Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

Slow cooker corned beef and cabbage is a hearty, comforting classic that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any time you crave a satisfying, slow-simmered meal. This set-it-and-forget-it recipe delivers tender corned beef, buttery cabbage, and perfectly cooked vegetables with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines ease and flavor in the best way. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, turning a tough cut of meat into melt-in-your-mouth beef while the vegetables soak up all the rich, savory broth. It’s an ideal one-pot meal that feeds a crowd, makes your kitchen smell amazing, and requires very little prep time. Great for holidays, family dinners, or weekly meal prep.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Corned beef brisket with spice packet
• Green cabbage (cut into wedges)
• Carrots (peeled and cut into large chunks)
• Potatoes (Yukon Gold or red, halved or quartered)
• Yellow onion (quartered)
• Garlic cloves (smashed)
• Water or beef broth
• Bay leaves
• Optional: whole grain mustard or horseradish for serving

directions

1. Place the potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Rinse the corned beef brisket and place it on top of the vegetables. Sprinkle with the contents of the spice packet.
3. Add water or beef broth to the slow cooker until the meat is about ¾ submerged.
4. Add bay leaves and cover with the lid.
5. Cook on low for 89 hours or high for 45 hours.
6. In the final 12 hours of cooking, add the cabbage wedges to the top of the mixture.
7. Once done, remove the meat and vegetables, slice the corned beef against the grain, and serve warm with optional mustard or horseradish.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 68 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 8 hours on low or 5 hours on high
Total time: 8 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Beer-braised version: Replace half of the liquid with a bottle of Irish stout or lager.
• Spicy: Add crushed red pepper or extra garlic for a little kick.
• Low-carb: Skip the potatoes and add extra cabbage and carrots.
• Apple cider vinegar: A splash adds a tangy balance to the rich flavors.
• No spice packet: Use whole mustard seeds, peppercorns, coriander, and a pinch of cloves if your brisket doesn’t come with one.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat:

• Stovetop: Simmer gently in broth until warmed through.
• Microwave: Reheat individual servings on medium heat in 1-minute intervals.

You can freeze cooked corned beef (without vegetables) for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly and store in freezer-safe bags or containers.

FAQs

Do I need to rinse the corned beef?

Rinsing removes excess salt from the brine. It’s recommended, but you can skip it if you prefer a saltier flavor.

Can I cook the cabbage longer?

Cabbage cooks quickly and can become mushy, so it’s best added during the final 12 hours.

Can I use beef broth instead of water?

Yes, beef broth adds extra flavor, but water works just fine.

What’s the best cut of corned beef?

Flat cut is leaner and easier to slice, while point cut is fattier and more flavorful.

Can I cook it on high instead of low?

Yes, cook on high for 45 hours, but low for 89 hours yields more tender results.

What if my corned beef is too salty?

Serve with something tangy like mustard or vinegar, and be sure to rinse the meat before cooking.

Should I trim the fat before cooking?

Leave some fat on during cooking for flavor; you can trim excess after it’s done.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, parsnips, rutabaga, or turnips make great additions.

How do I slice corned beef?

Always slice against the grain for the most tender texture.

Is this dish good for meal prep?

Absolutely. It stores well, reheats beautifully, and is filling enough for multiple meals.

Conclusion

Slow cooker corned beef and cabbage is a comforting, flavorful, and hands-off meal that’s ideal for both special occasions and everyday dinners. With minimal prep and maximum reward, it’s a tried-and-true recipe that brings traditional flavors to your table with ease. Whether you’re celebrating or just craving something hearty, this dish delivers every time.

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