Crock Pot Corned Beef And Cabbage Recipe

When it comes to making dinner to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day it doesn’t get much better (or easier) than this crock pot corned beef and cabbage recipe. Every March thousands of people head to the grocery store to pick up a corned brisket and a head of cabbage with the intention of cooking a traditional Irish meal.

Although, beyond popular belief, this actually isn’t a recipe that originated in Ireland. In fact, if you ask anyone that lives in Ireland, they most likely have never even heard of this dish.

That is because it is an Irish-American tradition to make corned beef and cabbage. Not one that originated in Ireland.

This recipe was developed from Irish immigrants living in close proximity to the Jewish community. It was here that the corned beef that was served in delis and street food carts tasted very similar to Irish bacon.

Once combined with cabbage and potatoes it was a meal that reminded them of the ones they enjoyed back in Ireland. However, cooking the corned beef with cabbage was another choice based on cost efficiency, as it was inexpensive compared to other cuts of meat.

And even better, the entire meal could be cooked in one pot making the dish easy to make, economical and delicious! But now we can make it even easier by making Corned Beef in the slow cooker!

And if you have a pressure cooker, you can even make Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage!

What Is Corned Beef?

But what exactly is corned beef? Corned beef is a cut of meat, known as a brisket, that has been salt-cured.

The term ‘corned’ comes from the traditional use of large grained rock salt, called ‘corns’ that was used in the salting and curing process. However, today, salt brines are a more common way to cure the meat.

You can find Corned Beef in the refrigerator meat section in the grocery store. It typically comes in a vacuumed sealed package which includes both the brisket and a seasoning packet.

Although the contents of the seasoning packet can vary somewhat they often include a mix of the following spices:

1. Whole Peppercorns: These add a pungent and spicy flavor to the meat.
2. Mustard Seeds: Mustard seeds contribute a mildly spicy and tangy flavor.
3. Coriander Seeds: Coriander seeds provide a citrusy and slightly sweet taste.
4. Bay Leaves: Bay leaves add a subtle herbal aroma and flavor.
5. Allspice: Allspice berries contribute a warm and sweet flavor resembling a combination of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
6. Dill Seeds or Dill Weed: Dill imparts a mild, herbal flavor.
7. Garlic: Some seasoning packets may contain garlic powder or dried garlic granules for added savory notes.
8. Clove: Cloves provide a warm, sweet, and slightly bitter taste.

When cooked for an extended period of time in the crock pot the corned beef becomes tender and will easily fall apart. This slow cooking process also allows the flavors to penetrate the slightly salty meat, providing the unique taste that we all have come to love.

What Vegetables To Include In A Crock Pot Corned Beef Dinner

Traditionally, whether you decide to cook corned beef in a crock pot, oven or boil it, cabbage and other vegetables are often included to make this dish a one pot, complete meal.

In addition to adding large wedges of cabbage to the pot, potatoes, carrots, onions and garlic are also included. The onions and garlic are added to flavor the meat. And the larger, heartier vegetables which become tender when cooked, make it a complete, well-balanced meal.

However, it is best to add the cabbage during the final stages of cooking. This will allow the wedges of cabbage enough time to absorb the flavors of the seasoned broth and meat without wilting away.

Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 3-4 lb. flat cut corned beef brisket, with seasoning packet
• 1 large onion, cut in 8 chunks
• 8 cloves of garlic
• 6 medium red potatoes, quartered
• 3 large carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 4 cups of beef/chicken broth
• 1 small green cabbage, cut into 6 wedges

INSTRUCTIONS

The first thing that you will notice when you open the corned beef package is that there is a liquid surrounding the meat. Sometimes this liquid solidifies and becomes a gel-like substance that sticks to the outer surface.

Therefore, before you add the corned beef to the slow cooker, it is best to rinse it off to remove any excessive salt and/or the gel. After you rinse off the brisket set it aside as you prepare the vegetables.

Prepare The Vegetables

You will need small red potatoes, carrots, onions, and green cabbage to add to the corned beef.

If your red potatoes are large, cut them in half. However, if they are on the smaller side, you can cook them whole.

As for the carrots, be sure to cut them in large chunks. This will prevent them from becoming mushy as they cook for the extended period of time.

Next, cut the onion into 8 wedges. The onion layers will break down as they cook, giving the broth great flavor.

Finally, peel and crush the garlic cloves. Crushing the cloves will allow more garlic flavor to infuse in the broth.

Once the vegetables are prepared add them into the slow cooker. Pour the beef (or chicken) broth in with the vegetables.

Then add the rinsed brisket and sprinkle the seasonings from the packet on top. Do NOT add the cabbage at this point.

Initial Cook Time

Close the lid of your slow cooker and cook on HIGH pressure for 7-8 hours. If you have a programmable slow cooker like our 6 quart Crock Pot, it is okay if it turns to the keep warm setting after the cook time is up.

About 1 hour before you are ready to eat, cut the cabbage into 6 large wedges. Then add the wedges to the crock pot with the corned beef.

This will allow enough time for the cabbage to become pliable, but not wilt away.

When you are ready to eat, simply pull out the corned beef and vegetables and place them on a platter. After slicing your meat, add some of the remaining juices on top of the meat before serving.

And if you are lucky enough to have any leftovers, be sure to make this Slow Cooker Reuben Dip! It is great to serve as you are watching your favorite sporting event or to take to any gathering to share with family and friends.

Enjoy! Mary

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