Name: Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 10 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 2-4 lbs. Corned beef brisket (flat or point cut) with seasoning packet; 1 white onion, sliced (optional but recommended); 2 lbs. red or gold potatoes (or a mix), peeled if desired; 3 carrots, sliced thick; 2 garlic cloves, peeled; 1/2 head cabbage, cut into thin wedges; 1 1/2 cup water (or other liquid as preferred); Parsley for garnish; Melted butter for potatoes, if desired; Horseradish or stone-ground mustard for serving

If you’re craving a cozy, tender meal that fills the house with amazing aromas, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe is hands-down one of my favorite comfort dishes to make, especially when I want to impress family or just treat myself after a long day. I absolutely love how the beef turns out juicy and flavorful, and the veggies soak up all that cooking goodness. Trust me, once you try this one, you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds—and thirds!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-Off Cooking: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work while you relax or tackle other things.
Tender, Juicy Corned Beef: Slow cooking breaks down the meat beautifully, making it melt-in-your-mouth tender every single time.
Perfect Flavor Balance: The seasoning packet combined with fresh veggies and a little butter creates a flavorful dish that your whole family will rave about.

A white square plate holds three main layers of food placed side by side. On the left are large chunks of yellow potatoes, lightly sprinkled with green herb bits. In the middle is a pile of bright orange carrot sticks, also garnished with herbs. On the right side, thin slices of pink and purple cooked meat are arranged over a bed of pale green leafy cabbage. Tiny mustard seeds and spices are scattered on top of the meat. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with some blurred kitchen items in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe is in its simplicity. The ingredients complement each other perfectly to produce a dish that’s both comforting and hearty. When picking your corned beef, I recommend choosing a flat cut if you want leaner slices or a point cut for more marbling and fat.

Corned beef brisket: Choose between flat or point cut based on your preference for lean vs. marbled meat.
White onion: Optional, but I love how it infuses a subtle sweetness into the broth.
Red or gold potatoes: Baby potatoes work great whole; larger ones can be halved for even cooking.
Carrots: Slice them thick so they hold their shape and texture after slow cooking.
Garlic cloves: Peeled whole cloves add a nice mellow garlic flavor without overpowering.
Cabbage: Cut into thin wedges—deliciously tender when cooked slow and low.
Water: Acts as the cooking liquid, but you can experiment with broth or beer for extra flavor.
Parsley: Fresh and bright, it’s perfect for garnishing right before serving.
Melted butter: A drizzle over the potatoes gives a lovely richness that your family will go crazy for.
Horseradish or stone-ground mustard: Classic condiments that add just the right kick to your plate.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

While I love to stick to the classic ingredients, you might want to customize this Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe to fit your tastes or dietary needs. Feel free to swap or add ingredients—you’ll be surprised how versatile this dish is!

Vegetable Swaps: I once tried adding parsnips and baby turnips, and they added a lovely, slightly sweet earthiness to the dish.
Liquids: Instead of water, I’ve experimented with beer or beef broth to deepen the flavor, which your slow cooker will thank you for.
Spice it up: For a little kick, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or add a teaspoon of whole mustard seeds alongside the seasoning packet.
Dietary tweaks: If you prefer a leaner meal, use a flat cut corned beef and skip the melted butter on the potatoes or use olive oil instead.

How to Make Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe

Step 1: Layer Your Base

Start by placing the sliced onion at the bottom of your slow cooker. This not only adds flavor but also helps keep the corned beef from sticking to the bottom. Next, rinse the corned beef brisket to remove excess brine and pat it dry—this step helps avoid an overly salty dish. Place the brisket on top of the onions, and sprinkle the seasoning packet evenly over the meat.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

Top your brisket with the potatoes—if you’re using larger ones, cut them in half or quarters to ensure they cook through properly. Add the thick-sliced carrots and garlic cloves next. Pour in 1 1/2 cups of water around the edges so you don’t wash off the seasoning on top.

Step 3: Cooking Time and Adding Cabbage

Cover and cook on HIGH for 5 hours or LOW for 8 hours. If you want ultra-tender cabbage, add it in the beginning along with everything else; otherwise, wait until the last 2 hours of cooking to add the cabbage wedges—this way it holds more texture. You might need to rearrange ingredients or slice the cabbage thinner to fit it all in comfortably.

Step 4: Rest and Slice

Once everything is tender and smelling heavenly, carefully remove the corned beef and let it rest on a cutting board for about 10 minutes—this keeps the meat juicy. Slice the beef against the grain into strips, which makes it more tender when you eat it.

Step 5: Serving Up

Serve the sliced corned beef alongside the cooked potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. I like to drizzle melted butter over the potatoes for an extra touch of indulgence, and don’t forget to offer horseradish or stone-ground mustard for that classic punch. Your family or guests will be thrilled!

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe

Rinse the Brisket: Removing excess saltiness by rinsing the corned beef before cooking makes a huge flavor difference.
Don’t Skip the Resting Period: Letting the meat rest for 10 minutes after cooking locks in juices and keeps it moist.
Timing Your Cabbage: Adding cabbage later avoids it turning mushy but still lets it soak up all the delicious broth.
Seasoning Packet Use: Don’t shy away from using the seasoning packet included with the brisket—it’s formulated to give the best classic flavor.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe

A white plate holds a meal on a white marbled surface. The bottom left side has two slices of tender, pinkish meat with whole mustard seeds and herbs on the edges, looking soft and juicy. Above them are two smooth, round yellow potatoes sprinkled with chopped green herbs. To the right of the potatoes are several thick, bright orange carrot sticks with a slight shine and small herb bits. On the far right side, there are soft, pale green cabbage leaves layered in a slightly curled, wrinkled texture. Next to the plate on the right side, a serrated knife with a dark handle lies flat. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish right before serving—it adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness. A small ramekin of horseradish sauce or stone-ground mustard on the side is a game-changer in flavor, and my family loves dipping the meat into it.

Side Dishes

This recipe really shines as a one-pot meal, but if you want to round it out, I recommend simple crusty bread or a buttered dinner roll to mop up the juices. Sometimes, I’ll toss together a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette for a crisp contrast to the savory beef and veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions like St. Patrick’s Day, I like to serve this Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe on a large platter lined with cabbage leaves, with the meat arranged in the center surrounded by colorful vegetables. It feels festive and inviting—your guests will think you put in way more effort than a slow cooker dinner!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let leftovers cool to room temperature and then store everything together in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal. Just be sure to consume leftovers within 3-4 days for the best quality and safety.

Freezing

Freezing works wonderfully with this recipe! I separate the meat, cabbage, and potatoes into freezer-safe containers so I can thaw and reheat just what I need. When frozen properly, the quality holds up well for up to 3 months. Just avoid freezing with the butter on potatoes; add that fresh when reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a covered skillet over low heat or warmed in the oven wrapped loosely in foil to retain moisture. Adding a splash of broth or water helps prevent drying out. Flipping the meat occasionally keeps it tender throughout reheating.

FAQs

Can I cook this Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe without the seasoning packet?

Absolutely! The seasoning packet provides that classic blend of pickling spices, but if you prefer, you can make your own mix using bay leaves, peppercorns, mustard seeds, and coriander. Just keep in mind the flavor might be a bit different but still delicious.
Should I trim the fat from the corned beef before cooking?

I usually leave a bit of the fat cap on because it helps keep the meat moist and tender during the slow cook. You can trim it after cooking if you prefer less fat on your plate.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop or in the oven?

You sure can! It just involves simmering the corned beef and veggies in a covered pot for a few hours, or baking covered in a low oven for about 3-4 hours. Slow cooker just makes the timing foolproof and frees you up.
How do I know when the corned beef is done?

The meat should be fork-tender and easily pierced. If it still feels tough, just cook it longer on LOW—slow cookers vary a bit, and tougher cuts need time to break down fully.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those meals that brings everyone together—whether it’s for a holiday or a simple Sunday dinner. It’s comforting, delicious, and surprisingly easy to pull off. So, if you want to treat yourself or your family to something warm and hearty, I can’t recommend this recipe enough. Give it a try—I promise you’ll love how effortlessly it turns out and the smiles it brings around the table.