Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

Every year I love seeing recipes that pop up right before St. Patrick’s Day. I even put together a list of St. Patrick’s Day recipes. I couldn’t get the thought of corned beef and cabbage out of my head, the quintessential St. Patrick’s Day recipe, and one that I just had to add to our recipe index!

We tested this recipe quite a few times to make sure it was just right for you and I hope you love it as much as we did! Try serving it with Irish soda bread for a truly unforgettable meal.

About Slow Cooker Corned Beef

Easy: If you’re a unfamiliar with cooking corned beef, it might feel a little intimidating. Rest assured, it is not difficult! It really is one of the easiest meals you can make and is as simple as adding ingredients to the slow cooker and letting it do all the work!

Hands-off: Well, mostly hands off. We tested this recipe a number of times and have some recommendations about timing for when to add the potatoes, carrots, and cabbage (to avoid mushy vegetables and potatoes). So you’ll need to be around a little bit while it’s cooking, but other than adding those ingredients, it’s completely hands-off.

A complete meal in one pot: You guys know I’m a sucker for a good one pan meal, and this one is no different. Less dishes to wash always makes me happy.

Ingredient Notes

• Corned Beef Brisket: Look for a packaged corned beef brisket that weighs two to three pounds. Corned beef briskets usually come already brined, with a small seasoning packet. I didn’t rinse my brisket but if you prefer, rinsing will remove any lingering brine. Save the seasoning packet; you’ll be adding it to the slow cooker.
• Beef Broth or Stock: I always choose low or no-sodium broth if it’s available. You’ll need two to three cups of broth, depending on the size of your brisket and the size of your slow cooker. You need enough to nearly cover the brisket.
• Red Potatoes: Red potatoes hold their shape well. Yukon gold or yellow potatoes are a good substitute.
• Carrots: You’ll need about one pound of carrots.
• Green Cabbage: I use about a half head of cabbage but it depends on the size of the cabbage.

How To Make A Slow Cooker Corned Beef Dinner

Making this recipe is so much easier than I could have ever imagined. Head to the recipe card for the full printable instructions!

Start the corned beef: Corned beef is best with a long cook time to achieve the tenderness you want with a cut of meat like this. We give the beef a bit of a head start in the broth and seasonings before adding the other ingredients.

Add the vegetables: The potatoes and carrots are added a few hours in, and then the cabbage iss added an hour before the end of the cook time.

Remove and serve: Remove the vegetables and the potatoes and place on serving plate. Remove the brisket, slice against the grain, and serve.

Serving Suggestions

While this is a full meal all in one pot, it can be accompanied by other items to round it out even more.

Salad: This meal goes great with fresh greens to brighten and lighten it up. Try an arugula salad or any of your favorite greens and vegetables topped with a homemade green goddess dressing.

Bread: While the clear choice here is Irish soda bread, it’s also great with Dutch oven bread or beer bread.

Dessert: We love this meal finished with a sweet touch! If you’re sticking with the St. Patrick’s Day theme, try a whiskey milkshake or Irish coffee ice cream pie. Both recipes are for adults only but the whiskey can be left out of either recipe to make them alcohol-free.

Storing & Reheating Leftovers

Refrigerate leftovers promptly in a covered container for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in the oven.