Effortlessly tender, this Slow-Cooker Corned Beef And Cabbage recipe is ideal for cold days and busy weekends.
One of the reasons I love slow cooker recipes is that they fill the house with a savory aroma that rivals any scented candle. I know that not everyone likes their home to smell like their meals, but for me, it’s wonderful, especially when that aroma comes from corned beef and cabbage.
While many slow-cooker recipes call for adding everything to the pot all at once, that’s not the case with this meal. You’ll need to be around to add the vegetables at different times: potatoes and carrots go in after about three hours, and cabbage a couple of hours after that. It’s still convenient, just not quite hands-off. Still, it’s ideal for a weekend when you’re home but still juggling other things like cleaning and preparing for company.
Brisket is a tough cut, so it needs that long, slow cook to break down and become tender. Depending on the size of your meat, you may even need more time to cook it, up to 10 hours. Once it’s done, let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing, and always cut across the grain. If your vegetables finish before the meat, go ahead and take them out—just set them aside until you’re ready to serve.
Deliciously creative next-day meals
Now that you’ve made your slow-cooker corned beef and cabbage, what are you going to do with all those leftovers? Enjoy them on their own, paired with other meals, or as a base for different dishes. For example, if you’ve never tried the Irish potato dish Boxty, go ahead and mash your potatoes to make these tasty pancakes.
Now let’s talk about the corned beef—use it with the leftover potatoes to make Who Hash, or get some egg roll wrappers to whip up a batch of Reuben Egg Rolls. You can also keep things simple by spreading some of this delicious Burger Sauce on rye bread and topping it with slices of corned beef. And don’t forget the Swiss cheese and sauerkraut (or this KFC Coleslaw Recipe). Grill the sandwich on both sides, and you have yourself a bar-worthy meal!
How do I store leftovers?
Allow the slow-cooker corned beef and cabbage to cool before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be good for up to 4 days. You can also freeze leftover corned beef and cabbage, excluding the potatoes and carrots (which don’t freeze well), in freezer-safe zippered bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw the frozen meat overnight in the refrigerator, and enjoy it cold or hot, depending on your intended use.
Serving suggestions
Although slow-cooker corned beef and cabbage provides a complete meal, there’s nothing wrong with adding a side dish or two. Any pickled vegetable is ideal, and you can try Pickled Squash, Pickled Okra, Pickled Turnips, or my favorite, this Pickled Beets Recipe. Serve a refreshing Fresh Fruit Bowl for dessert. It’s the perfect light way to end a filling meal. But if you want a simple yet decadent delight, Butterscotch Pudding is a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 1 large white onion cut into large chunks
- 3 pounds corned beef brisket trimmed (with spice packet)
- 4 garlic cloves peeled
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 1/2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
- 2 pounds potatoes peeled and quartered
- 3 medium carrots cut into thick pieces
- 1 small head green cabbage cut into wedges
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chopped onion at the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Rinse the corned beef brisket and place it on top of the onions. Add garlic cloves and bay leaves, then sprinkle the spice packet over the meat.
- Pour in broth until it nearly covers the brisket.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.
- After about 3 hours of cooking, add the quartered potatoes and chopped carrots.
- With 2 hours remaining in the cooking time, add the cabbage wedges.
- Remove the brisket from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes. Slice it against the grain and serve with the vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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