Description
This Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe is a classic, comforting dish perfect for a hearty family meal. Slowly cooked in a crockpot, the beef becomes tender and infused with aromatic spices, while the potatoes, carrots, and cabbage absorb all the savory flavors. Easy to prepare and perfect for a set-it-and-forget-it dinner, this dish brings traditional Irish flavors to your table with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 5-6 garlic cloves (crushed)
- 1 small onion (cut into wedges)
- 3 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 8 oz beer
- 4 lbs corned beef brisket
Vegetables
- 1 lb small red potatoes (quartered)
- 1 lb bag of baby carrots
- 1 head of green cabbage (cut into wedges)
Seasoning (if not using packet)
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 2 bay leaves (crushed)
- 8 allspice berries
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Place the onion wedges and crushed garlic cloves at the bottom of your crockpot. This will create a bed for the corned beef, preventing it from sticking to the bottom and drying out.
- Add the corned beef: Place the 4 lbs corned beef brisket on top of the onion and garlic bed in the crockpot.
- Mix liquids and seasonings: In a separate bowl, combine 3 cups of water, 8 oz of beer, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 2 tablespoons vinegar. Pour this mixture over the corned beef in the crockpot. If using a seasoning packet from your corned beef, sprinkle it over the meat; if using homemade seasonings, evenly distribute the mustard seeds, crushed bay leaves, allspice berries, salt, and pepper over the beef.
- Cook on low: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 8 hours. This slow cooking method ensures the beef becomes tender and flavorful.
- Add root vegetables: After 4 hours of cooking, add the quartered potatoes and baby carrots to the crockpot. Cover and continue cooking.
- Add cabbage: When there is 1 hour remaining on the cooking time, add the cabbage wedges to the crockpot. Cover and cook for the final hour until the cabbage is tender.
Notes
- If you are using a seasoning packet that comes with the corned beef, omit the homemade seasoning ingredients.
- For best flavor, do not lift the lid frequently during cooking to maintain even temperature.
- You can serve the corned beef sliced with the cooked vegetables on the side and some of the flavorful broth ladled over.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in a microwave until heated through.
