Corned beef and cabbage recipe, a symphony of savory flavors, evokes memories of cozy family dinners and festive celebrations. This classic Irish American dish is a staple in my home, and I’m so excited to share my tried and true corned beef and cabbage recipe with you! It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for a chilly evening or a St. Patrick’s Day feast. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
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Why You Will Love This corned beef and cabbage recipe Recipe
This corned beef and cabbage recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl! The tender, flavorful corned beef pairs perfectly with the sweet cabbage, carrots, and potatoes, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you feeling satisfied and content.
I remember the first time I made this dish for my family. The aroma filled the house, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Everyone raved about how delicious it was. This recipe is special because it’s simple, comforting, and always a crowd pleaser. I’m providing a guide to making this traditional Irish American dish in a slow cooker! You can even prepare this classic with my instructions in my article, Easy Crock Pot Corned Beef And Cabbage. Are you looking to cut down on time while preparing this dish? I’ve got you covered with my guide, Instant Pot Corned Beef And Cabbage!
One of the best things about this corned beef and cabbage recipe is how easy it is to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can have a delicious and hearty meal on the table in no time. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner or a fantastic option for a weekend gathering.
Ingredients Needed for This corned beef and cabbage recipe Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to create this satisfying classic.
- Corned Beef Brisket: 3 to 4 pounds, with the spice packet
- Water: Enough to cover the brisket in the slow cooker
- Yellow Onion: 1 large, quartered
- Carrots: 3 large, peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces
- Potatoes: 4 medium, peeled and quartered (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)
- Green Cabbage: 1 medium, cored and cut into wedges
- Beef Broth: 1 cup (optional, for added flavor)
- Bay Leaf: 1
How to Make This corned beef and cabbage recipe Recipe
Follow these easy steps to a delicious and satisfying meal.
- 1. Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water. Place it in your slow cooker.
- 2. Add the spice packet that came with the corned beef. This adds essential flavor to the dish.
- 3. Pour enough water into the slow cooker to completely cover the brisket. Add the beef broth (if using) and the bay leaf.
- 4. Place the quartered onion, carrots, and potatoes around the brisket.
- 5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the corned beef is fork tender. Cooking with a slow cooker will allow the beef time to become tender and juicy, making the ultimate corned beef guide!
- 6. About 2 hours before the end of the cooking time, add the cabbage wedges to the slow cooker.
- 7. Once the corned beef and vegetables are tender, carefully remove everything from the slow cooker. Let the corned beef rest for about 10 to 15 minutes before slicing against the grain. This results in the most tender texture.
How to Serve This corned beef and cabbage recipe Recipe
Serving this corned beef and cabbage recipe is a breeze! Slice the corned beef against the grain and arrange it on a platter with the cooked cabbage, carrots, and potatoes.
For an extra touch, you can drizzle some of the cooking liquid over the meat and vegetables. A dollop of horseradish sauce or Dijon mustard on the side adds a zesty kick. Consider trying out Best Corned Beef Recipe 3 for an addition to your meal!
This classic corned beef dinner pairs well with Irish soda bread or crusty rolls. Add a side of coleslaw or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
How to Store This corned beef and cabbage recipe Recipe
Leftover corned beef and cabbage can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Place the corned beef, cabbage, carrots, and potatoes in separate airtight containers to maintain their texture and flavor.
For longer storage, you can freeze the corned beef and vegetables for up to 2 to 3 months. Wrap the corned beef tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
To reheat, you can use the microwave or heat it in a pot on the stovetop with a little broth or water to prevent drying out.
Tips to Make This corned beef and cabbage recipe Recipe
- Choose the right cut of corned beef: A brisket cut is ideal for a classic corned beef dinner because it becomes tender and flavorful when slow cooked.
- Don’t skip the rinse: Rinsing the corned beef before cooking helps remove excess salt.
- Add vegetables at the right time: Adding the cabbage too early can result in it becoming mushy. Add them towards the end of the cooking time.
- Spice it up: For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker.
Helpful Notes for This corned beef and cabbage recipe Recipe
- Spice Packet: Don’t discard the spice packet that comes with the corned beef! It’s packed with flavor and essential for a truly authentic taste.
- Beef Broth: Using beef broth instead of water adds depth and richness to the dish.
- Resting the Meat: Allowing the corned beef to rest before slicing helps it retain its juices, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
Variation of This corned beef and cabbage recipe Recipe
- Add Parsnips: Include parsnips along with the carrots for a sweeter flavor.
- Beer Braised: Substitute some of the water with a dark beer like Guinness for a richer, more complex flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a jalapeño or some chili flakes.
- Maple Glazed: Use maple syrup as a glaze when plating the beef!
How long does it take to cook corned beef and cabbage?
Cook time varies depending on the method (slow cooker, oven, etc.), but typically it takes 3-4 hours in a slow cooker or 2.5-3.5 hours in the oven. Ensure the corned beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
What is the best cut of corned beef to use?
The brisket cut is most commonly used for corned beef and cabbage, specifically the flat cut. This cut offers a good balance of tenderness and flavor when cooked properly using slow and low cooking methods.
When should I add the cabbage to the corned beef and cabbage?
Add the cabbage during the last hour of cooking in a slow cooker or the last 45 minutes in the oven. This prevents the cabbage from becoming too mushy and ensures it retains some texture.
What are some side dishes that go well with corned beef and cabbage?
Potatoes are a must. Also try Irish soda bread, mashed potatoes, parsley potatoes, or roasted carrots go well with corned beef and cabbage, complementing the flavors of the main dish.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy this warm and comforting corned beef and cabbage recipe as much as my family does. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Let me know in the comments how yours turns out and if you have any questions! You will love this simple corned beef and cabbage recipe with slow cooking.
Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe: The BEST Easy Dinner!
- Total Time: 7 hours and 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A classic and comforting slow cooker corned beef and cabbage recipe, perfect for a hearty family meal or St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Tender corned beef, sweet cabbage, carrots, and potatoes create a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 pound corned beef brisket, with spice packet
- Enough water to cover brisket
- 1 large yellow onion, quartered
- 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 1 medium green cabbage, cored and cut into wedges
- 1 cup beef broth (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- 1. Rinse corned beef brisket under cold water and place in a slow cooker.
- 2. Add spice packet that came with the corned beef.
- 3. Pour enough water to cover brisket. Add beef broth and bay leaf (if using).
- 4. Place the quartered onion, carrots, and potatoes around the brisket.
- 5. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until corned beef is fork tender.
- 6. Add cabbage wedges 2 hours before the end of cooking time.
- 7. Once corned beef and vegetables are tender, carefully remove from slow cooker. Let the corned beef rest for about 10 to 15 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Irish American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
