Corned Beef & Cabbage (Crockpot)
Corned beef and cabbage is a cherished dish that warms both the heart and belly, especially when it’s prepared with the gentle care of a slow cooker. The tender, flavorful corned beef, slowly infused with spices, paired perfectly with sweet cabbage, hearty carrots, and fluffy potatoes makes for a delightful symphony of taste and aroma in your kitchen. Every bite transports you to a comforting, cozy place, where meals are savored, and memories are made.
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I first encountered this classic in my grandmother’s kitchen. The scent wafting from the crockpot as it simmered for hours was nothing short of magical. Growing up during family gatherings, the anticipation of digging into a steaming plate of corned beef and cabbage was one of my happiest memories. Today, I’m excited to share with you my easy-to-follow recipe for Corned Beef & Cabbage (Crockpot), guaranteed to impress your family or guests while being incredibly budget-friendly and simple to prepare. You’ll feel that delightful cheer, too, as you enjoy this timeless dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Just 10 minutes of prep time for a hearty meal that cooks while you relax.
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of spices, tender beef, and sweet veggies creates a delicious comfort food experience.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful array of ingredients makes for a beautiful presentation—perfect for gatherings.
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for cozy dinners or festive occasions like St. Patrick’s Day.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free and can be dairy-free depending on how you serve it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2-4 lbs. corned beef brisket: Choose either flat or point cut; both work well. Make sure it comes with a seasoning packet for maximum flavor.
- 1 white onion, sliced: Adds sweetness and depth; you can skip it if you prefer.
- 2 lbs. red or gold potatoes: These potatoes hold their shape well during cooking. If preferred, peel them for a smoother texture.
- 3 carrots, sliced thick: Sweetness from the carrots balances the savory beef perfectly.
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled: Enhances the overall flavor profile; don’t skip this!
- 1/2 head cabbage, cut into thin wedges: Cabbage becomes beautifully tender and flavorful; add it early for softer cabbage or in the last two hours for a slight crunch.
- 1 1/2 cups water: Serves as the cooking liquid, but you could also use beef broth for added richness.
- Parsley for garnish: Brightens up the presentation!
- Melted butter for potatoes (if desired): Adds a luxurious touch to the potatoes.
- Horseradish or stone-ground mustard: A zesty condiment that pairs wonderfully with the beef.
How to Make Corned Beef & Cabbage (Crockpot)
Prepare the onions: Start by adding the sliced white onion to the bottom of the slow cooker. It forms a flavor base that will permeate throughout the dish.
Rinse & dry the corned beef: Rinse your 2-4 lbs. corned beef brisket under cold water to remove excess brine. Pat it dry with paper towels, then place it on top of the onions in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the included seasoning packet generously over the meat.
Layer with veggies: Next, arrange the 2 lbs. of baby potatoes on top of the brisket. If using larger potatoes, the best approach is to halve them for quicker cooking. Follow with adding 3 thickly sliced carrots and 2 peeled garlic cloves around the beef.
Add liquid: Pour 1 1/2 cups of water around the ingredients. If you’re feeling adventurous, swapping the water for beef broth can enhance the flavor significantly.
Position the cabbage: To achieve an ultra-tender cabbage, now is the time to add the 1/2 head of cabbage, cut into thin wedges. If you prefer a little crunch, wait until the last 2 hours of cooking for the best results.
Seal and cook: Place the lid securely on your slow cooker. Cook on high for 5 hours or low for 8 hours. If you added the cabbage earlier, ensure it’s arranged in the pot comfortably—add more if necessary by cutting it into thinner pieces.
Rest & slice the meat: When cooking time is complete, carefully remove the corned beef from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for around 10 minutes, which helps the juices redistribute, making it easier to slice.
Serve it up: Slice the beef against the grain into strips and serve it with the potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. For that extra touch of indulgence, drizzle melted butter over the potatoes. Don’t forget the horseradish or stone-ground mustard for some delicious zing!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the corned beef and veggies for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it in the microwave or on a low setting in a pot on the stove until heated through. Keep in mind, the cabbage might become a bit softer upon reheating, but it will still taste delightful!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the cabbage by adding it later in the cook time for a crisper texture.
- If the corned beef ends up being too salty, serve it with the fresh garnishes—like parsley—to balance the flavors.
- Choose even-sized potatoes and carrots for consistent cooking.
- Enhance the flavor with fresh herbs like thyme or bay leaves, which can be added for a twist.
- Rinse the beef to lessen the saltiness if needed, and make sure to let it rest post-cooking for juiciness.
Corned beef & cabbage is not just a dish; it’s a tradition rich in flavor and warmth. This easy slow cooker recipe offers a savory meal that’s sure to impress, allowing you to focus more on gathering with loved ones and less on spending hours in the kitchen. Embrace the robust flavors and delightful aromas wafting through your home as you make this iconic dish your own.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While brisket is traditional, you can use a chuck roast or even a flat iron steak, though cooking times may vary. Just ensure it has a good amount of marbling for tenderness.
How do I ensure my cabbage doesn’t turn mushy?
To avoid mushy cabbage, add it during the last 2 hours of cooking if you prefer a bit of crunch. If you like it ultra-soft, feel free to add it at the beginning, but keep an eye on it as it cooks.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, corned beef and cabbage freeze quite well! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave for the best results.
What should I serve with this dish?
Corned beef and cabbage pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. For traditional flair, consider serving it with Irish soda bread or even a pint of stout!
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📖 Recipe Card
Corned Beef & Cabbage (Crockpot)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 490 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: One Pot
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
This Corned Beef & Cabbage cooked in a crockpot is a true comfort food. It’s packed with flavor and made with simple ingredients like tender corned beef, hearty potatoes, and sweet carrots—perfect for a wholesome dinner with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 2–4 lbs. corned beef brisket (flat or point cut), (with seasoning packet that is included)
- 1 white onion, sliced, (this is optional but good!)
- 2 lbs. red or gold potatoes, (or a mixture of both!) peel them if you'd like!
- 3 carrots, sliced thick
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1/2 head cabbage, cut into thin wedges
- 1 1/2 cup water, (or see notes below for other liquid ideas)
- parsley for garnish
- melted butter for potatoes if desired
- horseradish or stone-ground mustard
Instructions
- Add the sliced onion to the slow cooker.
- Rinse your corned beef and pat dry. Place it in the slow cooker and sprinkle with the seasoning packet included.
- Add the baby potatoes on top of the beef; if larger, halve them for tenderness. Add the carrots and garlic.
- Pour the water over the mixture. If you want ultra-tender cabbage, add it now; otherwise, add it during the last 2 hours of cooking.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
- Cook on HIGH for 5 hours or LOW for 8 hours total. If adding cabbage later, ensure it fits or cut thinner.
- Remove the beef to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Serve the beef with potatoes, carrots, and cabbage for a complete meal.
- Optionally drizzle melted butter over the potatoes and serve with horseradish mustard or stone ground mustard.
Notes
For added flavor, consider using beef broth instead of water.
Adjust the cooking time based on the size of your brisket, bigger cuts may need more time.
Feel free to add other vegetables like turnips or parsnips for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
