The easiest and best way to make Corned Beef and Cabbage is in your slow cooker. Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage is one of my favorite meals! I always eat it all year long but in most houses it only makes an appearance for St. Patrick's Day.
This meal was made for a slow cooker and it shines every time. If you are looking to celebrate the luck of the Irish or just looking for a hearty and easy family dinner this recipe is the perfect fit. Potatoes, carrots and cabbage pair perfect with this seasoned beef.
If this is your first time making corned beef it can be a little confusing so I tried to answer the most common questions I get when it starts getting close to St. Patrick's Day!
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What is Corned Beef?
Corned Beef is a description of a cooking technique made by salt-curing beef. It is usually made from brisket. Since brisket is usually a tough meat the salt-curing or brining makes it tender. Then once you get it at the grocery store it comes packaged with a little spice packet that is typically used to flavor the meat while cooking. I always use the spice packet included and find it a perfect mix.
Why Make Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage?
The best part is that corned beef is best cooked low and slow which is when the slow cooker comes in. It can easily become more tender and juicy when it is cooking in a slow cooker. This is also a one-pot wonder. You can start it in the morning and let it cook all day until dinner. All you have to do is put the vegetables in halfway through. Once everything is all done cooking you just serve it and you're done. That's my kind of dinner!
Point Cut or Flat Cut for Corned Beef?
There are two cuts of Corned Beef. Point Cut corned beef are rounder and have more marbling or fat. Just like with steak this gives the meat more flavor. Most people choose the Point Cut for Corned Beef. However, the Flat Cut corned beef, also called the round cut is leaner and easy to cut. I accidentally used the Flat Cut once and it was still good but it was not as juicy. I recommend the Point Cut especially if you are only making this once a year. However, if you are trying to eat healthy you can still make a a very delicious Corned Beef and Cabbage with the Flat Cut.
What You Need to Make Corned Beef and Cabbage
- Corned Beef with Spice Packet
- Apple Cider Vinegar (This helps tenderize the meat)
- Sugar (This adds depth and flavor while tenderizing the meat)
- Onion
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- Cabbage
Need A New Crock Pot?
My favorite is this Crock Pot 7 quart Programmable Slow Cooker. First and foremost, I love being able to set the timer in case I'm not home when the food is finished cooking and it just switches to warm. Plus you can lock the lid and just carry it to a party. Not only is it easy to carry but also you will never lose another Tupperware or serving dish again at a potluck party!
Let the Crock pot do the work for you! It's so easy and you are sure to enjoy every last bite of this classic dish!
Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage
Ingredients
- 4 cups hot water
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 1 large onion cut into quarters
- 3 pounds corned beef with spices
- 8 small white potatoes cut into quarters
- 1 head cabbage cored and cut into 10 wedges
- 4-5 carrots cut into 1 inch pieces
Instructions
- Combine water, vinegar, sugar, pepper and onions in slow cooker.
- Place corned beef and contents of spice packet in the mixture.
- Put the potatoes and carrots over the top and along the sides.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
- Remove cover and scatter cabbage wedges on top.
- Cover and continue cooking for 4-6 hours, or until beef is tender.
- Remove corned beef. Let sit for 15 minutes. Cut beef into slices against the grain and serve with vegetables and spoon liquid over beef from slow cooker to keep beef moist.
Notes
Nutrition
Leftover Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage?
Make breakfast the next morning with an easy egg and corned beef casserole!
jentowkaniuk says
I love corned beef and not just for St. Patrick's Day. This recipe looks simple and flavorful and I can't wait to try it.
Elizabeth H says
Yep - this will be happening on the 17th.
allisonetreadwell says
You can just eat the cabbage and potatoes ?
Adrienne says
I just bought my corn beef the other day! I was looking for a great recipe! Going to pin this one as it sounds yummy!
Jane says
Looks great! I’m going to make this for my brother’s birthday next week!!
I’ll probably need more potatoes tho. Will it be ok to add a few more?
Shelley says
Questioning cooking on high for 4 hours than after adding the cabbage 3-4 on high?
allisonetreadwell says
Yes! Add the cabbage, potatoes and carrots after 4 hours and then cook for another 3-4 hours. It takes awhile!
Lynette Hinton says
Getting ready to fix me some corned beef and cabbage. This is for New YEAR'S. Can't wait to try this recipe
allisonetreadwell says
HI LYNETTE! That sounds like a delicious New Year's Dinner Hope you enjoy it!
Mike Fagler says
Great Recipes!