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Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage

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This Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe is the ultimate comfort food that you can set and forget. With tender beef brisket, flavorful vegetables, and a rich beef broth, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

 

Main image for Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage

 

Corned beef and cabbage in crock pot is incredibly easy to make – just toss everything in the crock pot and let it do the work!

I love that the  beef is so tender and juicy, it practically falls apart.

The vegetables are dripping with the rich beef broth for a flavorful side dish.

And the optional cabbage adds a pop of color and flavor.

Plus leftovers of slow cooker corned beef make for great sandwiches or can be frozen for a later meal.

 

Carrots, Potatoes, Onions and garlic in a crock pot

 

What is Corned Beef?

Corned beef is a type of salt-cured beef that is usually made from brisket. 

The beef is brined in a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices, which gives it its signature flavor and pink color.

It’s a popular meal in Ireland (though made a little differently) and has since it made its way around the world and into the United States! 

And no wonder! If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re totally going to love it!

It’s popular on St. Patrick’s day for obvious reasons though you can really serve it any time of year!

 

Cleaned brisket placed on top of vegetables

 

What Ingredients are in Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage?

This slow cooker recipe for easy corned beef only uses a few simple ingredients. 

Here’s what you’ll need to grab at the grocery store (no spice packet or seasoning packet!):

  • Carrots: Baby carrots or large cut ones add a slightly sweet flavor and texture to the dish.
  • Potatoes: Absorb the flavors of the beef broth and spices, making them a delicious side dish.
  • Onion: Adds a savory flavor and texture to the dish.
  • Garlic Cloves: Adds a depth of flavor to the broth.
  • Corned beef brisket: The star of the dish, the beef is infused with the flavors of the spices and vegetables.
  • Beef broth: Provides a rich, savory base for the dish.
  • Salt and pepper: Adds seasoning to the dish.
  • Cabbage (optional): Green cabbage adds a pop of color and flavor to the dish.

Pro Tips:

  • I typically use russet potatoes though red potatoes or gold potatoes will work too.
  • Cut your head of cabbage into cabbage wedges and then chop finely.

 

Brisket spices sprinkled on top of meat in crock pot.

 

How to Make Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage

Slow Cooking allows your corned beef dinner to give you the most tender slice of beef and and an entire delicious meal!

  1. Layer vegetables on bottom of crockpot and top with minced garlic.
  2. Pour beef broth on top of vegetables and place corned beef brisket on top.
  3. Sprinkle spices, salt, and pepper on top of the beef.
  4. Cook on low heat for a few hours of cooking and add cabbage near the end.
  5. Remove brisket from crockpot, let rest, slice and serve. Enjoy!

Pro Tips:

  • Rinse the corned beef before cooking to remove excess blood.
  • Trim off excess fat if desired.
  • If your crock pot cooks hot, lower the cooking time.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the corned beef is fully cooked.

 

Cooked brisket in crock pot with chopped cabbage all around.

 

Is Corned Beef and Cabbage Irish?

While corned beef and cabbage is often associated with Irish cuisine, it is actually an Irish-American dish. 

In Ireland, bacon and cabbage is the traditional meal, but Irish immigrants in America found that corned beef was a more affordable alternative.

And originally, the probably didn’t have crock pots or slow cookers to work with, but I have found that is definitely the easiest cooking process!

So while it may not have been a totally Irish meal initially, you won’t regret serving this perfect corned beef for your St. Patrick’s day dinner.

 

cooked corned beef brisket on cutting board surrounded by veggies and cooked cabbage

 

What to Serve with Corned Beef and Cabbage

Crockpot corned beef and cabbage is typically served with a side of Irish soda bread, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

You’ll already be making this corned beef with potatoes, carrots, and cabbage, so you probably won’t need anything else.

But if you’re serving a crowd, here’s some easy side dish recipes to make a big meal:

 

Side view looking straight at corned beef slices cut off slab

 

Is Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage Healthy?

Corned beef is not the healthiest protein option due to its high sodium content. 

However, this crockpot version is healthier than other cooking methods because it doesn’t require any additional oil or fat.

Another great option is to make this Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage.

And with the addition of all the other vegetables, like tender carrots, you can feel pretty good about this healthy meal!

 

top view looking down at beef slab with slices cut off

 

Can You Freeze Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage?

Yes, this corned beef and cabbage recipe freezes well and is an easy way to store leftovers. 

Simply let the finished dish cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

 

top view looking down at slices of corned beef on a plate

 

What Bread Goes with Corned Beef and Cabbage?

Irish Soda Bread is the traditional side dish to easy slow cooker corn beef and cabbage. 

It’s a really easy bread that doesn’t require any rising time and comes together quickly!

I highly recommend it because you can make it so quickly near the end of the time in the crock pot and have it ready to go.

But, you actually have many bread options:

I know you’ll enjoy this traditional Irish meal as much as we do! 

 

fork full of corned beef showing how tender the slices are.

 

So next year make Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage and enjoy this wonderful dish the easiest way possible!

 

Yield: 4 pounds corned beef

Corned Beef & Cabbage

top view looking down at beef slab with slices cut off

Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage is a traditional St. Patrick's Day food. This recipe is easy, tastes delicious and makes for a great meal!

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 30 minutes

Instructions

  1. Place carrots, potatoes & onion on the bottom of your crock pot.
  2. Top vegetables with minced garlic.
  3. Pour in the beef broth.
  4. Rinse off brisket to clean off excess blood. Trim off fat if desired.
  5. Place brisket on top of vegetables.
  6. Sprinkle on the spices that came with brisket as well as the salt and pepper..
  7. Cook brisket on low for 8 hours. If your crock pot cooks hot, then lower cooking time. Corned Beef should read around 160*F before cabbage added and 190 - 205*F when fully cooked.
  8. Place cabbage in crock pot 1 hour prior to serving. (Or cook separately so flavors don't meld)
  9. Once corned beef reaches 190*F the brisket is done. Remove from crock pot to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving..

Notes

If this recipe looks like it has changed, it has! The other recipe that used to be on Num's the Word can now be found HERE on Delectabilities.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 197Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 1171mgCarbohydrates: 36gFiber: 5gSugar: 5gProtein: 9g
Originally Posted: March 3, 2015

Photos & Text Updated: January 20, 2018

Photos & Text Updated: February 22, 2024

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Katerina Petrovska

Tuesday 27th of February 2024

This turned out fantastic! It was a cozy and satisfying dish, especially on a chilly day. Will be making this one again for sure!

Catalina

Tuesday 27th of February 2024

The Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage was a total hit in our house! I was a bit nervous about making it, but your instructions were clear and easy to follow!

Erin | Dinners, Dishes and Dessert

Tuesday 27th of February 2024

It is so delish! I'm definitely making this again!

Sandra

Monday 26th of February 2024

Love everything about this recipe! Easy to make and very flavorful!

Gina

Monday 26th of February 2024

My hubs waits all year for this recipe. I love that it is so simple using the slow cooker.

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