There’s something magical about a meal that simmers away all day, filling your home with mouthwatering aromas and delivering melt-in-your-mouth tenderness when it’s finally time to eat. That’s exactly what you get with this Slow Cooker Corned Beef & Cabbage—a hearty, comforting dish that’s ridiculously easy to make but tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen.
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Whether you’re making it for St. Patrick’s Day, a cozy family dinner, or just because you love a good slow-cooked meal, this recipe is a game-changer. The beef turns fall-apart tender, the cabbage soaks up all those rich, savory juices, and the potatoes and carrots round out the meal perfectly. Trust me, you’ll want to make this year-round!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Effortless Cooking: Let the slow cooker do all the work while you go about your day.
Incredibly Tender Beef: Low and slow cooking makes the corned beef juicy and fork-tender.
Classic & Comforting: A traditional dish with rich flavors and a cozy, home-cooked feel.
One-Pot Meal: Meat, veggies, and potatoes all cook together, making cleanup a breeze.
Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors get even better the next day—great for sandwiches!
Ingredients in Slow Cooker Corned Beef & Cabbage
This dish is all about simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully:
Corned Beef Brisket: The star of the dish! Choose a well-marbled brisket for extra tenderness.
Pickling Spice Packet: Most corned beef comes with one, but you can also make your own blend.
Beef Broth: Adds depth and richness to the cooking liquid. You can also use water or a mix of beer and broth for extra flavor.
Onion: A sweet, aromatic base that infuses the broth with extra flavor.
Garlic: A must-have for enhancing the savoriness of the dish.
Carrots: Bring a touch of sweetness and balance out the salty richness of the beef.
Baby Potatoes: Creamy and tender, they soak up all those incredible flavors.
Cabbage: The classic addition that absorbs all the delicious cooking juices.
Instructions
Prep the Slow Cooker: Place the chopped onion and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavorful base.
Add the Corned Beef: Place the brisket on top of the onions, fat side up. Sprinkle the pickling spice over the meat for maximum flavor.
Pour in the Liquid: Add beef broth (or water/beer mixture) until the brisket is mostly covered.
Slow Cook to Tender Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
Add the Vegetables: About 2 hours before serving, add the carrots and potatoes to the slow cooker.
Add the Cabbage: In the last 30 minutes, add the cabbage wedges. This keeps them from getting too mushy while still absorbing the flavorful broth.
Slice & Serve: Remove the corned beef and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain. Serve with the vegetables and some of the delicious broth ladled over the top.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Corned Beef & Cabbage
- Classic Style: Serve with a side of mustard or horseradish sauce for an extra flavor kick.
- With Bread: A slice of warm Irish soda bread is perfect for soaking up the broth.
- As Leftovers: Make a killer corned beef sandwich with rye bread, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut.
- With Extra Seasoning: Sprinkle fresh parsley or cracked black pepper over the dish before serving.
Additional Tips
- Trim Fat After Cooking: Leave some fat on while cooking for extra flavor, then trim before serving.
- Use Beer for Extra Flavor: Swap some of the broth for a stout or lager to enhance the taste.
- Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: Add it at the end to keep it from becoming too soft.
- Let It Rest Before Slicing: This helps the juices redistribute for a more tender bite.
- Make Ahead & Reheat: The flavors develop even more overnight, so it’s great for meal prep!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A1: Corned beef brisket is best, but a chuck roast can work in a pinch—it just won’t have the same cured flavor.
Q2: Can I cook this on the stovetop?
A2: Yes! Simmer everything in a large pot over low heat for about 3 hours, adding the veggies at the appropriate times.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the broth for best results.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Freeze the meat and vegetables separately in broth for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in a slow cooker or stovetop.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat?
A5: Heat in a covered dish with a splash of broth in a 300°F oven or gently on the stovetop.
Q6: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
A6: Yes! Cook the corned beef on high pressure for 90 minutes, then do a quick release and add the veggies, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
Q7: Should I rinse the corned beef before cooking?
A7: It’s optional, but rinsing can help remove excess salt if you prefer a milder flavor.
Q8: Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
A8: Yes! It will add a slightly different flavor and color, but it works just as well.
Q9: How do I know when the beef is done?
A9: It should be fork-tender—if you can easily shred it with a fork, it’s ready.
Q10: Can I double this recipe?
A10: Yes! Just make sure your slow cooker is big enough to accommodate everything.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Slow Cooker Corned Beef & Cabbage has been a beloved meal for generations it’s hearty, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a cozy dinner at home, this dish delivers every time.
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Slow Cooker Corned Beef & Cabbage
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 hours (slow cooker)
- Total Time: 10 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Irish-American
Description
This Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage is a classic comfort meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or a hearty family dinner. The slow cooker does all the work, resulting in tender, flavorful corned beef paired with soft potatoes, carrots, and cabbage—all cooked in a savory broth.
Ingredients
- 1 (3 to 4-pound) corned beef brisket, including spice packet
- 4 cups water
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 small head cabbage, cut into wedges
Instructions
Prepare & Cook the Corned Beef:
- Place the corned beef brisket into the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the spice packet over the meat.
- Add water, bay leaves, garlic, and onion to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours (or HIGH for 4-5 hours) until the beef is fork-tender.
Add the Vegetables:
- Add carrots, potatoes, and cabbage around the beef in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for another 2-3 hours, until vegetables are tender.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Remove the corned beef, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice against the grain.
- Serve with the cooked vegetables and drizzle some cooking liquid over the top for extra flavor.
- Enjoy your hearty, flavorful corned beef and cabbage!
Notes
- If you prefer firmer vegetables, add them closer to the last 2 hours of cooking.
- For extra flavor, replace half of the water with beef broth or Guinness beer.
- Leftovers make great sandwiches the next day!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg