Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Welcome to our slow cooker corned beef and cabbage recipe! If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful dish that requires minimal effort, you’re in the right place. This traditional Irish-American recipe is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any cozy meal at home. The slow cooker does all the work, resulting in tender and succulent corned beef paired with perfectly cooked cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. Let’s dive in and learn how to make this classic dish that will surely satisfy your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are several reasons why this slow cooker corned beef and cabbage recipe is a must-try:

1. Easy and Convenient: This recipe is incredibly simple to prepare. Just gather the ingredients, toss them in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. You can go about your day while the flavors meld together.

2. Tender and Flavorful: Slow cooking allows the corned beef to become incredibly tender and infused with the flavors of the spices and vegetables. The cabbage, carrots, and potatoes soak up all the delicious juices, resulting in a mouthwatering meal.

3. Versatile: While this recipe is traditionally made with corned beef, you can easily substitute it with a vegetarian alternative like tempeh or seitan for a plant-based twist. The flavors will still be just as satisfying.

Ingredients

To make slow cooker corned beef and cabbage, you’ll need the following ingredients:

– 3-4 pounds corned beef brisket with seasoning packet

– 1 onion, sliced

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 4 cups water

– 1 head cabbage, cut into wedges

– 4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks

– 4 potatoes, peeled and quartered

Note: Feel free to add additional vegetables like parsnips or turnips for extra flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your slow cooker corned beef and cabbage:

1. Place the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.

2. Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water to remove any excess brine. Pat it dry with paper towels.

3. Place the corned beef on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker.

4. Sprinkle the seasoning packet that came with the corned beef over the meat.

5. Pour the water into the slow cooker, making sure it covers the meat.

6. Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for 7-8 hours or until the beef is tender.

7. After 5-6 hours of cooking, add the cabbage, carrots, and potatoes to the slow cooker.

8. Continue cooking for an additional 1-2 hours or until the vegetables are fork-tender.

9. Once everything is cooked to perfection, carefully remove the corned beef from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it against the grain.

10. Serve the sliced corned beef with the vegetables and a ladle of the flavorful cooking liquid.

11. Enjoy your slow cooker corned beef and cabbage!

Expert Tips for Success

Here are some expert tips to ensure your slow cooker corned beef and cabbage turns out fantastic:

– Trim any excess fat from the corned beef before placing it in the slow cooker. This will prevent the dish from becoming greasy.

– If you prefer a milder flavor, you can soak the corned beef in cold water for 1-2 hours before cooking. This will help remove some of the saltiness.

– For added depth of flavor, you can brown the corned beef in a hot skillet before placing it in the slow cooker. This step is optional but highly recommended.

– Don’t overcook the vegetables. Check them for tenderness periodically to avoid mushy textures.

Variations and Substitutions

If you want to get creative, here are some variations and substitutions for your slow cooker corned beef and cabbage:

– Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the slow cooker for a kick of heat.

– Sweet and Tangy: Mix 1/4 cup brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard together. Spread this glaze over the corned beef before cooking for a deliciously sweet and tangy flavor.

– Vegetarian Option: Replace the corned beef with tempeh or seitan. Follow the same cooking instructions, adjusting the cooking time if needed.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your slow cooker corned beef and cabbage, here are a few ideas to enhance the meal:

– Serve with a side of creamy horseradish sauce or tangy mustard for dipping.

– Accompany the dish with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

– Pair with your favorite Irish stout or a glass of crisp white wine.

FAQs

Q: Can I cook the corned beef on high heat instead of low?

A: While it’s possible to cook the corned beef on high heat, the low and slow method yields the best results. It allows the meat to become tender and ensures the flavors fully develop.

Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?

A: Absolutely! Allow the cooked corned beef and vegetables to cool completely, then store them in airtight containers or freezer bags. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

Slow cooker corned beef and cabbage is a classic recipe that never fails to impress. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this dish is perfect for any occasion, from St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to cozy family dinners. Give it a try and let the slow cooker work its magic. We’re sure you’ll fall in love with the tender corned beef, flavorful vegetables, and the convenience of this delicious recipe. Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

Recipe by Author

A traditional Irish-American dish where tender corned beef is slow-cooked with cabbage, carrots, and potatoes, resulting in a flavorful and hearty meal. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any cozy meal at home.

Course: Main Dish Cuisine: Irish-American Difficulty: easy

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4.5 from 120 votes

Pin Print

🍽️

Servings

8

⏱️

Prep time

20

minutes

🔥

Cooking time

480

minutes

📊

Calories

450

kcal

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• 3-4 pounds corned beef brisket with seasoning packet
• 1 onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups water
• 1 head cabbage, cut into wedges
• 4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 potatoes, peeled and quartered

Directions

1. Place the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Place the corned beef on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker.
4. Sprinkle the seasoning packet over the meat.
5. Pour water into the slow cooker to cover the meat.
6. Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for 7-8 hours until beef is tender.
7. Add cabbage, carrots, and potatoes to the slow cooker after 5-6 hours of cooking.
8. Continue cooking for an additional 1-2 hours until vegetables are fork-tender.
9. Remove corned beef from the slow cooker, let it rest, slice against the grain, and serve with vegetables and cooking liquid.
10. Enjoy your slow cooker corned beef and cabbage!

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 450

Fat: 20

Carbohydrates: 30

Protein: 35

Sodium: 1300

Fiber: 7

Sugar: 5