Slow cooker corned beef and cabbage is the best way to get juicy corned beef and flavorful cabbage and potatoes in a meal that practically cooks itself!
Low and slow is the way to go for this savory and tender dish. It brings the rich flavors of slow-cooked corned beef, vibrant cabbage, and aromatic spices to your table with minimal effort.
This easy-to-follow recipe produces a mouthwatering and comforting meal that will satisfy your taste buds.
Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage
- Slow-cooker corned beef and cabbage is a classic St. Patrick’s Day dish, but why not make this classic comfort food any time of year? Add to your family “heritage” recipe box and customize the recipe with the suggestions in the Variations section below.
- Tender corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes are all cooked in one pot which makes this an easy dish to prepare for gatherings and get-togethers! Add a simple green salad and a side of Irish soda bread for soaking up all that delicious broth!
- Make it and enjoy it all week long as the flavors will continue to blend! And it’s even more delicious as a workday lunch!
Ingredients and Variations
Brisket – Brisket on its own is sold uncooked but corned beef brisket has been cured in brine and spices, however, they are the same cut of meat. Make it easy and look for the cut with the seasoning packet!
Vegetables – Cabbage and potatoes are the perfect pairing with corned beef. Cut cabbage into medium-sized wedges and potatoes into quarters.
Seasonings – Garlic and a couple of bay leaves will provide a savory flavor if your corned beef doesn’t have a seasoning packet with it.
Variations – Traditionally, corned beef and cabbage are cooked with Guinness beer which infuses the beef and veggies with deep, rich flavors, but water or beef broth will work. DIY your own spice packet, blend some pickling spices, mustard seeds, peppercorns, and bay leaves into a sachet, and add them in Step 1 below. Feel free to add sliced onions, carrots, whole mushrooms, and even quarters of red apples that will add flavor, texture, and visual interest.
How to Cook Corned Beef and Cabbage in the Slow Cooker
This is the ultimate set-and-forget dish.
- Place onions, corned beef, and seasonings in the bottom of the slow cooker (as described in the recipe card below). Add water, garlic, and bay leaves.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 6-8 hours, adding the potatoes (or other starchy veggies) after 3 hours on low or 2 hours on high.
- Two hours before serving (one if cooking on high) add cabbage wedges.
- When done, remove the corned beef from the slow cooker and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Tips For Perfect Corned Beef and Cabbage:
- Low and slow is best for tough cuts of meat like corned beef for the best results. However, if time is really short, make it in the Instant Pot !
- Add a tablespoon of brown sugar in Step 5 with the cabbage. This sweet addition will balance out the salty corned beef flavor.
Leftovers?
- Corned beef tastes better the next day! Make eggs and corned beef hash, or serve it cold piled high on a hoagie roll with some mustard and horseradish.
- Put leftover corned beef and vegetables in separate containers and refrigerate them for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Freeze corned beef in zippered bags for up to 2 months.
Other Delish Cabbage Recipes!
Have you tried this Slow Cooker Corned Beef And Cabbage recipe? Leave a comment and rating below!
Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 onions
- 3 pound corned beef brisket , with seasoning packet
- 4 cups water
- 12 ounces beer , 1 can
- 8 potatoes , peeled and cut in half
- ½ cabbage , cut into 2 inch wedges
Instructions
- Slice onions and place on the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Rinse brisket and rub all sides with the seasoning packet. Place brisket on top of the onions in the slow cooker.
- Add water and beer along the sides of the slow cooker, being careful not to rinse off the seasonings that are on the corned beef brisket.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours, or until fork tender. Add potatoes after 3 hours of cooking. Add cabbage after 4 hours of cooking.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove cabbage, potatoes, and onions, and place on a plate. Cover with foil until ready to serve.
- Remove beef and place on a baking tray. Set oven to broil, and broil for about 3-5 minutes, or until beef is lightly browned.
- Slice against the grain. Serve with cabbage, potatoes, and onions.
Notes
- For extra tender corned beef, slice it across the grain.
- Cook corned beef slowly and at a low temperature for best results. If time is tight, cooking corned beef in an Instant Pot works wonders!
- Add a bit of sweet brown sugar to the dish to balance out the salty corned beef.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
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