Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (1)

By: Becky Hardin

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This crockpot corned beef and cabbage recipe is my go-to easy way to slow cook corned beef along with cabbage, carrots, and red potatoes. It’s a full, hearty, comforting, and savory dish! We cook this twist on a traditional Irish meal every St. Patrick’s Day and it’s become a favorite family tradition.

Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2)

Table of Contents

Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe

I used to live near a neighborhood in St. Louis called “Dogtown”. It’s an amazing neighborhood steeped in Irish heritage that has a truly wonderful St. Patrick’s Day parade and celebration each year. You walk down the street and families offer you all the fun and festive fare. Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage was what I always looked for, it was so delicious! I knew I could develop my own version of the recipe that would become a fun tradition for our family for years to come.

Ingredients

Cooking corned beef and cabbage in a crockpot makes this traditional Irish recipe super easy. Just throw the ingredients in the slow cooker, set it, and forget it!

  • Corned Beef: Corned beef is a salt-cured beef brisket. Look for flat cut rather than point cut for the best results. Trim all visible fat from the brisket.
  • Onion: Use yellow onion.
  • Cabbage: Use one small cabbage.
  • Red Potatoes: These are smaller and less starchy than white potatoes, so they work better in recipes like this. Peel and halve before putting them in the slow cooker.
  • Carrots: I used baby carrots for convenience, but you can also peel and cut whole carrots into thick slices.
  • Beef Bouillon Cube: This adds a lot of savory flavor into the mix.
  • Beef Broth: This adds a flavorful liquid into the mix.
  • Garlic: I used 1 garlic clove, but you can increase the amount if you like more garlic flavor.
  • Dry Mustard: Sometimes called mustard powder or ground mustard, this adds a savory, almost tangy flavor.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: This adds the perfect mix of flavor to this dish.
  • Caraway Seed: Caraway is a must for corned beef.

What spices are used to make traditional corned beef?

Corned beef brisket generally comes with a spice packet that includes a mix of peppercorns, mustard seeds, dill seeds, and bay leaves. I recommend using this, but you can also use any mix of those spices from your cabinet, or leave it out completely.

Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (3)

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How to Store and Reheat

Storing leftover corned beef and cabbage is quite easy. Just place it in an airtight container, and refrigerate as soon as you’re done eating. I find that it will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Reheat in a slow cooker or in the oven, and cook to an internal temp of at least 145°F.

How to Freeze

I freeze corned beef for up to 2-3 months. I let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.

Serving Ideas

I truly love that this crockpot corned beef and cabbage recipe is a full meal! It’s filled with beef, cabbage, carrots, and potatoes, so it’s quite hearty, perfect for a St. Patrick’s Day dinner.

When I am serving a large crowd and want to add some extra sides, I’ll whip up some beer bread, colcannon potatoes, or hash brown potato casserole. I also love to serve it with our St. Patrick’s Day Punch, which is always a crowd pleaser.

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5-Star Review

“I followed this recipe to the letter except one change-up as I used vegetable bouillon with a pint of stout to substitute for the broth. The corned beef was the most tender I have ever made. The mix of vegetables was perfect. It is rare for me to find keepers on the internet or to review recipes. This one is a keeper!! Brava to you:)” – Becky DiRosa

Recipe

Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe

4.57 from 210 votes

Author: Becky Hardin

Prep: 10 minutes minutes

Cook: 8 hours hours

Total: 8 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (7)

Serves6

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This is such an easy, hands-off way to make corned beef and cabbage, a traditional Irish dish!

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Ingredients

  • pounds corned beef brisket
  • 1 onion sliced
  • 6 red potatoes peeled and halved
  • 2 cups baby carrots
  • 1 beef bouillon cube
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • The spice packet that comes with the corned beef brisket optional
  • 1 cabbage cut into wedges
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth

Instructions

  • Trim the brisket of all visible fat.

    2½ pounds corned beef brisket

  • Spray a large crockpot with nonstick spray.

  • Place the onion, potatoes, and carrots in the bottom of the crockpot, and place corned beef on top.

    1 onion, 6 red potatoes, 2 cups baby carrots

  • Whisk together the bouillon, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and beef broth.

    1 beef bouillon cube, 1 clove garlic, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon dry mustard, 2 cups low-sodium beef broth

  • Pour the liquid over the brisket.

  • Sprinkle the included spice packet over the corned beef (optional). Cover pot.

    The spice packet that comes with the corned beef brisket

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  • Cook on low setting for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, adding the cabbage wedges and caraway seed for the last hour of cooking.

    1 cabbage, 1 teaspoon caraway seeds

  • To serve, discard cooking liquid, slice meat and serve with mustard if desired.

    Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (10)

Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!

Becky’s tips

  • I prefer flat cut brisket, as it is more uniform and easier to cut, but point brisket will also work.
  • You can swap the beef broth for vegetable broth, water, or Guinness beer.
  • For more tender cabbage, add it earlier; for crisper cabbage, add it later.
  • Properly cooked corned beef should be at least 145°F internally.
  • Slice the beef across the grain for tender meat.
  • Nutritional information does not include optional ingredients.

Storage:Store crockpot corned beef and cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 595kcal (30%) Carbohydrates: 49g (16%) Protein: 36g (72%) Fat: 29g (45%) Saturated Fat: 9g (56%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 14g Cholesterol: 102mg (34%) Sodium: 2743mg (119%) Potassium: 2110mg (60%) Fiber: 9g (38%) Sugar: 11g (12%) Vitamin A: 6051IU (121%) Vitamin C: 128mg (155%) Calcium: 120mg (12%) Iron: 6mg (33%)

Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!

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More Cozy Beef Recipes We Love

  • Corned Beef Hash
  • Guinness Beef Stew
  • Reuben Casserole
  • Beef Wellington
  • Slow Cooker Brisket

How long do you cook corned beef in a crock pot?

On the low setting, it will take about 8-10 hours to cook. On the high setting, it will only take about 4-5 hours.

What temperature should corned beef be cooked to?

Corned beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145°F to ensure safe consumption. Use a meat thermometer to measure this. The meat will still be quite pink due to the curing process, so that is not an adequate way of determining how done or cooked the meat is.

What is the best method for cooking corned beef?

Slow cooking methods work best for corned beef, like oven-roasting or using a slow cooker.

What kind of beef do you use for corned beef?

Corned beef is a salty brine-cured beef brisket. It’s a specific type of meat, and that curing process is the important part.

Does it get more tender the longer it cooks?

Yes, corned beef benefits from a longer cooking time, which is why the crockpot is such a great option.

When do you add cabbage to the crock pot with corned beef?

Cabbage doesn’t need nearly as long to cook as the corned beef, so add it into the slow cooker about 1 hour before the beef is done.

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FAQs

What is the secret to 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.

Should corned beef be submerged in 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.

Why is my corned beef not tender in the crockpot? ›

Low Temperature: Slow cookers typically cook at relatively low temperatures, which can result in meats like corned beef not reaching a high enough temperature to break down the tough connective tissues and collagen properly. This can lead to a tougher texture rather than the desired tenderness.

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.

What happens if you don t rinse corned beef before cooking? ›

Many recipes don't include a step for rinsing the meat, but it's worth doing it anyway. Depending on the pickling solution used for the meat, you may be in for a saltier meal than you bargained for if you cook the meat without rinsing it. And don't worry: Rinsing won't make the beef taste bland!

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.

What is the most tender way to cook corned beef? ›

Slow cooking with a crock pot or using an instant pot is a fantastic way to cook corned beef, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth, tender meat throughout. You can make a delicious, hearty meal with simple ingredients and a crock pot or instant pot. Your whole family will enjoy it.

Is it better to boil or slow cook corned beef? ›

Corned beef is a brisket that has been brined. It is often sold precooked, but if you have purchased it raw, the best way to cook corned beef is slowly. You can bake, boil, or cook it in your slow cooker, but the key to a tender, flavorful meal requires at least a few hours.

Should corned beef be fat side up or down in crockpot? ›

Corned Beef Brisket should be placed in the crockpot or pot with the fat side up. The fat insulates and protects the meat and helps the corned beef from drying out as it cooks. Brisket / corned beef should have a thin layer of fat on the top. Sometimes the fat is super thick and needs to be trimmed.

What do you do with 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. Reduce the heat to a simmer, and cover the pot.

What is the red liquid in corned beef package? ›

Blood is removed from beef during slaughter and only a small amount remains within the muscle tissue. Since beef is about 3/4 water, this natural moisture combined with protein is the source of the liquid in the package.

Should you brown corned beef before slow cooking? ›

How Do You Cook Corned Beef Brisket In a Crockpot? Check the recipe below. It's really easy, all you have to do is add all the ingredients and cook on the preferred setting. Similarly, you can brown the brisket on the one side before adding it to the slow cooker, this way it will have a crispier top.

Do you drain liquid from corned beef and cabbage? ›

When the meat is almost done, and you are about an hour from dinner, ladle out most of the cooking liquid and place in a large, heavy bottomed cooking pot.

How many people will a 4 pound corned beef feed? ›

When buying a brisket for corned beef, plan on about 3/4 pounds per person, or up to one pound per person if you want to make sure there are leftovers for things like sandwiches and hash.

How do you fix tough corned beef? ›

Because corned beef comes from brisket, a tough cut of meat. You need its connective tissue to break down so you can have tender results. Some like to braise their corned beef in an all-water liquid, with various spices and salt; others add beer to the mix to further tenderize the meat.

How do you make corned beef taste better? ›

Add a tablespoon or two of pickling spice as well as a few garlic cloves, a quartered onion, a carrot, and a few stalks of celery if you like. Bring everything to a boil, cover, and reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer.

Why does my corned beef always come out tough? ›

Cooking over a high temperature.

High heat is not a friend to brisket. When cooked at a boil for too long, corned beef is likely to turn out tough and chewy, rather than soft and tender. Do this instead: Regardless of the cooking method, corned beef is best cooked over low heat.

What is the most flavorful cut of corned beef? ›

Point Cut: More marbling and fat, ideal for slow cooking, results in a richer flavor and more tender meat, best for hearty dishes.

What is the tastiest corned beef? ›

If you're looking for a more tender and juicy meat, the best cut of corned is point cut. It has more marbling and fat which is the reason why it's more flavorful, soft, and juicy than flat cut. Both cuts are tough cuts of meat though, so they require low heat and slow-cooking methods.

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