Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

If you’re craving a dish that’s equal parts comforting and full of flavor, then Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage is your ticket to a heartwarming meal. With just a few simple ingredients, this classic dish comes together effortlessly in your slow cooker, leaving you with tender, juicy corned beef and perfectly cooked cabbage. The best part? The whole house will smell like a cozy, homey kitchen as it slowly simmers throughout the day. Trust me, this recipe is one you’ll turn to year after year—it’s that good.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

Here’s why this dish is a must-try:

Effortless Cooking:

With the slow cooker doing all the hard work, you’ll have a hands-off meal that’s easy to prepare and requires minimal effort. Simply toss everything in, and let your slow cooker work its magic!

Tender Corned Beef:

The long, slow cook results in the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth corned beef that’s just bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s packed with that signature savory, slightly salty taste that makes corned beef so irresistible.

Perfectly Cooked Veggies:

The cabbage, carrots, and potatoes cook to perfection, soaking up all the delicious flavors from the beef and broth. They’re the ideal complement to the rich and savory meat.

A Classic Comfort Meal:

This dish is pure comfort food—hearty, satisfying, and perfect for cozy nights in or celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with friends and family.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this cozy, slow-cooked meal:

Corned Beef Brisket: The star of the dish. Look for one with a spice packet included—this will help bring out that signature flavor.

Cabbage: Cut into wedges or large chunks. It’ll cook down to a perfect tender consistency.

Carrots: Fresh, peeled, and cut into thick rounds. These add a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.

Baby Potatoes: Their creamy texture holds up well during slow cooking and soaks in all those delicious flavors.

Onion: One whole onion, peeled and quartered. It adds a depth of flavor to the broth.

Garlic: A few cloves of garlic, smashed, to infuse the dish with flavor.

Beef Broth: To help keep the corned beef tender and flavorful as it simmers.

Spice Packet: Most corned beef briskets come with a spice packet, but if yours doesn’t, you can make your own by using a combination of mustard seeds, peppercorns, coriander, and a bay leaf.

Salt and Pepper: To taste.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s walk through how to create this slow-cooked masterpiece:

Prep the Corned Beef:

Place the corned beef brisket in the slow cooker, fat side up. If your brisket came with a spice packet, sprinkle it over the top of the meat. If not, add your own spice mix.

Add the Vegetables:

Arrange the quartered onion, carrots, and potatoes around the corned beef in the slow cooker. Add the garlic cloves as well.

Pour in the Broth:

Pour the beef broth over the meat and vegetables. This will keep everything moist and full of flavor as it cooks.

Slow Cook:

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-9 hours, or until the corned beef is fork-tender. The longer it cooks, the more flavorful and tender the meat will be.

Add the Cabbage:

About 1 hour before the cooking time is up, add the cabbage wedges to the slow cooker. Push them down into the liquid, ensuring they cook evenly but don’t get overcooked. Cabbage cooks down quickly, so just a little bit of time is needed.

Slice and Serve:

Once the cooking time is up, remove the corned beef and vegetables from the slow cooker. Let the meat rest for about 10 minutes before slicing against the grain. Serve the corned beef with the tender potatoes, carrots, and cabbage for the ultimate comfort meal.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 850mg
Total Carbohydrates: 22g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 30g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8-9 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes – 9 hours 15 minutes

How to Serve Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few ideas to make your meal even more special:

With Warm, Buttery Bread:

Serve with crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up the savory broth.

With Mustard or Horseradish Sauce:

A bit of tangy mustard or spicy horseradish makes a great addition to each bite of corned beef.

Pair with a Light Salad:

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, hearty flavors of this meal.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make your slow cooker corned beef and cabbage even better:

Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker:

While it’s tempting to add more veggies, make sure there’s enough room for the corned beef to cook evenly. If your slow cooker is too small, consider making this recipe in batches.

Adjust the Seasonings:

If you like a bit more flavor, try adding extra spices like bay leaves, garlic powder, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra savory kick.

Use a Meat Thermometer:

If you’re not sure if the corned beef is done, use a meat thermometer. The ideal temperature for corned beef is around 190°F to 200°F, which will give you a perfectly tender and sliceable result.

Make Ahead:

This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can cook the corned beef ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. It also freezes well for future meals!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?
A1: Yes! While corned beef brisket is traditional, you can use a round roast or another cut of beef if you prefer. Keep in mind, though, that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! This dish reheats beautifully. Just store the meat and vegetables separately in airtight containers and reheat gently when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: Can I use cabbage other than green cabbage?
A3: While green cabbage is traditional, you can try using red cabbage or Savoy cabbage for a different texture and color. Just note that red cabbage will add a slightly different flavor and color to the dish.

Q4: How long can I store leftovers?
A4: Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. If you want to store them longer, freeze them for up to 3 months.

Q5: Can I cook corned beef on high instead of low?
A5: Yes, you can cook it on high for 4-5 hours instead of 8-9 hours on low. Just be sure to check the tenderness and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q6: Can I use a pressure cooker instead of a slow cooker?
A6: Yes, you can! Cook the corned beef in a pressure cooker on high for about 90 minutes, followed by a natural release. Add the cabbage in the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Q7: Can I skip the potatoes?
A7: Yes, if you’re looking to cut carbs or prefer a lighter dish, you can skip the potatoes and just cook the corned beef with the carrots and cabbage.

Q8: Can I use homemade broth instead of store-bought?
A8: Absolutely! Homemade beef broth will add even more depth of flavor to this dish. Just be sure to add enough liquid to cover the corned beef and vegetables.

Q9: Can I add extra spices?
A9: Definitely! If you like a bit of heat, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of paprika to give the dish a subtle kick.

Q10: Can I make this recipe in advance for a party?
A10: Yes! You can make this dish in advance and serve it buffet-style. It’s great for feeding a crowd and can be kept warm in a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting.

Conclusion

There you have it—Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage! This easy, hearty, and comforting dish is perfect for a cozy meal, whether it’s for St. Patrick’s Day or any day you want a taste of home. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s one of those recipes you’ll come back to time and time again. Grab your slow cooker, toss everything in, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s just as satisfying as it is delicious!

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