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The Magical Slow Cooker » Recipes » Beef » Slow Cooker Corned Beef & Cabbage

Slow Cooker Corned Beef & Cabbage

by Sarah Olson on January 25, 2022 265 Comments

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collage of corned beef and cabbage images with text of ingredients needed.
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This Slow Cooker Corned Beef & Cabbage is a classic recipe that is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any day of the year. The crockpot makes corned beef melt in your mouth tender.

The slow cooker is the BEST and EASIEST way to make corned beef! You can make this classic recipe below or my Guinness or Maple Mustard Corned Beef for St. Patrick’s Day.

tray of corned beef and cabbage in front of slow cooker

What is corned beef and what cut should I buy?

  • Corned beef is salt-cured brisket. This is different than plain brisket which has not been cured.
  • Corned beef usually comes with a seasoning packet that often includes: bay leaves, peppercorns, mustard seeds, and dill seeds. This flavor packet creates a wonderfully flavored roast.
  • There are 2 cuts of corned beef; point cut or flat cut.
    • Flat cut – easier to slice evenly (pictured below)
    • Point cut – can have more marbling but usually not uniform in size.

Recipe Ingredients

ingredients for corned beef and cabbage
  • Corned Beef – Flat cut or point cut, be sure to save the spice packet that comes with it!
  • Onions – Onions aren’t tradionally added to corned beef but adds SO much flavor.
  • Potatoes – I use a mixture of baby red and gold potatoes
  • Carrots – Whole carrots, peeled and sliced thick
  • Garlic cloves (not pictured)- Peeled
  • Water – Helps keeps the entire dish moist, can use beef broth if desired.
  • Cabbage – About a 1/2 head, cut into thin wedges, that’s all will fit in the slow cooker with all the other ingredients.

Step-by Step-Directions

collage of steps on adding ingredients to slow cooker for corned beef and cabbage

Step One – Add the onions to the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step Two – Add the corned beef and seasoning packet.

Step Three – Add the carrots, potatoes, and garlic; you can peel the potatoes if you prefer. Add the water.

Step Four – You can add the cabbage now or add it during the last two hours of cooking. If you add now, the cabbage will be ultra-tender.

just done cooking corned beef and cabbage

Step Five – Cook on HIGH For five hours or LOW for 8 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time.

What other kind of liquid can I add?

Water is the classic liquid used in crockpot corned beef and cabbage but feel free to try one of these other options for something different:

  • Beer – such as Guinness
  • Beef or chicken broth
  • Ginger ale – see this recipe from Just a Pinch
  • Add the brine – If you want more salty flavor, add the brine from the packaging.
Corned beef and cabbage on tray sliced

When do I add the cabbage?

  • Everyone has their own preference for how long to cook cabbage in the slow cooker. In the video in the recipe card, I add the cabbage during the last 2 hours. I think that is a perfect amount of time for anyone who is cooking corned beef and cabbage for the first time to try.
  • You can add the cabbage at any point. If you want it ultra tender add it at the beginning. If you want it crisp, add during the last hour.
sliced corned beef on plate with carrots,and potatoes

What can I do to make this low carb?

Corned beef is low carb. Just be conscious of what else you add to the pot.

  • Use water for the liquid (don’t use beer or other high carb liquid)
  • Omit the potatoes and use celery or cauliflower instead.
2 plates of corned beef and cabbage

Can I add brown sugar to this recipe?

Brown sugar is great in corned beef; it adds depth of flavor and cuts back on the salty taste. Sprinkle two tablespoons over your corned beef before cooking.

How do I serve crock pot corned beef and cabbage?

  • Slice the meat against the grain.
  • If desired, drizzle melted butter over the potatoes and sprinkle with parsley.
  • Serve with horseradish or stone-ground mustard.

Leftover ideas:

  • Reuben Sandwiches
  • Corned Beef Hash – by Dinner, Then Dessert
  • Leftover Corned Beef Breakfast Sandwiches – by From Valerie’s Kitchen

Want to make more magic in your crockpot? Stay up to date and subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube.

close up of slow cooker corned beef and cabbage

Corned Beef & Cabbage Recipe

4.95 from 453 votes
Classic and Easy Slow Cooker Corned beef and Cabbage, you'll want to make this more than once a year.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 342kcal
Author: Sarah Olson

Equipment Needed:

  • Slow Cooker- 6 quart or larger

Ingredients:

  • 2-4 lbs. Corned beef brisket (flat or point cut) (with seasoning packet that is included)
  • 1 white onion, sliced (this is optional but good!)
  • 2 lbs. red or gold potatoes (or a mixture of both!) Peel them if you'd like!
  • 3 carrots sliced thick
  • 2 garlic cloves peeled
  • 1/2 head cabbage cut into thin wedges
  • 1 1/2 cup water (or see notes below for other liquid ideas)

For serving:

  • parsley for garnish
  • melted butter for potatoes if desired
  • horseradish or stone-ground mustard
US Customary – Metric

Instructions:

  • Add the sliced onion to the slow cooker.
  • Rinse your corned beef and pat dry. Add to your slow cooker. Sprinkle over the included seasoning packet.
  • Add your baby potatoes on top of the roast. If your potatoes are larger you can halve them to ensure they get tender. Add the carrots and garlic.
  • Pour over the water. Add cabbage now if you want ultra-tender cabbage. Otherwise wait to add it until the last 2 hours.
  • Place the lid on the slow cooker.
  • Cook on HIGH for 5 hours or LOW for 8 hours total. (Add the cabbage during the last 2 hours). You may have to rearrange things into the pot to get the cabbage to fit (or cut your cabbage thinner).
  • Remove the meat onto a cutting board and slice into strips.
  • Serve the meat with potatoes, carrots, and cabbage.
  • Drizzle melted butter over the potatoes if desired. Serve with horseradish mustard or stone ground mustard.
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How to Video:

Recipe Notes:

What cut of corned beef should I use?
  • Flat cut – easier to slice evenly (pictured below)
  • Point cut – can have more marbling but usually not uniform in size.
  • Both are great in this recipe. I usually choose whichever is cheaper.
 
Can I use a different liquid than water?
Water is most commonly used in making corned beef but one of these other liquids can be used:
  • Beer – such as Guinness
  • Beef or chicken broth
  • Ginger ale
  • Add the brine – If you want more salty flavor, add the brine from the packaging.
How can I make this meal low carb?
Corned beef is low carb! Be conscious of what else you add to the pot.
  • Use water for the liquid (don’t use beer or other high carb liquid)
  • Omit the potatoes and use celery or cauliflower instead.
 
Can I add brown sugar to this recipe?
Brown sugar is great in corned beef, it adds depth of flavor and cuts back on the salty flavor. Sprinkle two tablespoons over your corned beef before cooking.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 342kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 1416mg | Potassium: 1007mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 3880IU | Vitamin C: 76mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

Made this recipe?I want to see your photos! Tag me on Instagram @themagicalslowcooker

Here are my other corned beef recipes and Irish inspired recipes:

  • Slow Cooker Reuben Sandwiches
  • Slow Cooker Reuben Dip
  • Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes
  • Slow Cooker Guinness Corned Beef and Cabbage
  • Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef
  • Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew
  • Slow Cooker Irish Cream Hot Cocoa
  • Beer Bread by Vintage Recipe Tin

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    21746 shares
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    Filed Under: Beef, Dinner, St. Patrick's Day

    Comments

    1. Karen Stepp says

      March 18, 2023 at 7:44 am

      What side is best fat side on top or bottom. No mention of this and my roast has a large fat layer hiding on underside

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        March 18, 2023 at 8:34 am

        I do fat side on the bottom, but it really doesn’t matter.

        Reply
    2. michelle leslie says

      March 18, 2023 at 7:25 am

      I made this yesterday in my Fagor Slow Cooker. I used Guinness Beer instead of water. I used the onions, as you suggested. I put the cabbage in 2 hours before finishing. Cooked on slow for 8 hours. This was excellent. The only problem I had was cutting the beef into nice slices. Maybe cuz I used a point cut. Next time I would make my carrots larger. Potatoes were perfect unpeeled and whole. I will definitely do this one again. And maybe try the brown sugar. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

      Reply
    3. Kieran Murphy says

      March 18, 2023 at 5:41 am

      For my slow cooker I am using my Insta pot. It suggested that I use medium instead of low Low is for 10 hours or more. We’ll see. The preparation was straightforward and we are looking forward to sharing the results this evening with our family.

      Reply
    4. JC says

      March 17, 2023 at 11:48 pm

      5 stars
      Made this today to celebrate St Patrick’s Day with my fam. Added a few more garlic cloves and used baby carrots. Also added a little more water and some 21 seasoning (no salt) mix. Family loved it, I will be adding this to my go to recipes.

      Reply
    5. John J says

      March 17, 2023 at 9:03 pm

      2 stars
      I followed this recipe to the t. Edible but a disaster. If potatoes go in at beginning as directed they end up mush. Carrots are a little better. If cabbage goes In with two hours to go they become unrecognizable. I would suggest adding vegetables much later in the cooking if you like them a little firmer. Beef was good but not firm. Crumbly when sliced.

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        March 17, 2023 at 9:08 pm

        Sounds like your slow cooker cooks very hot! I would adjust. I just made this a few days ago, no issues.

        Reply
        • John J says

          March 18, 2023 at 9:28 am

          Good for you. On my crock pot the settings are off, low, high and warm. Not sure I can adjust settings. your suggestion is welcome but I guess i need a new crockpot.

      • Joe says

        March 18, 2023 at 5:18 am

        You probably cut the corned beef with the grain instead of against and it says right in the recipe to wait with the vegetables

        Reply
        • John J says

          March 18, 2023 at 9:43 am

          I know how to cut beef brisket and I did it how I always do-against the grain.

        • John J says

          March 18, 2023 at 10:14 am

          2 stars
          You are incorrect. The recipe specifically says place potatoes on top of roast followed by carrots and garlic and the liquid then cover and cook on low for eight hours. Recipe does say add cabbage with two hours to go but even that is way too long unless you like mushy cabbage.

    6. Anonymous says

      March 17, 2023 at 8:53 pm

      5 stars
      Loved your recipe! Have a very tiny kitchen so home cooked meals have to be fairly simple and slow cookers are one of my preferences. Your recipe was super easy and tasted great. Thanks for sharing. ☆☆☆☆☆

      Reply
    7. Liesa says

      March 17, 2023 at 7:00 pm

      5 stars
      Phenomenal! Made with 1 cup beer and 1/2 cup water. Delicious and juicy!

      Reply
    8. Anonymous says

      March 17, 2023 at 5:43 pm

      Smells great. Been in the ceockpot since 1030a on low but just realized I forgot the liquid! Just poured in boiling chicken broth for the last hour of cooking. Hope it turns out. Lol Oops.

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        March 17, 2023 at 5:50 pm

        It should be fine!

        Reply
    9. Carol says

      March 17, 2023 at 5:00 pm

      4 stars
      The corned beef was DELICIOUS but the veggies were blah. Next time I’ll roast them in the oven I think

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        March 17, 2023 at 5:08 pm

        Be sure to drizzle them with butter and parsley!

        Reply
    10. Kim says

      March 17, 2023 at 4:07 pm

      5 stars
      Tried this today, and hands down the best, easiest way to make St. PATTYS DAY FEAST! LOVE IT!

      Reply
    11. Chiefy says

      March 17, 2023 at 4:00 pm

      5 stars
      First try cooking corned beef in slow cooker.. Started way too late for eating today, but I have to brag about your recipe and the simplicity of it is great.!!!

      Reply
    12. jon says

      March 17, 2023 at 1:13 pm

      may I suggest adding comment to put corned beef in slow cooker fat side up laddie,
      I bought extra corned beef on sale will try your way next
      as i am doing a in oven recipe for first time; only simmered in the past

      Reply
    13. Ann C. says

      March 17, 2023 at 12:17 pm

      5 stars
      Mine is smelling great. Had it in the crock pot since noon today. Looking forward to dinner tonight.

      Reply
    14. PJEAN says

      March 17, 2023 at 12:03 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve always i always did my corned beef on the stove top. This was so much easier and turned out great. I only made slight changes. I used vegetable broth in place of water and added 3 cloves minced garlic instead of whole cloves.

      Reply
    15. Jenna says

      March 17, 2023 at 11:45 am

      What if your corned beef doesn’t come with a seasoning packet? What is in the seasoning packet?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        March 17, 2023 at 1:33 pm

        If you can find pickling spice at the store, that would work great. Or something like this recipe: https://keytomylime.com/corned-beef-spice-packet-seasoning-recipe/

        Reply
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