Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage
This easy Corned Beef and Cabbage is the perfect festive dish for St Patrick’s Day, and making it in the slow cooker is so convenient for a busy schedule. To lighten it up, I trim off all the fat from the corned beef before cooking it. Even with all the fat removed, it’s still tender and flavorful. I also have my original stovetop Corned Beef and Cabbage with Horseradish Cream, Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage, and this Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup. And another St. Patrick’s dinner idea is my healthy Shepherd’s Pie.
What exactly is corned beef?
Corned beef is a salt-cured brisket, and the term “corn” refers to the “salt used in the curing process.” Curing the meat in a salt brine makes a tough brisket tender and moist. Corned beef is commonly served with cabbage for a traditional Irish meal or in Reubens sandwiches.
Corned Beef and Cabbage Ingredients
Corned Beef: I purchased a 2 ½ pound corned beef brisket. After I trimmed all the fat off to keep it lean, it was 2 lbs. Once cooked, it shrunk to 18 oz. Pearl Onions: You’ll need one cup of frozen pearl onions. Carrots and Parsnips: Peel and cut two medium carrots and parsnips. Cabbage: Cut one small head of green cabbage into six wedges. Parsley for freshness and color Bay Leaves add subtle herbal flavor and depth. Whole Peppercorns gradually release their flavor and infuse the beef and veggies. Water: Add three cups of water for the meat and vegetables to cook in.
How to Make Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage
The first time I tested this slow cooker corned beef recipe in the slow cooker, I put everything in the pot and turned it on. The result was overcooked cabbage that turned to mush. The second time around, I added the cabbage at the end, and it was delicious!
Variations
Onions: Instead of frozen pearl onions, quarter a whole onion. Cabbage: Sub green cabbage with purple. Not a fan of parsnips? Swap them with whole baby potatoes or quartered Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Liquid: Substitute low-sodium beef or vegetable broth for water. Spice Packet: If your corned beef includes a spice packet,
What to Serve with Corned Beef and Cabbage
I like to serve this traditional crockpot corned beef and cabbage recipe with Cauliflower Mash with Kale or Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes and a little mustard or horseradish cream on the side. And for dessert, these chocolate stout cupcakes are the best. How do you enjoy your corned beef?
Storage
Store the corned beef and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Microwave leftovers until warm. Repurpose leftovers by making this corned beef and veggie hash.
More Irish or St Patricks day food:
Shamrock Bell Pepper Potato Frittata Irish Soda Bread Muffins Sweet Potato Irish Nachos St. Patrick’s Day Cake Pops Shamrock Shake
