Description
This Slow Cooker Corned Beef & Cabbage recipe is a comforting, classic Irish-American dish perfect for an easy and flavorful meal. Tender corned beef brisket is slow-cooked with hearty potatoes, carrots, and onions in a savory broth infused with traditional spices. Finishing with tender cabbage, it’s an ideal meal to prepare in advance and enjoy with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
Corned Beef and Seasoning
- 3-4 lb corned beef brisket (with seasoning packet)
Vegetables
- 6-8 small potatoes, halved or quartered
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 1 small head of cabbage, cut into wedges
Liquid and Spices
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth (or water)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Corned Beef: Place the corned beef brisket into the bottom of the slow cooker with the fat side facing up. Evenly sprinkle the seasoning packet that comes with the brisket over the meat to enhance flavor during cooking.
- Add Vegetables: Arrange the halved or quartered potatoes, chunked carrots, and quartered onion around the brisket inside the slow cooker. This allows the vegetables to absorb the savory cooking juices.
- Pour in Liquids and Spices: Pour the beef broth (or water) and apple cider vinegar over the brisket and vegetables. Add black peppercorns, bay leaves, and mustard seeds if using, for additional aromatic notes. Optionally sprinkle garlic powder at this stage.
- Slow Cook the Meat and Vegetables: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours. During this time, the corned beef will become tender and easily shred with a fork, while the potatoes, carrots, and onion soften.
- Add the Cabbage: Approximately 30 minutes before serving, add the wedges of cabbage on top of the other ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover and continue cooking for another 30 minutes until the cabbage is tender but not mushy.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the corned beef from the cooker and slice it against the grain into thin pieces. Serve the sliced beef alongside the cooked vegetables on plates.
- Optional Serving Suggestions: Offer mustard or horseradish on the side as a tangy accompaniment to the corned beef and vegetables.
Notes
- Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker model and the size of the brisket.
- Using low-sodium beef broth helps control the saltiness, especially if your corned beef is already salted.
- Adding cabbage later prevents it from overcooking and becoming too soft.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and are great for sandwiches.
- For a spicier kick, include some crushed red pepper flakes with the spices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Irish-American
