Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

Description

Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage is a classic comfort-food dinner featuring tender beef brisket, hearty potatoes, sweet carrots, and flavorful cabbage cooked slowly in a savory broth. This traditional meal is perfect for family dinners, cozy weekends, and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Slow cooking allows the beef to become tender and flavorful while the vegetables absorb the delicious cooking juices.
This easy recipe requires minimal preparation, making it ideal for busy days when you want a satisfying homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve the sliced corned beef with the tender vegetables, a spoonful of broth, and a little mustard for a comforting dinner everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients For the Corned Beef

• 3–4 pounds corned beef brisket with seasoning packet
• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth or enough water to nearly cover the brisket
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 bay leaves, optional

For the Vegetables

• 1 ½ pounds baby potatoes, halved if large
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 large yellow onion, cut into wedges
• 2 celery stalks, cut into pieces
• 1 medium green cabbage, cut into thick wedges

For Serving

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Whole-grain mustard, optional
• Extra cooking broth, as needed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Prepare the potatoes, carrots, onion, celery, and cabbage. Cut the vegetables into reasonably even pieces so they cook more consistently. Remove the corned beef from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. Rinsing is optional if you want to remove some surface brine.

Step 2: Arrange the Vegetables

Place the potatoes, carrots, onion, and celery in the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. These firm vegetables benefit from being closer to the cooking liquid and underneath the brisket.

Step 3: Add and Season the Brisket

Place the corned beef on top of the vegetables, with the fat side facing up. Sprinkle the included seasoning packet over the meat. Add the minced garlic, black pepper, bay leaves, and apple cider vinegar.

Step 4: Add the Broth

Pour in the beef broth or water until the brisket is nearly covered. Do not fill the slow cooker beyond its recommended capacity. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or on HIGH for approximately 4–5 hours. Cooking time depends on the thickness of the brisket and your slow cooker.

Step 5: Add the Cabbage

Add the cabbage wedges during the final 45–90 minutes of cooking on LOW, or approximately 30–60 minutes on HIGH. Place them over the meat and vegetables, cover, and continue cooking until tender. Adding cabbage near the end helps it retain its shape instead of becoming overly soft.

Step 6: Check the Beef

Check the brisket with a fork. It should be fork-tender and easy to pierce. If it still feels firm, continue cooking and check again later. Use a food thermometer