Slow Cooker Corned Beef & Cabbage

There’s something magical about corned beef and cabbage simmering away in a slow cooker all day long, filling your house with the comforting scents of a traditional Irish dish. This Slow Cooker Corned Beef & Cabbage recipe is the perfect way to bring all the cozy flavors of St. Patrick’s Day—or any day—into your home with minimal effort. Tender, juicy corned beef, soft cabbage, and a medley of vegetables come together to create a dish that’s as hearty as it is delicious.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something warm and satisfying, this slow cooker recipe is a total winner. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to gather around the table and savor every bite. And the best part? It’s all made with your trusty slow cooker, so you can set it and forget it while it works its magic. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Corned Beef & Cabbage

Easy & Low Maintenance:

Set it and forget it! With the slow cooker, you can just toss everything in and let it cook slowly throughout the day. It doesn’t get much easier than that.

Flavorful & Tender:

Slow cooking allows the corned beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the cabbage and veggies absorb all the delicious flavors. It’s one of those dishes where every bite is better than the last!

Hearty & Comforting:

This meal is a classic comfort food. It’s filling, flavorful, and perfect for cooler days. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel warm and satisfied from the inside out.

Perfect for Celebrations:

Whether it’s St. Patrick’s Day or a Sunday dinner, this dish is perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s a meal that brings people together, and it’s easy to make in large batches.

Minimal Ingredients:

You don’t need a ton of ingredients to make this dish. It’s made with simple, everyday ingredients, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy, comforting meal:

• Corned Beef Brisket: The star of the dish. Make sure to get a good-quality corned beef brisket, usually comes with a seasoning packet.
• Cabbage: A whole head of cabbage, sliced into wedges. It softens beautifully and soaks up all the flavors.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and color to the dish. Cut into large chunks.
• Potatoes: Gold or Yukon potatoes are perfect for this. They hold their shape well when cooked in the slow cooker.
• Onion: Adds flavor and depth to the broth.
• Garlic: A couple of cloves of garlic, minced, for extra flavor.
• Bay Leaves: A couple of dried bay leaves to season the broth.
• Beef Broth: To help cook the corned beef and create a flavorful base.
• Water: To add to the slow cooker and ensure there’s enough liquid for cooking.
• Seasoning Packet: Usually comes with the corned beef brisket, but you can also add your own spices like peppercorns, mustard seeds, or coriander if preferred.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste, to round out the flavors.

(Note: Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! This slow cooker corned beef and cabbage couldn’t be easier to prepare.

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by washing and peeling the carrots, then cut them into large chunks. Peel the potatoes and cut them into quarters or halves, depending on their size. Slice the cabbage into wedges. Slice the onion into quarters, and mince the garlic.

Step 2: Set Up the Slow Cooker

Place the vegetables—carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic—at the bottom of the slow cooker. This helps to create a cozy base for the corned beef to rest on and keeps the vegetables from getting too soft.

Step 3: Add the Corned Beef

Place the corned beef brisket on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker, fat side up. This allows the fat to melt down and flavor the meat. Pour in the beef broth and water to cover the meat and vegetables, leaving just a little space at the top of the slow cooker. Add the seasoning packet that comes with the corned beef (or your own spices, if you prefer).

Step 4: Slow Cook the Corned Beef

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the corned beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft. The longer it cooks, the more flavorful and tender the corned beef will become.

Step 5: Add the Cabbage

About 1 hour before serving, add the cabbage wedges to the slow cooker. Press them down into the liquid as much as you can. The cabbage will soften and absorb all the delicious flavors from the broth and corned beef.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Once everything is cooked, remove the corned beef from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing against the grain. Serve the corned beef slices with the vegetables, and drizzle some of the flavorful broth over the top.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Corned Beef & Cabbage

This meal is a complete dinner on its own, but you can always serve it with a few sides for extra comfort.

• Irish Soda Bread: Perfect for soaking up all that flavorful broth.
• Mustard or Horseradish Sauce: Serve on the side to add a little kick to your corned beef.
• Pickles: A tangy contrast to the rich corned beef.

Additional Tips

• Corned Beef Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, corned beef makes amazing sandwiches the next day. Just add some mustard and pickles for a classic corned beef sandwich.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some hot sauce to the broth.
• Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the corned beef rest before slicing helps it retain its juices and results in a more tender, flavorful cut of meat.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6

• Calories per serving: 375
• Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 1000mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5g
  • Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 28g
• Vitamin A: 70%
• Vitamin C: 35%
• Calcium: 4%
• Iron: 15%

(Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on exact ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 hours on low
• Total Time: 8-10 hours 15 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A1: Yes, you can use a different cut, such as a flat cut or point cut. The flat cut tends to be leaner, while the point cut has more fat, which can add extra flavor.

Q2: Can I cook this on high instead of low?
A2: Yes! You can cook it on high for about 5-6 hours, but the low and slow method helps achieve the best tenderness and flavor.

Q3: Can I use frozen corned beef?
A3: Yes, you can use frozen corned beef. Just make sure to add extra cooking time to allow it to thaw and cook through.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Q5: Can I make this ahead of time?
A5: You can prepare everything the night before, refrigerate it, and then cook it the next day in the slow cooker.

Q6: Can I add other vegetables?
A6: Absolutely! You can add parsnips, turnips, or even leeks for extra flavor and variety.

Q7: Is corned beef high in sodium?
A7: Yes, corned beef can be high in sodium, especially the pre-packaged kind. If you’re watching your sodium intake, you can rinse the corned beef before cooking to reduce some of the salt.

Q8: Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?
A8: Yes, you can use vegetable broth if you prefer, but beef broth gives the dish its classic rich flavor.

Q9: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A9: You can add a few slices of jalapeño or some hot sauce to the broth for a spicy kick!

Q10: Can I cook the vegetables separately?
A10: You can, but cooking the vegetables along with the corned beef lets them soak up all the flavorful broth, making them much tastier.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Corned Beef & Cabbage is the ultimate comfort food made simple. With minimal effort and all the flavor, this dish is perfect for family dinners, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a warm, hearty meal. The tender corned beef, perfectly cooked vegetables, and flavorful broth are sure to make this recipe a favorite. So, grab your slow cooker and get ready for a cozy meal that will fill your home with delicious aromas and satisfied bellies!

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