Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe

This Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage is the ultimate comfort food for busy days and cozy nights. The savory, melt-in-your-mouth corned beef gets plenty of love from aromatic bay leaves, tender baby potatoes, sweet carrots, and vibrant cabbage – all simmering gently together for hours until perfection. The magic happens while you go about your day, filling your home with tantalizing aromas and promising a deeply satisfying dinner with minimal effort. Whether you serve it for St. Patrick’s Day or a laid-back family meal, this dish is hearty, flavorful, and destined to become a favorite for anyone who craves a classic one-pot wonder.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, honest ingredients are the secret behind the irresistible taste and texture of this Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage. Each component plays an important role, from building a rich broth to achieving those crave-worthy, fork-tender bites. Here’s exactly what you’ll need, and why.

• Corned beef brisket (3 to 4 lbs, with seasoning): This is the star of the show, bringing deep, savory flavor and luscious texture as it slow-cooks to tenderness.
• Low sodium beef broth (4 cups): Provides a flavorful base that keeps everything juicy while allowing you to control the saltiness of the final dish.
• Bay leaves (2): Just two little leaves infuse the broth with a gentle, herby aroma that’s wonderfully warming.
• Baby carrots (1 lb): Their natural sweetness balances the saltiness of the beef and adds a gorgeous pop of color.
• Baby potatoes, red and gold (2 lbs): These hold their shape beautifully in the slow cooker and soak up all those delicious juices.
• Cabbage, chopped (½ head): Added at the end for vibrant crunch and classic Irish charm.

How to Make Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

Step 1: Start with the Corned Beef

Take the corned beef out of its packaging (don’t forget to save any included seasoning packet) and nestle it right into the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the beef broth over the top until nearly submerged, then tuck in the bay leaves. This gentle bath will infuse the meat with flavor and keep it beautifully moist as it cooks. Cover and set your slow cooker to LOW – patience is about to pay off big time.

Step 2: Add the Potatoes and Carrots

After five hours of cooking, it’s time to make room for the veggies. Scatter the baby potatoes and carrots around the brisket in the slow cooker. These will cook alongside the beef, soaking up those tasty juices and getting wonderfully tender without falling apart. Return the lid and continue cooking on LOW for three more hours. Trust me, your kitchen will smell absolutely divine!

Step 3: Top It Off with Cabbage

For the final touch, layer the chopped cabbage over everything in the slow cooker. Cover and let it finish cooking for another 30 minutes on LOW. This is just enough time for the cabbage to soften while keeping a little bite, rather than turning soggy. Once done, use tongs and a slotted spoon to transfer the cabbage, carrots, and potatoes to a serving platter. Carefully lift out the corned beef, let it rest a few minutes for juicy slicing, then carve it up for a show-stopping meal!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

Garnishes

This dish shines with just a touch of the right garnishes. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over everything for a burst of green and a hint of freshness. A crack of black pepper or a dab of spicy mustard on the side adds personality to every mouthful. Feel free to present with a few lemon wedges or a drizzle of horseradish cream for anyone who wants an extra kick!

Side Dishes

Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage is satisfying all on its own, but if you’re feeling festive, serve warm Irish soda bread with loads of good butter to mop up the flavorful broth. Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted parsnips, or a simple apple slaw all make lovely companions for this hearty meal. And don’t skip a cold pint if that’s how you like to celebrate!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fresh twist, you can slice the cooked corned beef extra thin and layer it with cabbage and potatoes in a soft roll for a rustic sandwich. Or, arrange everything family-style on a big platter, neatly fanning out the meat and nestling the vegetables around it for a dramatic centerpiece. Mini portions in ramekins make for a cozy party starter or appetizer, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage keeps brilliantly! Let it cool completely, then store the meat and veggies together or separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to 4 days. Just be sure to scoop up a bit of the cooking liquid to keep things moist and flavorful.

Freezing

Have more than you can eat? Corned beef freezes beautifully for up to three months. Place slices of the beef and portions of veggies into freezer-safe bags or containers, adding some broth to each. To prevent freezer burn, press out as much air as possible. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Warm up leftovers gently, either in the microwave with a splash of broth (cover to keep things steamy), or on the stovetop in a covered pan over low heat. If you’re reheating a larger amount, you can return it all to the slow cooker on LOW until hot. Keep an eye on the cabbage so it doesn’t overcook.

FAQs

Can I use water instead of beef broth?

Absolutely! Using water will yield a gentler, more old-fashioned flavor. If you prefer your Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage on the milder side, water is a great substitute. You can also mix water and broth to your taste.

When should I add the cabbage so it doesn’t get mushy?

Add the cabbage during the last 30 minutes of cooking, as in this recipe. That keeps it tender with a slight crunch, just the way it should be! Prolonged cooking will cause it to lose its shape and vibrancy.

How do I know the corned beef is cooked through?

Your corned beef is ready when it can be easily pierced with a fork and reaches at least 195°F internally. It should be juicy, tender, and slice easily after resting for a few minutes out of the slow cooker.

Can I make Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage ahead for a party?

Definitely! You can cook the beef and vegetables a day in advance, store everything chilled with some broth, and reheat slowly before serving. Wait to slice the beef until just before serving for the juiciest results.

What’s the best way to slice corned beef?

Once it’s rested, use a sharp knife to cut the beef against the grain. This gives you slices that are extra tender and easier to chew—a little trick that makes all the difference!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving a soul-warming, hearty meal, let this Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage be your new go-to recipe. It’s the kind of crowd-pleasing comfort food that feels like a warm hug, whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just treating yourself. Give it a try and get ready for rave reviews—your dinner table will thank you!

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