Name: Corned Beef & Cabbage (Crockpot)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 h 10 min
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Cuisine: Irish
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

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Corned beef and cabbage is the classic comfort food that warms the soul and fills the belly. When made in a crockpot, this dish transforms into an easy, hands-off meal that’s perfect for busy weekdays or a relaxed weekend gathering. The results? Tender slices of corned beef, sweet carrots, and soft cabbage that soak up all the delicious flavors while you go about your day.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Corned Beef & Cabbage (Crockpot)
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Corned Beef & Cabbage (Crockpot)

This slow-cooked delight brings nostalgia and satisfaction, especially if you grew up enjoying it around the table on St. Patrick’s Day or special family gatherings. And let’s be honest, there’s something undeniably comforting about coming home to the savory scent of corned beef wafting through the house, all thanks to your trusty crockpot. Trust me, once you experience this Corned Beef & Cabbage (Crockpot) recipe, it will become a cherished staple in your culinary repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Just 10 minutes to prep, and let your crockpot do the heavy lifting!
Irresistible Flavor: The tender beef paired with perfectly cooked vegetables delivers a savory flavor that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of the carrots and cabbage beside the beautifully sliced corned beef make for an impressive plate.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive occasion like St. Patrick’s Day.
Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free and can easily be adapted for dairy-free preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2-4 lbs. corned beef brisket (flat or point cut): Choose a cut with a good amount of marbling for maximum flavor and tenderness. Look for one that comes with a seasoning packet for added convenience.
1 white onion, sliced: This optional ingredient adds depth to the dish. If you like a sweeter flavor, consider using a yellow onion instead.
2 lbs. red or gold potatoes: Choose a mixture for varied textures, or peel them for a classic approach. Cut large potatoes in half to ensure they cook through.
3 carrots, sliced thick: Their natural sweetness complements the savory beef perfectly. Use fresh carrots for the best flavor.
2 garlic cloves, peeled: Garlicky goodness brings out all the right flavors; you can also toss in some minced garlic for a stronger aroma.
1/2 head cabbage, cut into thin wedges: Cabbage adds a wonderful crunch and absorbs the juices from the meat. If you prefer a firmer texture, reserve the cabbage for the last few hours of cooking.
1 1/2 cup water: This helps create steam and keeps everything moist. You can substitute with beef broth or even a splash of beer for richer flavor.
Parsley for garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
Melted butter for potatoes if desired: A little melted butter drizzled over the potatoes elevates their flavor.
Horseradish or stone-ground mustard: Both are classic condiments that pair beautifully with the beef’s rich flavors.

How to Make Corned Beef & Cabbage (Crockpot)

Add Onion: Start by adding the sliced white onion to the bottom of your slow cooker. It serves as a flavorful base for the beef.

Prepare Corned Beef: Rinse your 2-4 lbs. corned beef brisket under cold water, pat it dry, then place it into the slow cooker. Don’t forget to sprinkle over the included seasoning packet for that traditional taste.

Layer in Potatoes: Next, add your 2 lbs. of baby potatoes on top of the brisket. If they’re on the larger side, it’s a good idea to halve them. This step ensures that they become tender and delicious as they cook.

Add Carrots and Garlic: Toss in your thickly sliced 3 carrots and the peeled 2 garlic cloves. They’ll add both color and flavor to the dish, making it extra satisfying.

Pour in Water: Carefully pour 1 1/2 cup water over the contents. This will create steam while cooking. If you prefer a different flavor profile, consider adding beef broth or a splash of beer instead.

Insert Cabbage: If you want ultra-tender cabbage, add 1/2 head of cabbage now. If you prefer it a bit firmer, wait to add it until the last two hours of cooking. Just remember; you’ll have to rearrange the contents to make room!

Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on HIGH for 5 hours or LOW for 8 hours. If you added cabbage later, just throw it in during the final two hours until it’s perfectly tender.

Slice the Meat: Once cooking is complete, carefully transfer the meat to a cutting board. Let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful dish when you slice it.

Serve: Serve the meat alongside the potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. For that extra tasty touch, drizzle melted butter over the potatoes, and don’t forget to offer horseradish or stone-ground mustard on the side!

Storing & Reheating

Leftover corned beef and cabbage can be stored at room temperature for two hours, or in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze the dish in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, or in a saucepan on low heat until warmed through. Note that the texture may soften slightly after freezing, but refreshing it with a little extra seasoning can bring back some of its vibrant flavor.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoiding tough meat? Make sure your corned beef is properly trimmed and not overcooked.
For best results, bring your beef to room temperature before adding it to the slow cooker.
Layer ingredients in the order listed to maximize flavor – veggies at the bottom help infuse the meat.
Not a fan of mushy cabbage? Add it later in the cooking process if you want it to retain some crunch.
For a make-ahead option, prep all ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. Add them to the slow cooker in the morning for a hassle-free dinner.

Serving corned beef and cabbage is more than just putting food on a plate; it’s about bringing people together. The rich flavors that meld together create a dish that is both hearty and satisfying. You have options to store anything left over or double the recipe for larger gatherings. Feel free to add personal touches, like a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of spices to tailor it to your taste.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different cut of meat?

Absolutely! While brisket is traditional for corned beef, you can use a shoulder or round cut. Just make sure it’s well-marbled to ensure juicy results.

How do I know when the meat is done?

Your corned beef is done when it’s tender enough to pull apart with a fork, typically taking 5-8 hours depending on your slow cooker setting. It should reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F.

Can I adjust the vegetable quantities?

Definitely! Feel free to add more carrots, throw in some parsnips, or even toss in other greens you have on hand. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep all the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. Add everything to the crockpot in the morning for a hassle-free dinner later.