Description
This Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe offers a classic, tender, and flavorful meal perfect for a comforting family dinner. Slow-cooked in a crockpot, the corned beef becomes tender and juicy while infusing the vegetables with rich, savory broth. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking time, this dish is ideal for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or any cozy dinner occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 3-4 lbs corned beef brisket (with seasoning packet, if available)
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 4-5 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 small head of cabbage, cut into wedges
Liquids & Spices
- 4 cups beef broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns (optional)
- Salt (if needed, as corned beef is usually salty enough)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Place the quartered onion at the bottom of the crockpot. This creates a flavorful base for the corned beef to rest on during cooking.
- Add the Corned Beef: Rinse the corned beef under cold water to reduce excess saltiness, then place it on top of the onions in the crockpot. Sprinkle the seasoning packet over the meat if available, and add mustard seeds and black peppercorns for added flavor if using.
- Add the Vegetables: Arrange the quartered potatoes and carrots around the corned beef. Pour beef broth or water into the crockpot until it mostly covers the meat and vegetables, adjusting based on crockpot size.
- Cook the Corned Beef: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the corned beef is tender and can be shredded easily with a fork.
- Add the Cabbage: About one hour before the end of cooking, add the cabbage wedges to the crockpot. Press the cabbage down into the broth if necessary and continue cooking until the cabbage is tender.
- Serve: Remove the cooked corned beef from the crockpot and slice it against the grain. Serve alongside the potatoes, carrots, and cabbage with some broth ladled over the vegetables for extra flavor.
Notes
- Rinsing the corned beef reduces saltiness but also washes away some seasoning; you may want to adjust salt accordingly.
- For a richer flavor, use beef broth instead of water.
- Adding mustard seeds and peppercorns enhances the traditional flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Ensure to cut the corned beef against the grain for tender slices.
- This dish pairs well with mustard or horseradish sauce on the side.
