Easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage is a classic, comforting dish that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any cozy weeknight. This recipe simplifies the traditional method, making it incredibly easy to achieve tender, flavorful corned beef with perfectly cooked cabbage and vegetables. The aroma alone will fill your kitchen with warmth and anticipation. This version uses a slow cooker, which requires minimal effort but yields maximum flavor. Preparing this easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage takes me back to family gatherings, filled with laughter and the comforting taste of home.
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Why You Will Love This easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage Recipe
This slow cooker corned beef and cabbage recipe is all about ease and flavor. Imagine coming home to a perfectly cooked, tender corned beef, infused with the subtle sweetness of cabbage and carrots. The slow cooker does all the work, making it perfect for busy weeknights. There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a home cooked meal without all the fuss. This easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage recipe is a one pot corned beef dinner that makes cleanup a breeze for less time in the kitchen and more time with your family.
Ingredients Needed for This easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious crock pot corned beef recipe:
- 3 to 4 pound corned beef brisket, with spice packet
- 1 large head of green cabbage, cored and quartered
- 1 pound baby carrots
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
How to Make This easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage Recipe
Let’s get cooking! Here are the step by step instructions to create a memorable dining experience:
- 1. Prepare the Corned Beef: Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water. This helps to remove any excess salt. Place the corned beef in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle the spice packet that came with the corned beef over the top.
- 2. Add the Vegetables: Add the quartered onion, baby carrots, and quartered potatoes around the corned beef. Evenly distribute the vegetables for uniform cooking.
- 3. Pour in the Broth: Pour the beef broth over the corned beef and vegetables. The broth should cover about two thirds of the corned beef. Add one bay leaf for extra flavor if desired.
- 4. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7 8 hours, or on high for 3 4 hours. The corned beef should be fork tender when it’s ready.
- 5. Add the Cabbage: During the last 2 hours of cooking time (if cooking on low), or the last hour (if cooking on high), add the quartered cabbage to the slow cooker. You want the cabbage to be tender but still slightly firm, not mushy.
- 6. Rest and Serve: Once the corned beef and cabbage are cooked, remove the corned beef from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 15 minutes before slicing against the grain. This will help it retain its juices and stay tender. Remove the vegetables from the slow cooker and arrange them on a platter with the sliced corned beef.
How to Serve This easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage Recipe
Serving slow cooker corned beef and cabbage is simple but delightful. Arrange the sliced corned beef on a platter with the cabbage, potatoes, and carrots. You can add a dollop of horseradish sauce or mustard for extra zing. For a classic touch, serve with Irish soda bread or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. Don’t be afraid to garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Store This easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage Recipe
Leftover corned beef and cabbage can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 4 days. Store the corned beef, cabbage, and other vegetables separately in airtight containers to maintain their texture and flavor. To freeze, wrap the sliced corned beef tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag; freeze for up to 2 3 months. The vegetables can also be frozen, but their texture might change slightly upon thawing.
Tips to Make This easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage Recipe
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooking the corned beef can make it dry and tough. Cooking it low and slow is key to achieving the perfect tenderness.
- Vinegar for Tenderness: Adding apple cider vinegar helps to tenderize the corned beef and adds a subtle tang to the dish.
- Cabbage Timing: Add the cabbage later in the cooking process to prevent it from becoming too mushy.
- Slice Against the Grain: Always slice the corned beef against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Helpful Notes for This easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage Recipe
Corned beef comes from beef brisket that is salt cured. Finding the best cut will maximize your recipe. If you can, find a corned beef with some marbling for the best flavor. Be sure to rinse the corned beef before cooking to remove the extra salt. If you want to reduce the sodium content of the dish, you can soak the corned beef in water for a few hours before cooking, changing the water periodically. Feel free to adjust the amount of beef broth based on the size of your slow cooker.
Variation of This easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage Recipe
Looking to shake things up? Try adding other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips to the slow cooker for added flavor and texture. For a sweeter variation, add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the broth. For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can even use beer instead of beef broth! If you’re short on time, you can use pre cut cabbage and carrots, but freshly cut vegetables will always taste better.
How long does it take to cook corned beef and cabbage in a crock pot?
Cooking on low will take approximately 7-8 hours, while cooking on high will take about 4-5 hours. Always check for tenderness with a fork before serving.
What’s the best way to prevent my cabbage from getting mushy in the crock pot?
Add the cabbage during the last 2 hours of cooking time. This will ensure it’s cooked through but still retains some texture.
Can I use a corned beef brisket with the spice packet included?
Yes, absolutely! The spice packet typically enhances the flavor of the corned beef. However, you may want to adjust the salt level to your liking, as the packet may be quite salty.
What other vegetables can I add to easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage?
Besides cabbage, you can add carrots, potatoes, and onions. Root vegetables cook well in the crock pot and complement the flavor of the corned beef.
How do I know when my easy crock pot corned beef and cabbage is done?
The corned beef is done when it’s fork-tender, easily shredding apart with minimal effort. The vegetables should be tender as well but not mushy.
Easy Crock Pot Corned Beef & Cabbage: The BEST One-Pot Dinner
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Description
Tender corned beef and perfectly cooked cabbage, carrots, and potatoes all in one pot for an easy, comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 pound corned beef brisket, with spice packetn1 large head of green cabbage, cored and quarteredn1 pound baby carrotsn1 large onion, quarteredn4 medium potatoes, peeled and quarteredn4 cups beef brothn2 tablespoons apple cider vinegarn1 teaspoon black peppern1 bay leaf (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water and place in the slow cooker. Sprinkle with the spice packet.nAdd the quartered onion, baby carrots, and quartered potatoes around the corned beef.nPour the beef broth over the corned beef and vegetables. Add bay leaf, if using.nCover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.nDuring the last 2 hours of cooking (on low) or the last hour (on high), add the cabbage to the slow cooker.nRemove the beef and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing against the grain. Serve with the 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: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
