Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage
My go-to corned beef and cabbage slow cooker recipe! Tender corned beef, sweet cabbage, and earthy veggies - pure comfort food, made easy. Get the recipe now!

- Recipe Introduction
- Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe Card
- Ingredients & Equipment: Your Arsenal of Deliciousness
- Getting Sorted: The Prep Work
- The Step-by-Step Lowdown for Your Corned Beef and Cabbage
- Pro Secrets for Cracking Corned Beef and Cabbage
- Recipe Notes: Nailing the Details
- Frequently Asked Questions
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a proper st. paddy's day feast without slaving away in the kitchen all day? honestly, who doesn’t? this corned beef and cabbage slow cooker recipe is a game-changer.
It delivers that classic, comforting flavor, but with minimal effort.
Brief Overview
Corned beef and cabbage is an irish-american tradition. it's usually enjoyed around st. patrick's day. this easy corned beef and cabbage crock pot version is simple and takes around 8- 10 hours on low.
This recipe yields 6-8 servings. perfect for a family gathering.
Main Benefits
This best corn beef and cabbage recipe is packed with protein. it also contains nutrients from the vegetables. serving this st patrick’s day corned beef and cabbage dish is perfect for a festive occasion.
What makes this recipe special is the tender, flavorful beef, made with a crockpot corned beef !
From Brisket to Bliss: Slow Cooking Your Way to Success
Right, let's get into the nitty-gritty. we're talking about corned beef recipes slow cooker , where low and slow is the motto.
I remember the first time i tried making corned beef and cabbage crockpot . i rushed it, and the beef was tougher than old boots.
Learn from my mistakes, yeah?
The Essentials: What You'll Need
To nail this boiled corn beef and cabbage recipe , you'll need:
- 1 (3-4 pound) corned beef brisket, with spice packet
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 pound baby carrots
- 1 ½ pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 medium head green cabbage, cored and cut into wedges
Setting the Stage: Preparation is Key
Honestly, prepping the ingredients is half the battle. i'm usually humming away and dancing while i chop my ingredients. slice and dice and you're already winning! place the onion and garlic in your slow cooker.
This creates a flavorful base.
Slow Cooking to Perfection
Now, for the magic. rinse the corned beef , and place it in the slow cooker. sprinkle the spice packet over the top.
Pour in the beef broth, water, and apple cider vinegar. add the thyme and peppercorns. cover and cook on low for 8- 10 hours.
Or, on high for 4- 5 hours. the meat should be fork-tender. you could also use a dutch oven . you can prepare a corn beef and cabbage recipe dutch oven , but it is not very common.
Honestly, nothing beats the smell of this dish cooking slowly!
Alright, let's get cracking! this recipe is a proper staple for st. patrick's day, but honestly, it's good enough to enjoy any time you’re craving some comfort food.
Think tender, melt-in-your-mouth corned beef alongside sweet, softened cabbage and those earthy root vegetables. it’s like a warm hug on a plate, innit? we're making corned beef and cabbage slow cooker style for maximum ease.
It is the best corn beef and cabbage recipe! honestly.
Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe Card

⚖️ Ingredients:
- 1 (3-4 pound) corned beef brisket, with spice packet
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 pound baby carrots
- 1 ½ pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 medium head green cabbage, cored and cut into wedges
🥄 Instructions:
- Place quartered onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Rinse the corned beef brisket and place it on top of the onion and garlic, fat-side up. Sprinkle with the spices from the included packet.
- Pour in beef broth, water, and apple cider vinegar. Add the dried thyme and peppercorns.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, or until the corned beef is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Add the baby carrots and quartered potatoes to the slow cooker. Cook for an additional 1-2 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Place the cabbage wedges on top of the other vegetables during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking time. Ensure the cabbage is tender-crisp but not mushy.
- Remove the corned beef from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Serve the sliced corned beef with the cooked vegetables and some of the cooking liquid (optional).
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Arsenal of Deliciousness
Getting your bits and bobs sorted before you start cooking is key. nothing worse than realising you're missing something halfway through.
This easy corn beef and cabbage crock pot recipe will be a breeze if you're prepared.
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
Here's what you'll need to make our corned beef recipes slow cooker masterpiece. Remember quality matters!
- Corned Beef Brisket: 1 (3-4 pound) piece (1.3 - 1.8 kg) with spice packet. Look for a nicely marbled piece. Not too lean!
- Onion: 1 large , quartered. Any type of onion will do.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Go for fresh garlic here.
- Beef Broth: 2 cups (475 ml) . Low sodium is best.
- Water: 1 cup (235 ml) . Tap water is perfectly fine.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Adds a lovely tang.
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . Don’t skip the thyme!
- Black Peppercorns: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) . Whole peppercorns are essential.
- Baby Carrots: 1 pound (450 g) . Adds a touch of sweetness.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: 1 ½ pounds (680 g) , peeled and quartered. Yukon Golds hold their shape nicely.
- Green Cabbage: 1 medium head , cored and cut into wedges. Get one that feels nice and firm.
This list creates a Corn Beef Cabbage Potatoes Crockpot symphony of flavors.
Seasoning Notes: The Magic Touch
Spice is important. don't skimp! the spice packet that comes with the smoked corned beef is a good start, but we're adding a few extras to really ramp up the flavor.
For an aromatic corn beef cabbage potatoes crockpot experience, the following spice combination is important:
- Essential Spices: Thyme and peppercorns are your best friends here.
- Flavor Enhancers: Apple cider vinegar adds a subtle tang that brightens everything up.
- Quick Sub: No thyme? Use a bit of mixed herbs instead. It will works nice.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
Right, no need for fancy gadgets here. For our Crockpot Cornbeef And Cabbage With Beer (though we aren't using beer today), you'll only need the basics.
- Slow Cooker: 6-quart (or larger) . Essential for that Crock Pot Corned Beef tenderness.
- Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping veggies, obviously!
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accurate measurements, love.
- Tongs: For handling the hot corned beef and vegetables.
Honestly, this cornedbeef and cabbage crockpot recipe is so straightforward. It's basically a dump-and-go situation! Perfect for those busy weeknights or a lazy St Patrick’s Day Corned Beef And Cabbage feast.

Alright, let’s dive into making some proper corned beef and cabbage slow cooked perfection. honestly, who doesn’t love the smell of this slowly bubbling away, especially around st.
Paddy’s day? but this isn't just for march 17th, mind you. it's a delicious, hearty meal anytime!
Getting Sorted: The Prep Work
First things first: mise en place , as the posh chefs say. it basically means getting everything prepped before you start.
Trust me, it's a game changer. we're looking to make the best corn beef and cabbage .
Essential Bits and Bobs
Grab your corned beef (about 3-4 pounds is ideal, 1.3-1.8 kg), an onion, garlic, beef broth, water, apple cider vinegar, thyme, peppercorns, carrots, potatoes, and a head of cabbage.
Make sure that head of cabbage slow cooker is fresh. give that corned beef a good rinse too, before throwing it in.
Clever Ways to Save Time
Chop the onion and garlic ahead of time. peel and quarter those potatoes. basically, do all the fiddly bits first.
It's like having a cooking assistant, but it's just future you being organized. you know?, the crock pot corned beef will thank you.
A Quick Word of Caution
Slow cookers are pretty safe, but always use oven gloves when handling the hot pot. Don’t overfill it either – leave some room for the steam.
The Step-by-Step Lowdown for Your Corned Beef and Cabbage
Alright, now for the easy bit.
- Pop quartered onion and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a nice base.
- Rinse your corned beef brisket and nestle it on top of the onion and garlic, fat-side up. Sprinkle it with the spices from the packet that came with the corned beef .
- Pour in 2 cups (475 ml) beef broth, 1 cup (235 ml) water, and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar. Chuck in 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried thyme and ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) black peppercorns. The secret for that Crockpot Cornbeef And Cabbage With Beer is adding a proper pint of stout or a lager.
- Cover it and cook on low for 8- 10 hours , or on high for 4- 5 hours . You want that corned beef to be fork-tender.
- Add 1 pound (450 g) baby carrots and 1 ½ pounds (680 g) quartered potatoes to the pot. Cook for another 1- 2 hours , or until they're nice and soft. It's a great Corn Beef Cabbage Potatoes Crockpot recipe.
- Now, the cabbage! Add the cabbage wedges during the last 30- 60 minutes of cooking. You want them tender-crisp, not mushy. We're looking for something like those proper Corned Beef Recipes Slow Cooker .
- Take the corned beef out and let it rest for 10- 15 minutes . Slice it against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Serve it up with those lovely veg and a bit of the cooking liquid.
Pro Secrets for Cracking Corned Beef and Cabbage
Here are a couple of tricks to make sure this Easy Corn Beef And Cabbage Crock Pot recipe is an absolute winner.
- Don’t overcook the cabbage . Seriously, no one likes soggy cabbage.
- Rest that Corned Beef! This helps it stay nice and juicy when you slice it.
One common mistake is slicing with the grain. Trust me, slice against it! You will get the best Smoked Corned Beef .
You can totally make this ahead! cook the corned beef and veg, then store them separately in the fridge. just reheat before serving.
Making a boiled corn beef and cabbage recipe on the spot can be time consuming, so prep it a day ahead and you're good to go! this is also good for the st patrick’s day corned beef and cabbage day itself.
Right then, let's talk recipe notes for this absolutely banging corned beef and cabbage slow cooker recipe. Honestly, getting the details right makes all the difference.
Recipe Notes: Nailing the Details
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Want to wow your mates? don’t just chuck it all on a plate. a bit of presentation goes a long way.
I reckon separate the best corn beef and cabbage . then arrange the sliced corned beef slightly overlapping on one side.
Pile the veggies next to it. you can also add some of the lovely cooking liquid on top if you like.
A dollop of horseradish sauce on the side doesn’t hurt either. this dish is delightful with a guinness. or even a crisp dry cider.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Refrigeration: If you have leftovers (unlikely, but hey!), pop them in an airtight container and they'll be good in the fridge for 3-4 days. Easy peasy!
Freezing: yeah, you can freeze boiled corn beef and cabbage recipe , but the cabbage might get a bit mushy when you defrost it.
Still edible, but not quite as brilliant. if you must freeze it, portion it out first. that makes it easier to reheat only what you need.
Reheating: the microwave is your friend. or you can reheat it gently in a pan on the hob with a splash of water or broth to stop it drying out.
Make sure it's piping hot all the way through!
Variations: Mix it Up a Bit
Feeling adventurous? Why not try a few tweaks?
Dietary Adaptations: For a gluten-free version, just check your beef broth is certified gluten-free. Dead simple, innit?
Seasonal swaps: if you're not making this for st. patrick’s day corned beef and cabbage , try swapping out the cabbage for some savoy cabbage or even kale in the colder months.
Works a treat.
Nutrition Basics: A Bit of Goodness
Right, so this corned beef and cabbage slow cooker meal isn't exactly a salad, but it's got some good stuff in it.
You’re looking at roughly 450-550 calories per serving, with a decent whack of protein (30-40g). the cabbage and carrots give you some vitamins and fibre too.
Just remember, it is an estimate . it will depend on your portion sizes and the brands you use.
Honestly, whether you're using a crockpot cornbeef and cabbage with beer or just plain water, this is one of those recipes that almost cooks itself.
Get the crock pot corned beef on, put your feet up, and enjoy the delicious smells wafting through the house.
Give it a go – you won't regret it!

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I overcook corned beef and cabbage in a slow cooker?
Absolutely, you can! While a slow cooker is pretty forgiving, leaving your corned beef and cabbage slow cooking for too long can result in dry, stringy meat and mushy vegetables. Aim for tenderness, but don't let it go to pot! Check the meat with a fork - it should pull apart easily, but still have some integrity.
When should I add the cabbage to my corned beef and cabbage slow cooker recipe?
Timing is everything, especially with cabbage. Add the cabbage wedges during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking. This ensures they're tender-crisp, rather than completely falling apart and turning to mush – nobody wants that soggy bottom scenario!
What's the best way to store leftover corned beef and cabbage?
Leftovers are your friend! Let the corned beef and cabbage cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep it moist. You could even use the leftover corned beef for a cracking Reuben sandwich.
Is there a healthier way to make corned beef and cabbage?
You bet! Corned beef can be a bit salty and fatty, so consider trimming off any excess fat before cooking. Using low-sodium beef broth will help reduce the sodium content. Load up on the veggies, like adding extra carrots, to bulk up the dish with nutrients and fibre. It's still comfort food, but a slightly less naughty version!
I don't have beef broth. What can I use for my corned beef and cabbage slow cooker creation?
No worries, we've all been there! Chicken or vegetable broth will work just fine as a substitute. The flavor profile will be slightly different, of course, but the end result will still be a delicious and comforting meal. You could also use water with a beef bouillon cube or stock pot for added flavour.
Can I make corned beef and cabbage slow with other root vegetables besides potatoes and carrots?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your root vegetables. Parsnips, turnips, and rutabaga are all fantastic additions that will add depth of flavor and a lovely earthy sweetness to your corned beef and cabbage. Just be sure to cut them into similar sizes as the potatoes and carrots so they cook evenly.
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