Name: Corned Beef & Cabbage (Crockpot)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 h 10 min
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
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 & Cabbage (Crockpot) is one of those comforting classics that never fails to bring a smile to the table. With tender slices of beef, wholesome vegetables, and that signature seasoning, it’s a dish that evokes feelings of warmth and home. When you take a bite, you taste the savory blend of spices mingling perfectly with the sweetness of the cabbage and the heartiness of the potatoes. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a tradition, especially around St. Patrick’s Day, but honestly, it’s delicious any day of the year.

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)

Over the years, my love for Corned Beef & Cabbage has only grown, especially since discovering how easy it is to make in a Crockpot. With minimal prep and an all-day simmer, you can walk away and let your slow cooker work its magic. Imagine coming home to a house filled with the warm, inviting aroma of a meal that’s ready to serve. I promise, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your home. So grab your Crockpot, and let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep takes only 10 minutes, and with 8 hours on low, you can set it and forget it!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of spices, tender meat, and savory vegetables creates a satisfying taste that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of the carrots, cabbage, and potatoes make this dish as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a family dinner, a hearty meal before a party, or even as leftovers for lunch.
Diet-Friendly Options: Can easily be adapted for gluten-free diets by avoiding seasoned corned beef with gluten.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2-4 lbs. corned beef brisket: Choose between flat or point cut; both offer rich flavor. The seasoning packet included adds a traditional touch.
1 white onion, sliced (optional): Adds sweetness and depth to the dish; if you’re not an onion fan, feel free to skip it.
2 lbs. red or gold potatoes: Use a mix or stick to one type; these will soak up flavor while cooking. Peeling is optional based on your preference.
3 carrots, sliced thick: They add sweetness and a lovely color contrast, making the dish visually appealing.
2 garlic cloves, peeled: Whole garlic cloves will mellow out in the slow cooker, infusing the dish with a beautiful flavor.
1/2 head cabbage, cut into thin wedges: Adds a hearty, earthy element; you can put it in during the beginning or just in the last two hours for a firmer texture.
1 1/2 cup water: This helps create steam for cooking; you can also use beet juice or broth for added flavor.
Parsley for garnish: Freshens up the dish and adds a pop of color.
Melted butter for potatoes (optional): A drizzle of melted butter takes the potatoes to the next level.
Horseradish or stone-ground mustard: The perfect zesty companions to corned beef.

How to Make Corned Beef & Cabbage (Crockpot)

Add Onions: Begin by adding the sliced onion to your slow cooker. This will be the aromatic base of your dish.

Prepare Corned Beef: Rinse your corned beef brisket under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Place it in the slow cooker and sprinkle over the seasoning packet included with the beef.

Layer with Vegetables: On top of the brisket, add the baby potatoes. If you’re using larger potatoes, consider halving them to ensure they cook through. Then, toss in the thickly sliced carrots and the whole garlic cloves.

Add Liquid: Pour 1 1/2 cups of water over everything. If you want ultra-tender cabbage, you can add it now. However, for a crunchier texture, wait until the last 2 hours to add the cabbage.

Cook: Secure the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 5 hours or LOW for 8 hours in total. If you chose to add the cabbage later, do it during the last 2 hours and rearrange the contents as necessary to fit everything.

Rest and Slice the Meat: Once cooking is complete, remove the corned beef from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for about 10 minutes. Slicing against the grain will achieve tender strips that make for easy serving.

Serve: Plate up slices of corned beef with the potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. If desired, drizzle some melted butter over the potatoes for extra flavor. Don’t forget the horseradish or stone-ground mustard for dipping!

Storing & Reheating

Leftovers can be stored at room temperature for a couple of hours, but for longer storage, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave on medium heat until warmed through, about 2-4 minutes. The flavor may deepen, and the texture might vary slightly, but a splash of broth can help refresh it.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Slicing against the grain of the meat ensures the tenderest bites.
Skip added salt until after cooking, as the corned beef can be quite salty on its own.
If you want to infuse more flavor, consider adding a bit of Guinness or other stout beer to the cooking liquid.
Don’t overcrowd the cooker; let the steam work its magic by allowing space for heat.
For heartier vegetables, you can add in parsnips or turnips, adjusting the cooking time slightly.
Make it ahead of time! This dish often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Corned Beef & Cabbage (Crockpot) truly packs a punch when it comes to flavor and comfort. It’s easy on the budget—great for families—and the way the tender meat combines wonderfully with the veggies creates a meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s absolutely perfect for not just special occasions but also for cozy nights at home. Don’t shy away from experimenting: sprinkle in some of your favorite herbs or add a twist to the mustard for dipping. Enjoy every warm, savory bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different cut of meat?

Yes, while brisket is traditional, you can substitute other cuts like round or chuck roast. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary based on the cut’s thickness and fat content.

How do I know when the corned beef is done?

Corned beef is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. It should be fork-tender and easy to slice. Using a meat thermometer can help ensure perfect doneness.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to toss in vegetables like parsnips, rutabagas, or even some green beans for added color and flavor. Just consider the cooking time, as some vegetables may require less time to cook than others.

What should I serve with Corned Beef & Cabbage?

While this dish is quite hearty on its own, consider serving it with crusty bread to soak up the juices or a light salad to balance the richness. It’s also great with pickles or coleslaw for a crunchy contrast.