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Crockpot Corned Beef with Cabbage

Topic: Quick & Tasty One Pot Meals

This dish features corned beef brisket cooked slowly with hearty vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and cabbage. The beef becomes tender over hours of gentle heat, while the vegetables absorb savory flavors from a broth infused with pickling spices and garlic. Adding cabbage in the final hour keeps its texture perfect—satisfyingly soft but not mushy. This classic Irish-American preparation melds simple ingredients into a deeply comforting meal perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.

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By racha Racha
Last modified on Sun, 12 Oct 2025 19:32:29 GMT
A crockpot of corned beef and cabbage. Bookmark
A crockpot of corned beef and cabbage. | recipesbyracha.com

This Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe is a true comfort food classic that transforms simple ingredients into a rich and satisfying meal. The slow cooking melds the flavors beautifully, making the beef melt in your mouth and the vegetables perfectly tender.

I first tried this recipe on a chilly March evening and was amazed at how tender and flavorful the beef turned out after hours in the crockpot. It quickly became a family favorite, especially with my kids who love the buttery potatoes.

Ingredients

  • Corned beef brisket with pickling spice packet: the star protein, go for a well-marbled brisket for maximum tenderness
  • Carrots: add sweetness and color, choose firm and vibrant ones
  • Red potatoes: hold their shape well in slow cooking, pick ones without blemishes
  • Large onion: adds depth, firm and heavy normally indicates freshness
  • Head of cabbage: cut into wedges so it cooks evenly, look for crisp and vibrant leaves
  • Garlic cloves: smash them to release more flavor, fresh is best
  • Water or broth: broth adds richness but water works fine, low sodium options help control salt

Instructions

Preheat Your Equipment:
Set your crockpot to low heat so it’s ready for the long slow cook ahead. This prevents temperature shocks to the ingredients.
Combine Ingredients:
Place the carrots, potatoes, onion wedges, and smashed garlic cloves into the bottom of the crockpot. This creates a flavorful bed for the brisket to rest on.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
Lay the corned beef brisket directly on top of the vegetables. Sprinkle the included pickling spice packet evenly over the meat. This ensures the seasoning integrates well during cooking.
Assemble the Dish:
Pour water or broth carefully around the brisket until the vegetables are just covered. This allows the slow simmer to infuse everything evenly without boiling the ingredients.
Cook to Perfection:
Cover the crockpot and set to cook on low for eight to ten hours. Alternatively, cook on high for four to five hours if short on time. The beef is done when it is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Finishing Touches:
About one hour before serving, add the cabbage wedges on top. This keeps the cabbage tender but prevents it from becoming too soft or mushy.
Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the corned beef against the grain for the best texture. Plate with the cooked vegetables and ladle some of the savory broth over everything to finish.
A close up of a crockpot with corned beef and cabbage.
A close up of a crockpot with corned beef and cabbage. | recipesbyracha.com

This dish always reminds me of family gatherings in early spring where everyone came together around the table. The corned beef’s pickling spices bring a nostalgic warmth that feels like a big kitchen hug.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors will deepen with time, making reheated portions even tastier. For longer storage, freeze in portions and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating thoroughly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If corned beef brisket is hard to find, a well-marbled beef roast can work but it will lack the pickling spices, so add a pinch of mustard seeds, coriander, and bay leaves. Swap red potatoes for Yukon gold if preferred for a creamier texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with whole grain mustard on the side for a tangy kick. Pair the meal with fresh crusty bread to soak up the broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the heaviness of the beef and potatoes.

A close up of a crockpot with corned beef and cabbage.
A close up of a crockpot with corned beef and cabbage. | recipesbyracha.com

Enjoy this comforting Crockpot corned beef and cabbage that only gets better as leftovers. Serve with mustard and crusty bread for a complete meal.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ How long should corned beef be slow cooked?

Cook corned beef on low heat for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until tender.

→ When should cabbage be added during cooking?

Add cabbage wedges during the last hour to keep their texture tender but not overcooked.

→ What vegetables complement corned beef in this dish?

Carrots, potatoes, and onions are added alongside garlic for a balanced, flavorful combination.

→ How do you ensure the beef is not overly salty?

Rinse the brisket before cooking and use low-sodium broth to control saltiness.

→ What is the best way to slice the cooked beef?

Slice the beef against the grain to maintain tenderness and optimal texture.

Crockpot Corned Beef Cabbage

Slow-cooked tender beef and vegetables come together in a savory, soul-warming Irish-American meal.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
480 minutes
Total Time
495 minutes
By racha: Racha

Recipe Category: One Pot Meals

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Culinary Style: Irish-American

Makes: 6 Servings

Diet Preferences: Gluten-Free, No Dairy

What You'll Need

→ Meat and Spices

01 3 to 4 pounds corned beef brisket with pickling spice packet

→ Vegetables

02 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
03 6 medium red potatoes, halved
04 1 large onion, quartered
05 1 medium head of cabbage, cut into wedges
06 4 cloves garlic, smashed

→ Liquids

07 4 cups water or broth

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Set the slow cooker to low heat to prepare for a long, slow cook.

Step 02

Place carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 03

Lay the corned beef brisket atop the vegetables and sprinkle with the pickling spice packet.

Step 04

Pour water or broth around the meat until vegetables are just covered.

Step 05

Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until the beef is tender.

Step 06

During the last hour of cooking, place cabbage wedges on top to finish cooking.

Step 07

Slice beef against the grain, serve with vegetables, and ladle broth over the dish.

Additional Tips

  1. Rinse brisket before cooking to reduce excess salt.
  2. Add cabbage late to keep it tender without becoming mushy.
  3. Slice beef against the grain for optimal texture.
  4. Use low-sodium broth to better control salt levels.

Must-Have Gear

  • Slow cooker
  • Knife

Nutritional Details (Per Portion)

Nutritional info is provided for guidance and isn’t a substitute for professional health advice.
  • Calories: 510
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Protein Content: 35 g