Homemade Corned Beef and Cabbage {Crock Pot Recipe} (2024)

By Karrie on | Updated | 90 Comments

This Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe is the BEST St. Patrick’s Day meal. Simply add the juicy corned beef, carrots, onion and potatoes to your crock pot. Let it slowly cook all day until your corned beef is tender, and the flavors come together. Simple, easy and oh -so delicious.

If you own a pressure cooker you’ll also want to check out my Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe which cooks up perfectly in less than 2 hours!

Homemade Corned Beef and Cabbage {Crock Pot Recipe} (1)

Hello lads and lassies! You ready to get your Irish on?

Although some would argue that Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage isn’t traditional Irish food, for our family it’s about as close as we get.

Every year we have a fun St. Patrick’s Day dinner. We make corned beef and cabbage, Irish brown bread, and drink root beer floats. Then for dessert, we dig into some yummy creme de menthe brownies. The kids really enjoy when we celebrate the holidays. This is a great way to do that.

I have to say, I didn’t start making corned beef and cabbage until about 6 years ago. I really did not want to do it. It just didn’t sound like something I would enjoy. I do like cabbage, but I pictured the meat tasting all funky like. I decided I would be brave and make some, and decided to invite a few friends over who also had never had it. Every one of them loved it! They were all pleasantly surprised, just as I was. The meat was so tender, and the flavor was really good! If you happen to be one of “us” who are afraid of trying new foods, I promise this meal won’t disappoint. Go for it!

WHAT IS CORNED BEEF?

Corned beef is made from beef brisket. The meat goes through a long curing process using large grains of rock salt and then it is brined. Next, it is slowly cooked where it takes a tough cut of beef into one that is super tender and flavorful!

CAN YOU FREEZE CORNED BEEF?

Yes, you can! You can cook raw or cooked corned beef. Just place it in a gallon-size zippered bag and seal it, removing as much air as possible and freeze. Raw corned beef is best used within one month as it will start to have flavor loss. Cooked corned beef can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

To thaw & cook the raw corned beef: Let it thaw completely in the fridge for 12 to 24 hours and cook in your crock pot as directed below.

HOW TO MAKE CROCK POT CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE?

To make this Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe just start by rinsing off and preparing your onion, carrots, and potatoes. Peel and cut carrots into thirds and cut onions into fourths. Peel and cut up potatoes if you’re using russets, or just rinse if you’re using baby reds or a medley variety.

Homemade Corned Beef and Cabbage {Crock Pot Recipe} (2)
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Place onions and carrots on the bottom of a large crock pot. Next remove roast from packing, making sure to remove any seasoning packet that may be inside. Place roast along with juices from package inside the crock pot on top of the onions and carrots. Season with the seasoning packet that it came with if you choose. Add two cups of water. Place potatoes all around the roast. Cover and cook on high for 8 hours.

By the way, I love my crock pot. If you’re in the market for a new one, this is the one.

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After that has cooked for 8 hours or so, take your head of cabbage and rinse it well. Cut the head into fourths.

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Open crock pot and place the pieces of cabbage right on top. Cook another 2 hours on high to steam the cabbage to perfection.

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Remove meat and veggies from the crock potand add to a platter. Enjoy!

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Below is the printable version of the recipe for your convenience.

Homemade Corned Beef and Cabbage {Crock Pot Recipe} (9)

Recipe Card

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Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage

Published By Karrie

Course Main

Cuisine American, Irish

Keyword corned beef and cabbage, Crock Pot, irish, slow cooker

Servings 12 Slices

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 hours hrs

Total Time 10 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

This Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe is so tender, and the flavor is really good. Your Saint Patrick’s Day meal has never been easier!

Ingredients

  • 2.5 lb corned beef roast
  • 2 small yellow onions
  • 10 medium carrots
  • 10 baby medley variety potatoes
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 head of cabbage

Instructions

  • Rinse and prepare your onion, carrots and potatoes. Peel and cut carrots in thirds and cut onions in fourths. Peel and cut up potatoes if you’re using russets, or just rinse if you’re using baby reds or a medley variety. Set aside.

  • Place onions and carrots on the bottom of a large crock pot. Next remove roast from packing, making sure to remove any seasoning packet that may be inside. Place roast along with juices from package inside the crock pot on top of the onions and carrots. Season with the seasoning packet that it came with if you choose. Add two cups of water. Place potatoes all around the roast. Cover and cook on high for 8 hours.

  • Take your head of cabbage and rinse. Cut the head into fourths. Open crock pot and place the pieces of cabbage right on top. Cook another 2 hours on high. Remove meat and veggies from crock pot and add to a platter. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1Slice | Calories: 282kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 51mg | Sodium: 1205mg | Potassium: 861mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 8565IU | Vitamin C: 69.9mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 2.6mg

Loved this recipe?

Make sure to follow on Instagram @happymoneysaver and on Pinterest @happymoneysaver for more money savin’ recipes!

More St. Paddy’s Day Recipes

  • Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage
  • Homemade Corned Beef Hash
  • Creme De Menthe Brownies
  • Irish Brown Bread Recipe
  • Make Ahead Green Smoothies

Homemade Corned Beef and Cabbage {Crock Pot Recipe} (10)

About Karrie

Food is my love language. But so is saving money. So I like to combine the two a lot and make thrifty make ahead and freeze meals to save time. Because life is busy, and freezer meals can come to the rescue for all of us. And yes, they actually CAN taste good. Read more...

Homemade Corned Beef and Cabbage {Crock Pot Recipe} (2024)

FAQs

Should corned beef be completely covered in water in crock pot? ›

You can add seasonings other than salt, like black peppercorns and bay leaves. Keep the brisket submerged at all times as well since it's the water actually transferring heat into the meat and cooking it. Letting the top become exposed will dry out the meat and slow down the cooking process, leading to uneven doneness.

How do you know when corned beef is done in a crock pot? ›

Please note that crock pot cooking times may vary greatly depending upon brand and style. It is important to check the meat with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached at least 160°F for food safety; for optimal tenderness, cook to an internal temperature of 190°F. For best results, monitor at regular intervals.

Does corned beef go in crockpot fat side up or down? ›

Corned Beef Brisket should be placed in the crockpot or pot with the fat side up. The fat insulates and protects the meat and helps the corned beef from drying out as it cooks. Brisket / corned beef should have a thin layer of fat on the top. Sometimes the fat is super thick and needs to be trimmed.

What is the secret to corned beef? ›

Here's what to do: Make a salty curing brine with pickling spices like mustard seed, allspice berries, coriander seeds, and peppercorns. Marinate a beef brisket in the brine, for 5 to 7 days. Simmer the brined and drained brisket in water with more pickling spices for several hours until tender.

Does meat need to be submerged in liquid in crock pot? ›

To keep a pot roast from drying out, your slow cooker needs liquid to create a moist environment, and that can include meat or vegetable stock, wine or water. This doesn't mean the meat should be submerged; a cup or two of liquid will be enough, since the cooker is covered and liquids stay trapped inside.

Can you leave corned beef in the crock pot too long? ›

You can overcook corned beef in a Crock-Pot if it's cooked for too long at too high of a temperature. Overcooked corned beef can taste tough and stringy. It's best to follow the recommended cook time and temperature within the recipe.

Can you overcook corned beef in crockpot? ›

Yes, you can over cook anything really. But it would take a long time to overcook corned beef in the crockpot. Corned beef can easily cook on low for 10-12 hours without issues. If you cook it longer it will eventually begin to disintegrate.

Why does my corned beef look GREY in the crock pot? ›

The color difference is due to one ingredient: nitrates, either in the form of sodium nitrate or saltpeter, added into the salty brine that gives brisket its corned taste and flavor.

What not to do when cooking corned beef? ›

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Corned Beef
  1. Not Rinsing the Meat Before Cooking. ...
  2. Cooking Over a High Temperature. ...
  3. Not Filling the Pot with Enough Water. ...
  4. Not Cooking the Meat Long Enough. ...
  5. Cutting the Meat Incorrectly.
Sep 3, 2020

Should you use the juice in the corned beef package? ›

To make the corned beef, open the sealed package right over the slow cooker, because you want to include the brine in the cooking liquid. Don't discard the brine. Place the meat into the cooker and add enough cold water to cover. Add the pickling spices, cover, and cook on high for 6–8 hours.

Why is my crockpot corned beef dry? ›

**Overcooking**: Corned beef is a tough cut of meat that benefits from long, slow cooking to become tender. However, cooking it for too long can result in dry, tough meat. Even in a slow cooker, 8 hours on high heat may have been too long for your particular cut of corned beef.

How long to cook 3 lb corned beef? ›

For a two to three-pound corned beef brisket, cook for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. For a three to five-pound corned beef brisket, cook for 3 to 3 1/2 hours. STOVE: Place brisket fat-side up in a large pot and cover it with water. Bring the water to a boil; then reduce the heat and simmer, allowing about 1 hour per pound.

What makes corned beef taste better? ›

To add some flavor to your boiled corned beef, add some vegetables, such as carrots, onions and potatoes, to the pot. These vegetables not only add flavor but also make for a well-rounded meal. You can add some herbs and spices, such as a bay leaf, garlic and peppercorns, to the water for extra flavor.

Why do you put cabbage in corned beef? ›

So when they found salted beef brisket was cheap in the States, they were quick to replace their traditional “Irish bacon.” Nutrient-dense cabbage was also readily available and affordable, and a dish combining the two became a staple for working classes across the country.

What is a good side dish with corned beef and cabbage? ›

Roasted vegetables: Roasted carrots, parsnips, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts make flavorful and hearty side dishes that complement the savory flavors of corned beef. 2. Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic accompaniment to corned beef, providing a comforting and satisfying addition to the meal.

Do you completely cover corned beef with water? ›

Do this instead: Start by filling a stockpot with enough water so the beef is totally submerged. Remove the lid to check the level of liquid during cooking and add more water, if necessary. This small step will help deliver a super-tender corned beef to the table.

Is corned beef supposed to be submerged in water? ›

Yes, corned beef should be submerged in water when cooking it in a slow cooker. This is important for several reasons: Moisture and tenderness: Submerging the corned beef in water helps to keep the meat moist and tender during the slow cooking process [1].

Why is my corned beef in the crock pot still tough? ›

To improve the tenderness of corned beef cooked in a crock pot, you can try the following:
  1. Cook at a slightly higher temperature for a shorter time.
  2. Ensure the meat is submerged in liquid (such as water or broth) to help tenderize it.
Feb 16, 2023

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