Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe

This Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage is the easiest way to enjoy a classic Irish-American dish! Slow-cooked corned beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while cabbage, carrots, and potatoes soak up all the delicious flavors. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or a cozy, comforting meal any time of year!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Set It and Forget It – The slow cooker does all the work!
• Tender & Flavorful – Corned beef turns out juicy and perfectly seasoned.
• One-Pot Meal – Everything cooks together for easy cleanup.
• Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day – A festive and traditional Irish-inspired dish.
• Great for Leftovers – Use the extra corned beef for sandwiches or hash!

Ingredients

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

• Corned beef brisket (with seasoning packet)
• Yellow onion (quartered)
• Garlic cloves (minced)
• Carrots (peeled and chopped)
• Baby potatoes (halved)
• Green cabbage (cut into wedges)
• Beef broth or water
• Guinness beer (optional, for extra flavor)
• Bay leaves
• Black peppercorns
• Whole grain mustard (optional, for serving)

Optional Add-Ins:

• Turnips or parsnips for extra root vegetables
• Apple cider vinegar for a slight tang
• Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

Directions

Prepare the Ingredients:

1. Rinse Corned Beef – Rinse the corned beef under cold water to remove excess brine.
2. Layer Vegetables – Place onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker.

Slow Cook the Corned Beef:

3. Add the Corned Beef – Place the brisket on top of the vegetables, fat side up.
4. Season & Pour Liquid – Sprinkle the seasoning packet over the brisket, then add beef broth, Guinness beer (if using), bay leaves, and peppercorns.
5. Cook Low & Slow – Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 4-6 hours until tender.

Add the Cabbage:

6. Add Cabbage – In the last 2 hours (LOW) or 1 hour (HIGH) of cooking, add cabbage wedges on top of the brisket.

Slice & Serve:

7. Rest the Beef – Remove corned beef from the crockpot and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
8. Serve & Enjoy – Arrange beef and vegetables on a platter, spoon broth over the top, and serve with mustard or horseradish.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 hours (LOW) or 4-6 hours (HIGH)
• Total Time: 8-10 hours

Variations

• Spicy Corned Beef – Add red pepper flakes or spicy mustard.
• Beer-Braised Version – Use only Guinness or another dark beer as the cooking liquid.
• Apple Cider Corned Beef – Replace some of the broth with apple cider for a sweet twist.
• Garlic Herb Corned Beef – Add rosemary, thyme, and extra garlic for a deeper flavor.
• Keto & Low-Carb Version – Skip the potatoes and add more cabbage or cauliflower.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked corned beef (sliced or whole) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a covered dish with some broth at 325°F for 15-20 minutes.

FAQs

Should I rinse the corned beef before cooking?

Yes! Rinsing removes excess salt from the brine but won’t affect the flavor.

Can I cook this faster?

Yes! You can cook on HIGH for 4-6 hours, but LOW for 8-10 hours results in the most tender beef.

Do I need to sear the corned beef first?

No, but searing before slow cooking can enhance flavor.

What’s the best beer to use?

Guinness or any dark stout adds a rich, deep flavor, but you can use any beer you like.

Why is my corned beef tough?

It likely needs more cooking time. Cook longer on LOW for better results.

Can I cook this without beer?

Yes! Use all beef broth or water instead.

What should I serve with this dish?

Try Irish soda bread, mashed potatoes, or a side of grainy mustard.

Can I add butter to the vegetables?

Yes! Toss the cooked veggies in melted butter for extra richness.

How do I slice corned beef properly?

Always slice against the grain for the most tender bites.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Pressure cook on HIGH for 90 minutes, then quick release and add cabbage. Cook for 5 more minutes before serving.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage is a foolproof, flavor-packed way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or enjoy a comforting meal anytime. With juicy corned beef, tender vegetables, and a rich broth, it’s a hearty, delicious dish the whole family will love. Try it today and enjoy this classic slow-cooked favorite!

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