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!
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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 that they 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.
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!!
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 add a 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!
This recipe creates a one of a kind, delicious dinner that your family will love! Since it’s already a complete meal, we most often serve it with 30 Minute Dinner Rolls or Easy Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits and 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.
More St. Patrick's Day Favorites
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 pounds corned beef brisket uncooked, with spice packet
- 1 onion
- 3 cloves garlic sliced
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 ½ to 3 cups water
- 2 pounds potatoes peeled* & quartered
- 2 large carrots chopped
- 1 small head green 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
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Dinner
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I put my beef on too late to have dinner tonight. If I cook it for 8 hours and refrigerate, could I put the cabbage in tomorrow and cook for another 2 hours on low? Or just finish tonight and put everything in the fridge? Thank you!
I haven’t tried splitting up the cook time. I would think the veggies would be nicer cooked fresh so I would suggest doing them tomorrow if time allows.
I would reserve the juices from the slow cooker in the fridge and reheat tomorrow. It might take a bit more time as it won’t be hot already. As another option, you could roast or simmer the veggies so it’s a bit quicker. The corned beef will reheat perfectly in the oven as well but I’m sure it’ll work in the slow cooker too. Let us know how it works out for you!
How did this work out? I am planning on making this for a potluck at work next week and I can’t figure out how to best split up the cooking times. Thanks!
Hello, thanks for this yummy recipe! Quick question: when I add in the potatoes and carrots do I put them on top of the beef or under?
Great question Jessica. Since they are added 3 hours into the cooking time you would add these on top of the beef.
Hey I was wondering if for the last 2 hours of cooking time if it’s ok to turn the crockpot on high? I started it at 10:30 and want it to be ready by 6:30
We haven’t tried turning it up towards the end but that should work. Let us know how it turns out Nathan.
Yes that will work- I often start anything I cook in the slow cooker on High for about 2 hours then turn it to Low for the rest of the time and have also put it on low at the beginning if I’m going out and put it up to high when I get home both ways work well
Does the corned beef usually float? I covered it with liquids starting then the tops was sticking out on top. When I added the potatoes and carrots, I put a few on top to submerge the meat. Anyone have any guidance?
Hi Amanda, the corned beef does not need to be completely covered but the water level should reach just about to the top of the beef. You can add a little bit more if needed. But it should be fine!
Looking for great recipes to cook in the slow cooker.
We have a whole section of delicious slow cooker recipes Judith!
Great
SOOOOO DELICIOUS!!!! This was my first time making corned beef & cabbage, it was a hit & will definitely become a staple! Everything was perfect! My Mom brought some black eyed peas & cornbread which perfectly completed our New Year’s dinner! Nice way to welcome 2020! Thank you for sharing your recipe!!!
Your food looks amazing! Everything looks so like a 5 star
Aww thanks Laura! So happy you are enjoying the recipes.
What is the seasoning packet mentioned in the instructions portion of the recipe?
Hi Jerry, corned beef often comes preseasoned or with a seasoning packet. That is what is being referred to in the recipe.
Hello. My brisket doesn’t come with a seasoning packet so how do I make one?
You can use pickling spices in place of a seasoning packet.
Hi – I added the largest amount of water plus another cup and it’s still not reaching the top of the corned beef. Should I add more?
Thanks!
Cynthia
The corned beef does not need to be completely covered but the water level should reach just about to the top of the beef. You can add a little bit more if needed.
I’m making this for saint Patrick’s day this year how many does this feed ? Thank you!
Hi Taryn, this recipe makes about 6 servings.
This recipe is perfect. I have never had great success with corned beef and cabbage but this was amazing!
I am so glad you enjoyed the recipe Mary!
I lost my recipe and this is the closest that I have found. The big difference is I substitute about 2-3 cans of pale beer when adding the water, I add 2 beef bouillon cubes and I do add some Pickling Spice. I can’t wait for it to be done. TY
Those sound like delicious substitutions to this recipe! Ihope you enjoy the dish!
Can I use a corned beef round instead of a brisket?
I’m sure that would work.
Hi, I was curious if I’m cooking 2 pieces of corned beef at approx. 3-4 lbs each do I need to allow any longer time or would the 8-10 hrs be sufficient?
I haven’t tried cooking 2 at the same time so I can’t say for sure. You’ll want to cook until the meat becomes fork tender. If you allow for extra time and it’s done early, you can remove it from the slow cooker and keep warm in the oven on low.
I cooked 2 corn beef the first time I tried this recipe and did not need to cook any longer than the recipe called for I cooked 8 hours and both pieces fell apart with fork. Amazing recipe my husband will not eat corn beef cooked any other way now. Thanks for this terrific recipe.
I am so glad your family has enjoyed this recipe Linda!
Can I use beef broth instead of water?
Sure you can, however this will change the flavor.
Hello. Can you please tell me what kind of potatoes are used? Thank you.
I use russet potatoes but any will work in this recipe.
I use small Yukon Gold which work out wonderfully and don’t need to peal them…
Want to try soon. How many does this serve? Im having 12 guests for dinner.
At the top of the recipe card, you’ll find the number of servings on each recipe. This recipe serves 6. Have a great dinner party Mandy!
I MADE THIS ONLY 1 TIME (NOT YOUR RECIPE :) ) BUT THE MEAT CAME OUT FUNNY COLORED. WHAT WOULD CAUSE THIS?
Corned beef does come out a bright red/pink color. The curing process uses sodium nitrite which makes the meat bright pink.
Yup new recipe to try out with corned beef!
Will any can of beer work in this recipe? Thank you!;)
Cheap beer is the best,Milwaukees best , Busch light are the ones that I have had good luck with. Tried Sam Adams with bad taste. Nobody likes it here. The fancy flavorful beer is best for drinking and the cheapest least flavor beer is the best for cooking. ………..
Fabulous, simple and will not use another recipe. I love this one.
Thank you Julie! Glad you love this Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe!
I have been trying a few recipes for corned beef. Oven baked and slow cooker. I am new to corned beef and this year sort of decided to try it. Anyway, this recipe is my favorite. I think the small amount of seasonings is the key. Just enough and the RIGHT ones. Very simple. Its almost June and I’ve made this 3 times already since March…or April. Whenever I found this one. Love it!