Corned Beef and Cabbage Slow Cooker Recipe (2024)

This Corned Beef and Cabbage Slow Cooker recipe packs all of the deliciousness of corned beef into a meal that cooks itself.

Tender Corned Beef and cabbage, carrots, & potatoes all cooked to perfection in the Crock Pot make for an effortless meal.

Talk about a stroke of good fortune on St. Patrick’s Day or any day of the year!

Corned Beef and Cabbage Slow Cooker Recipe (1)

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The Best Recipe for Corned Beef and Cabbage!

I’m often asked “What is the best recipe for corned beef and cabbage?” and I have to admit that I’m partial to this slow cooker recipe! Making this crock pot Corned Beef & Cabbage recipe, it so easy that it practically cooks itself.

  • It is best cooked in a 6QT slow cooker (or larger) as it really fills the crockpot.
  • Add the potatoes a few hours into the cooking process, so thatthey cook for about 5-6 hours, this will keep them from getting mushy.
  • Add the cabbage 2 hours before you plan to serve the meal.

Low and Slow Cooked Corned Beef

If you’ve never made crockpot corned beef before, it’s actually easy to make. Keep in mind that in mind, corned beef (and beef brisket in general) is a tough cut of meat and it benefits from a long low and slow cooking time.

Quickly check the corned beef with a fork to see if it is tender. If it is tough, it likely hasn’t cooked for long enough; leave it in the slow cooker and give it a little more time.

Important Note

After slow cooking corned beef, be sure to allow the corned beef to rest for at least 15 minutes before cutting.

Once rested, cut against the grain for corned beef that is juicier and fork tender.

How to Cook Corned Beef to Make it Tender

  • Low & Slow:Brisket is a tough cut of meat, and to get the very best results, it should be cooked low and slow. In this recipe, I use the slow cooker and I make sure to use the low setting.
  • Give it time: This goes back to “slow”… this recipe calls for 8-10 hours and mine usually takes closer to 10. If your corned beef is tough, there’s a good chance it didn’t cook long enough.
  • Rest your meat: As with most meats, allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
  • Cut across the grain:Brisket has long fibrous strands so it is very important to cut across the grain. In fact, this is one of the most important parts of this recipe!!
Corned Beef and Cabbage Slow Cooker Recipe (2)

What Spices go on Corned Beef?

Corned Beef is beef brisket that has been cured and brined. When sold, it often comes already seasoned or with a seasoning packet. The seasonings include beautifully fragrant spices such as whole allspice, peppercorns, mustard seeds, and coriander, to name a few. If your corned beef doesn’t have a spice packet, you can adda couple of tablespoons of pickling spices, a few peppercorns, and a bay leaf. Bundle them up in cheesecloth and toss them into the slow cooker.

St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to enjoy an easy crock pot Corned Beef and Cabbage. Using a slow cooker makes this meal almost effortless!

Corned Beef and Cabbage Slow Cooker Recipe (3)

This recipecreates a one of a kind, delicious dinner that your family will love! Since it’s already a complete meal, we most often serve it with30 Minute Dinner RollsorEasy Homemade Buttermilk Biscuitsand a simple side salad.

Don’t eat this just on St. Patrick’s day, it’s wonderfully cozy all year round! This easy corned beef and cabbage recipe contains a complete meal all in one, tender corned beef, potatoes, sweet carrots and cabbage.

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Corned Beef and Cabbage Slow Cooker Recipe (10)

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Corned Beef and Cabbage Slow Cooker Recipe

This Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe packs all of the deliciousness of corned beef into a meal that cooks itself. Talk about a stroke of good fortune on St. Patrick’s Day or any day of the year!

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Corned Beef and Cabbage Slow Cooker Recipe (11)

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 8 hours hours

Total Time 8 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Corned Beef and Cabbage Slow Cooker Recipe (12)

Servings 6 servings

Corned Beef and Cabbage Slow Cooker Recipe (13)

Author Holly Nilsson

Ingredients

  • 1 corned beef brisket 3-4 pounds
  • 1 onion
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 ½ – 3 cups water
  • 2 pounds potatoes peeled & quartered
  • 2 large carrots chopped
  • 1 small head of cabbage cut into wedges

Instructions

  • Chop onion into large chunks and place in the bottom of a 6 qt slow cooker. Top with corned beef and seasoning packet.

  • Pour water into slow cooker until it just about covers the corned beef. Add garlic and bay leaves.

  • Cook on low 8-10 hours.

  • After the initial 3 hours, add potatoes and carrots to the slow cooker.

  • Two hours before serving, add cabbage wedges to the slow cooker.

  • Remove corned beef from slow cooker and let rest 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with potatoes, carrots and cabbage.

Video

Corned Beef and Cabbage Slow Cooker Recipe (15)

Notes

Once cooked your corned beef should be tender (mine usually cooks closer to the 10 hour time). Appliances can vary, if your corned beef is not tender, it likely needs to cook longer.

It is essential to cut your corned beef across the grain.

Nutritional information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

4.99 from 1388 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 592 | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 122mg | Sodium: 2817mg | Potassium: 1653mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 3545IU | Vitamin C: 136.9mg | Calcium: 135mg | Iron: 9.5mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Corned Beef and Cabbage Slow Cooker Recipe (16) Course Dinner

Corned Beef and Cabbage Slow Cooker Recipe (17) Cuisine American

© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.

Corned Beef and Cabbage Slow Cooker Recipe (18)
Corned Beef and Cabbage Slow Cooker Recipe (19)

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Holly is a wine and cheese lover, recipe creator, shopping enthusiast and self appointed foodie. Her greatest passion is creating in the kitchen and making deliciously comforting recipes for the everyday home cook!
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Corned Beef and Cabbage Slow Cooker Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Does corned beef need to be covered with liquid in a slow cooker? ›

You can add seasonings other than salt, like black peppercorns and bay leaves. Keep the brisket submerged at all times as well since it's the water actually transferring heat into the meat and cooking it. Letting the top become exposed will dry out the meat and slow down the cooking process, leading to uneven doneness.

Does corned beef go in crockpot fat side up or down? ›

Place corned beef brisket, fat side up, into a slow cooker; sprinkle with pickling spice. Place whole cloves throughout the brisket. Add garlic, bay leaves and 2 cups water, or more water as needed to cover the brisket by at least 1 inch. Cover and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours.

How do you know when corned beef is cooked in a slow cooker? ›

Corned beef takes hours and hours to cook on low in the crock pot. The best way to tell is when you stick your fork in it and it comes back out and the meat is still in the pot. I found that when the temp of the corned beef is above 180F and the meat is fork tender.

What is the secret to the best corned beef? ›

Simmering corned beef on the stovetop is a tried-and-true method that results in very tender beef. One of the keys to simmering corned beef correctly is the amount of water in the pot. When there's not ample liquid to cover the meat, your dreams of tender corned beef may be replaced by a tough, chewy result.

Can you overcook corned beef in a slow cooker? ›

You can overcook corned beef in a Crock-Pot if it's cooked for too long at too high of a temperature. Overcooked corned beef can taste tough and stringy. It's best to follow the recommended cook time and temperature within the recipe.

Should meat be completely covered in liquid in slow cooker? ›

When cooking meat or poultry, the water or liquid level should cover the ingredients to ensure effective heat transfer throughout the crock. Some manufacturers of slow cookers recommend adding liquid to fill the stoneware 1/2 to 3/4 full.

Do you use the liquid in the corned beef package? ›

Place the brined corned beef in a large pot or Dutch oven along with the liquid and spices that accompanied it in the package. Pour in enough water to cover the beef, then bring the water to a boil on the stovetop.

Why is my crockpot corned beef tough? ›

Not filling the pot with enough water.

One of the keys to getting there is the amount of water in the pot. From start to finish, when there's not ample liquid to cover the meat, your dreams of tender corned beef might be crushed with a tough, chewy result.

What is the best method for cooking corned beef? ›

The USDA recommends simmering corned beef on the stovetop for 1 hour per pound of meat. If you're cooking yours in the oven, plan for 3 to 3 1/2 hours for a 2 1/2- to 3-pound cut.

Is it better to cook corned beef on stove or slow cooker? ›

In the slow-cooker, the corned beef brisket will take 8 to 10 hours to cook, whereas the stove top version takes only 4.5 to 5 hours. A great rule of thumb for the stove top version is that you'll need about 45 minutes per pound of brisket, but you can always check for doneness with a meat thermometer.

What can I use instead of malt vinegar for corned beef? ›

You can substitute the malt vinegar with apple cider vinegar. Slice meat against the grain (i.e. do not slice in the direction of the meat fibres) – you may need to change direction as you cut the meat.

How many hours does it take to cook corned beef? ›

For a two to three-pound corned beef brisket, cook for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. For a three to five-pound corned beef brisket, cook for 3 to 3 1/2 hours. STOVE: Place brisket fat-side up in a large pot and cover it with water. Bring the water to a boil; then reduce the heat and simmer, allowing about 1 hour per pound.

What goes well with corned beef and cabbage? ›

27 Sides and Sauces to Elevate Your Corned Beef Meal
  • Sauteed Cabbage. Instead of boiling your cabbage, saute it with some olive oil, garlic and onions. ...
  • Roasted Turnips. ...
  • Roasted Potatoes. ...
  • Mashed Potatoes. ...
  • Tater Tots. ...
  • French Fries. ...
  • Sauerkraut. ...
  • Brussels Sprouts.
Jun 25, 2023

What gives corned beef its unique flavor? ›

The flavor profile often includes bay leaf, black peppercorn, mustard seed, dried red pepper and coriander. If that blend sounds familiar, it's because it's same list of spices that are packaged as pickling spice. Not surprising, since corned beef and pickles are commonly made in the same place: a deli.

Does corned beef get more tender the longer you cook it? ›

Corned beef is safe once the internal temperature has reached at least 145 °F, with a three minute rest time, but cooking it longer will make it fork-tender. Corned beef may still be pink in color after cooking. This does not mean it is not done. Nitrite is used in the curing process.

Does water have to cover corned beef? ›

The most common method for cooking corned beef and cabbage is boiling. Put the meat in a large pot, cover it with water or beef broth, add a seasoning packet and boil before lowering the heat to a simmer. Cook for 2 to 3 hours or until the meat is tender and cooked to your liking.

Should corned beef be cooked covered or uncovered? ›

Since corned beef needs to cook with moist heat, you'll cover the pan or wrap the roast with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Check the liquid as it cooks, replenishing it if needed. You can add vegetables during the last hour of cooking.

Why is my crockpot corned beef dry? ›

And while brisket can take a much higher temperature than a steak can, it too can be overcooked. If all the collagen turns to gelatin, that's good, but if all the gelatin cooks out of the corned beef, you'll just have a crumbly, dried out piece of salted beef.

Is corned beef supposed to be submerged in water? ›

Yes, corned beef should be covered with water in a slow cooker. This is important to ensure that the meat stays moist and tender during the cooking process. It is also important to ensure that the water level is high enough to fully submerge the meat, as this will ensure that it cooks evenly.

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