Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage : The Best Easy Recipe

Looking for a delicious and easy way to enjoy traditional Irish cuisine? This slow cooker corned beef and cabbage recipe is simple, reliable, and requires minimal preparation time. Perfect for St. Patrick's Day or any day you crave a hearty meal, this dish combines tender corned beef brisket with flavorful vegetables, all cooked to perfection in your crockpot.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Let your slow cooker do the work while you go about your day.
• Flavorful and Tender: Cooking low and slow ensures the corned beef is juicy and falls apart easily.
• One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup with this all-in-one crockpot recipe.
• Traditional Comfort Food: Enjoy a taste of Irish tradition that's perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs corned beef brisket, including spice packet
• 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 large yellow onion, quartered
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1–2 inch pieces
• 12 small red potatoes
• 1/2 head green cabbage, cut into wedges

Instructions

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours

Servings: 6

Calories: 582 kcal per serving

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the corned beef brisket in the slow cooker with the fat side facing up. Sprinkle the provided spice packet evenly over the top of the meat.
2. Add Broth and Vegetables: Pour the low-sodium beef broth around the corned beef. This helps prevent the meat from drying out and adds extra flavor.
3. Begin Cooking: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low heat. Cook the corned beef alone for 5 hours.
4. Add Potatoes, Onions, and Carrots: After 5 hours, add the quartered onions, carrots, and red potatoes to the slow cooker. Cover and continue cooking on low heat for 1 hour.
5. Add Cabbage: Add the cabbage wedges to the slow cooker. Cover and cook for an additional 2 hours on low heat.
6. Rest and Slice the Corned Beef: Carefully remove the corned beef from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for 5 minutes. Trim off the excess fat, if desired. Slice the meat against the grain into 1/4-inch thick slices for the most tender results.
7. Serve: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the vegetables from the slow cooker to a serving platter alongside the sliced corned beef. Enjoy your slow cooker corned beef and cabbage hot.

Tips and Tricks

• Keep the Fat During Cooking: Leaving the fat on the corned beef while it cooks enhances the flavor and tenderness. Cooking with the fat side up allows the fat to baste the meat.
• Don't Skip the Spice Packet: The spice packet typically includes mustard seeds, coriander seeds, anise seeds, and crushed bay leaves, which infuse the meat with authentic flavor.
• Choose the Right Potatoes: Small red potatoes or small yellow potatoes work best due to their waxy texture, which holds up well during long cooking times. Avoid russet potatoes as they tend to break down.
• Peel the Carrots: Peeling the carrots not only improves their appearance but also enhances their bright orange color.
• Slice Against the Grain: Slicing the corned beef against the grain results in tender slices that don't fall apart.

Serving Suggestions

This traditional Irish dish is hearty on its own but pairs well with:

• Horseradish Sauce: A creamy sauce adds a spicy kick to the corned beef.
• Mustard: Grainy or Dijon mustard complements the flavors nicely.
• Irish Soda Bread: Serve with slices of warm bread for a complete meal.
• Green Salad: A fresh salad balances the richness of the meat and vegetables.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 582 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 63 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 82 mg
• Sodium: 2150 mg
• Potassium: 2466 mg
• Fiber: 9 g
• Sugar: 9 g
• Vitamin A: 3495 IU
• Vitamin C: 101 mg
• Calcium: 87 mg
• Iron: 6 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does It Take to Cook Corned Beef in a Slow Cooker?

Cooking corned beef in a slow cooker on low heat typically takes about 8 hours. This slow cooking process ensures the meat becomes tender and flavorful.

Can I Cook Corned Beef on High Heat to Reduce Cooking Time?

While you can cook corned beef on high heat for 4–5 hours, cooking it on low heat for a longer period yields more tender and flavorful results.

How Do I Know When the Corned Beef Is Done?

The corned beef is done when it is tender and easily pierced with a fork. An internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) indicates it is safe to eat.

Final Thoughts

This easy slow cooker corned beef and cabbage recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a classic meal with minimal effort. Whether you're celebrating St. Patrick's Day or simply craving comfort food, this dish delivers on flavor and simplicity. The combination of tender corned beef, flavorful spices, and hearty vegetables makes it a standout recipe you'll want to make again and again.