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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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!

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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:

• Bread: Irish Soda Bread, Basic Focaccia, or Sweet Potato Rolls
• Potatoes: Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes with Maple Syrup, or Homemade Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Vegetables: Roasted Winter Vegetables, Bacon Wrapped Green Beans, or Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

 

 

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!

 

 

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.

 

 

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:

• Oatmeal Molasses Bread
• Hot Dog Bun Garlic Bread
• Bisquick Ham and Cheese Biscuits
• Old Fashioned Biscuits
• Crazy Bread
• Four Cheese Garlic Bread

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

 

 

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

 

Originally Posted: March 3, 2015

Photos & Text Updated: January 20, 2018

Photos & Text Updated: February 22, 2024

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