Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage is the kind of meal that warms the heart and fills your home with nostalgic, comforting aromas. Traditionally associated with St. Patrick’s Day, this recipe has become a beloved family classic enjoyed year-round.

The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting—turning a tough cut of corned beef brisket into a fork-tender masterpiece infused with flavors of warm spices, sweet onion, hearty potatoes, and buttery cabbage.

This recipe is perfect whether you're celebrating a holiday, feeding a crowd, or simply craving a delicious and filling homemade dinner.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly simple yet yields restaurant-quality results. With minimal prep work, the slow cooker magically transforms basic ingredients into a savory, comforting dish. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, the vegetables soak up the flavorful broth, and every bite tastes like home.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try dish because:

✔ It’s beginner-friendly
✔ It uses one pot, making cleanup easy
✔ The leftovers taste even better
✔ It’s a complete meal—protein, vegetables, and seasoning in one recipe
✔ The flavors develop slowly and deeply

Whether you're making it for a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, it never disappoints.

Recipe Details

Ingredients

For the Corned Beef:

• 3–4 lb corned beef brisket with seasoning packet
• 4–5 cups beef broth or water
• 3 garlic cloves, sliced
• 1 bay leaf

Vegetables:

• 6 small red potatoes, halved
• 4 medium carrots, cut into chunks
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 1 small head cabbage, cut into wedges

Optional Add-ins:

• 1–2 tbsp brown sugar (for slight sweetness)
• 1 tbsp whole grain mustard
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Directions

1. Place potatoes, carrots, and onion into the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Place the corned beef brisket on top, fat side up.
3. Add seasoning packet, bay leaf, garlic, mustard (optional), and brown sugar.
4. Pour in broth or water until the meat is mostly submerged.
5. Cook 8–10 hours on LOW or 4–5 hours on HIGH.
6. Add cabbage wedges during the last 1.5–2 hours of cooking so they stay tender but not mushy.
7. Remove beef, slice against the grain, and serve with vegetables.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prep the Vegetables:
   Chop potatoes, carrots, and onion into large chunks and place in slow cooker.
2. Add the Meat:
   Place corned beef brisket on top with fat side facing upward.
3. Season:
   Sprinkle seasoning packet over top and add garlic and bay leaf.
4. Add Liquid:
   Pour beef broth or water until meat is almost covered.
5. Slow Cook:
   Set cooker on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours.
6. Add Cabbage:
   Place cabbage wedges around meat in last 2 hours of cooking.
7. Slice & Serve:
   Remove brisket, rest 10 minutes, slice across the grain, and serve with vegetables.

How to Serve

Serve warm with:

Carrots, potatoes, and cabbage
A drizzle of cooking juices
Buttered bread or Irish soda bread
Optional: serve with mustard or creamy horseradish on the side

Recipe Tips

• Always slice against the grain for tenderness.
• Use low setting if possible—longer cooking enhances tenderness.
• Skim excess fat from liquid before serving.
• Add cabbage later to prevent overcooking.

Variations

Beer-Braised Corned Beef

Replace half the broth with Guinness beer for deeper flavor.

Spicy Version

Add:

• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 sliced jalapeño

Garlic-Butter Finish

Brush finished brisket with garlic butter before slicing.

Low-Carb Option

Swap potatoes for cauliflower chunks added in the final hour.

Storage & Freezing

To reheat: warm gently in broth on stovetop or microwave.

Special Equipment Needed

• 6–8 quart slow cooker
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Serving tongs and ladle

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage is the perfect blend of comfort, tradition, and effortless cooking. With minimal prep and maximum reward, this hearty meal brings families to the table and guarantees smiles. Whether you're celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply craving a cozy homemade dinner, this recipe delivers every time—tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a satisfying, timeless taste.