips!
*Success Tips:* Don’t overcook the cabbage! Adding it during the last two hours ensures it’s tender but not mushy. Let the corned beef rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
*Common Mistakes to Avoid:* Overcrowding the slow cooker will prevent even cooking. Make sure everything fits comfortably. Don’t skip rinsing the corned beef, as this removes excess salt.
*Pro Tips for Best Results:* Browning the corned beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker enhances its flavor. Use low sodium beef broth to control the saltiness. Follow us on Pinterest for more recipe ideas and inspiration!
Helpful Notes for This slow cooker corned beef and cabbage Recipe
The spice packet that comes with your corned beef brisket usually contains mustard seeds, peppercorns, coriander, and bay leaf. Feel free to add extra spices to your liking such as juniper berries.
Choosing the right potatoes is key. Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape well in the slow cooker and have a naturally buttery flavor. Red potatoes are another good option. Avoid russet potatoes, as they can become mushy. If you want to try a similar recipe be sure to check out Easy Crock Pot Corned Beef And Cabbage Recipe.
Variation of This slow cooker corned beef and cabbage Recipe
For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the slow cooker. In the summer, try adding different seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. If you’re watching your carbs, replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets. You can also try it with guinness for a richer flavor. Looking for other variations? Check out Slow Cooker Corned Beef And Cabbage 2. Or perhaps you’re looking for the original? Then Slow Cooker Corned Beef And Cabbage is for you!
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, depending on the size and thickness of the brisket. Always check for tenderness with a fork before serving.
What is the best liquid to cook corned beef in?
The best liquid to cook corned beef in is a combination of water or beef broth and the pickling spices that come with the corned beef. You can also add a bottle of dark beer for extra flavor.
When should I add the cabbage to my slow cooker corned beef?
Add the cabbage during the last two hours of cooking to prevent it from becoming too mushy. Other vegetables like carrots and potatoes can be added earlier, about 3 hours before the end of cooking.
Can I overcook corned beef in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can overcook corned beef in a slow cooker, causing it to become dry and stringy. Monitor the tenderness of the meat and remove it from the slow cooker when it is fork-tender.
What goes well with slow cooker corned beef and cabbage?
Slow cooker corned beef and cabbage pairs well with Irish soda bread, horseradish sauce, and a side of mustard. A pint of Guinness or a dry Irish cider also complements the meal perfectly.
Conclusion
So there you have it a wonderfully simple and delicious recipe for slow cooker corned beef and cabbage that is sure to impress. I hope this recipe brings joy to your table and creates memorable moments with your loved ones. Don’t be afraid to experiment with it. Leave a comment below to tell me how your slow cooker corned beef and cabbage turned out!
Slow Cooker Corned Beef & Cabbage: The EASIEST Irish Comfort Food
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Tender corned beef and cabbage cooked low and slow in a crockpot, delivering a classic Irish comfort food meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds corned beef brisket, with spice packet
- 1 large yellow onion, quartered
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1.5 pounds potatoes, quartered
- 1 medium head cabbage, cored and cut into wedges
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Rinse corned beef brisket and pat dry.
- Place onion in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add corned beef brisket on top, sprinkle with spice packet.
- Add carrots, potatoes, and garlic around the beef. Tuck in bay leaf.
- Pour beef broth over ingredients, sprinkle with thyme and pepper.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- Add cabbage during the last 2 hours of cooking.
- Remove corned beef and let rest 10-15 minutes, then slice.
- Serve with cabbage and potatoes, and some broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
