Name: Slow Cooker Corned Beef Cabbage and Potatoes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 8 min
Ingredients: 3 to 5 pound corned beef brisket with spice packet; 1 onion, cut into quarters; 2 bay leaves; 3 cloves garlic, crushed; 2 to 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped into 2 inch pieces (or use baby carrots); 1 pound creamer potatoes, or larger potatoes halved or quartered; 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth or beef broth; 1 small green cabbage, quartered or half of a larger cabbage cut into wedges; 5 tablespoons salted butter; 1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

My Cozy Kitchen Secret

I love my slow cooker. It feels like a warm hug for my kitchen. On busy days, it does the work for me. That is why this slow cooker corned beef and cabbage is a favorite.

You just put everything in the pot. Then you walk away for hours. When you come back, your house smells amazing. Doesn’t that sound like a good plan?

A Simple Start for Tender Corned Beef

Let’s talk about the star: the corned beef brisket. It comes in a package with a little spice packet. Save that packet! The spices are the magic.

I always pat the meat dry first. Then I put onion pieces in the pot. The meat goes on top, fat side up. Sprinkle on that spice packet. This matters because it lets the flavor soak into every bite.

Building the Flavor

Next, add the garlic and bay leaves. Then tuck the potatoes and carrots all around the meat. They will cook in the tasty juices. Pour in your broth. Now, the waiting begins.

Set your crockpot corned beef to cook on low for 6 hours. I use this time to read or call my sister. It is one of my easiest slow cooker recipes. What do you like to do while dinner cooks itself?

The Final Touch

After 6 hours, add the cabbage wedges. Cook it for 2 more hours. The cabbage gets soft and sweet. The meat becomes so tender you can cut it with a fork.

Here is a fun fact for you: The term “corned” beef has nothing to do with corn! It comes from the big salt crystals used to cure the meat. They looked like kernels of corn. I still laugh at that.

Why This Meal Matters

This is more than just food. It is a slow cooker dinner that brings people together. My grandkids always ask for it. The table feels happy and full.

It is a classic for St. Patrick’s Day recipes. But you can enjoy it any cold day. This matters because good food makes good memories. Do you have a family meal that makes you feel this way?

Serving with Love

Let the meat rest before you slice it. I make a simple garlic butter to drizzle on top. It makes the vegetables shine. Serve it with mustard on the side.

Now you know how to make corned beef the easy way. It is a truly tender corned beef recipe. Will you be trying this Irish recipe soon? I would love to hear how it turns out in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Corned beef brisket with spice packet	3 to 5 pounds
Onion	1	Cut into quarters
Bay leaves	2
Garlic	3 cloves	Crushed
Carrots	2 to 3 large	Peeled and chopped into 2-inch pieces (or use baby carrots)
Creamer potatoes	1 pound	Or larger potatoes halved or quartered
Low-sodium chicken or beef broth	2 ½ cups
Green cabbage	1 small	Quartered, or half of a larger cabbage cut into wedges
Salted butter	5 tablespoons	For Garlic Herb Butter
Garlic	1 to 2 cloves	Minced, for Garlic Herb Butter
Fresh parsley	2 tablespoons	Chopped, for Garlic Herb Butter

Slow Cooker Corned Beef Cabbage and Potatoes

Instructions

Step 1: Start your slow cooker corned beef and cabbage. Spray your crockpot. Take the brisket from its bag. Save that little spice packet. Pat the meat dry with a towel. I always do this first thing. Doesn’t that smell amazing already?

Step 2: Place your onion pieces in the cooker bottom. Now add the corned beef brisket. Put the fat side up. Sprinkle the whole spice packet right on top. This is the secret for flavor. (A dry brisket gets a better crust, trust me!).

Step 3: Add bay leaves and crushed garlic on the meat. Tuck potatoes and carrots around it. Pour in your broth carefully. Now the magic starts. This easy slow cooker recipe does all the work. What’s your favorite part of a slow cooker dinner? Share below!

Step 4: Cook on low for 6 hours. Then, add your cabbage wedges. Cook 2 more hours. You want that tender corned beef. Let the meat rest before you slice it. I always wait. It makes it so juicy. This is the best way how to make corned beef.

Step 5: Make the garlic butter. Melt butter with garlic and parsley. Drizzle it over everything. It makes these Irish recipes extra special. Serve your corned beef and cabbage with mustard. I still laugh at how much my grandkids love this meal. Perfect St. Patrick’s Day recipes!

Creative Twists

Swap carrots for parsnips for a sweet, earthy flavor. Add a splash of Guinness to the broth for depth. Use the leftovers for amazing Reuben sandwich hash. Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving & Pairing Ideas

Serve this crockpot corned beef with grainy mustard and sour cream. A simple side of soda bread is perfect for soaking up the broth. For a fresh touch, a bright green salad balances the rich, tender corned beef recipe beautifully. It’s a hearty slow cooker dinner everyone loves. Which would you choose tonight?

Keep Your Feast Fresh and Tasty

Let’s talk about storing your delicious slow cooker corned beef and cabbage. First, let everything cool. Then, place the meat and veggies in separate containers. Use them within four days. For longer storage, the freezer is your friend. Portion the meal into airtight containers. It will keep well for about three months.

I remember my first big batch of corned beef. I put it all in one big bowl. The cabbage got so soggy! Now I know to keep them apart. This matters because it saves your hard work. A well-stored meal is a gift to your future, busy self.

Reheating is easy. For the best tender corned beef, warm slices in a pan with a splash of broth. Microwave the veggies with a damp paper towel on top. This keeps them from drying out. Batch cooking this Irish recipe means a cozy dinner is always close. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Slow Cooker Hiccups

Even easy slow cooker recipes can have little problems. Do not worry. The fixes are simple. First, if your potatoes are still hard, they were too big. Cut them into smaller, even pieces next time. I once used huge potato chunks. They were still crunchy at dinnertime!

Second, is your meat tough? It likely needed more time. Low and slow is the secret for a tender corned beef recipe. Let it cook until it easily pulls apart. Finally, bland flavors mean you need more seasoning. Always use that spice packet. A bit of broth helps too.

Why does this matter? Fixing these issues builds your cooking confidence. It also makes your St. Patrick’s Day recipes taste amazing. Good flavor comes from simple adjustments. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Quick Questions, Answered

What is the best way to cook corned beef and cabbage?

The best way is in your slow cooker. It makes the meat very tender. Place your corned beef brisket on top of onions. Add the spice packet, broth, and hard veggies. Cook on low for hours. Add the cabbage wedges later so they do not get too soft. This method is foolproof for a perfect Irish recipe.

Can you put raw potatoes in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can put raw potatoes in. Cut them into small pieces. Aim for one or two-inch chunks. This helps them cook evenly. Place them around the corned beef in the broth. They will soak up all the wonderful flavors as they become soft. It is a key part of this easy slow cooker dinner.

Do you put the cabbage on top or bottom of corned beef in a slow cooker?

Always put the cabbage on top. Add it during the last few hours. If you put cabbage on the bottom, it will overcook. It will become mushy and too strong. Placing it on top lets it steam perfectly. This keeps a nice texture for your corned beef and cabbage meal.

Should corned beef be covered with liquid in a slow cooker?

No, it does not need to be fully covered. The liquid should come about halfway up the side of the meat. Use broth or water. The slow cooker makes steam. This steam will help cook the top part. Fully covering can sometimes make the meat boil, which is less ideal for getting tender corned beef.

How long does it take to cook corned beef on low in a Crock-Pot?

Plan for about 8 to 9 hours total on low. Cook the corned beef brisket with the potatoes and carrots for 6 hours first. Then add the cabbage wedges. Cook for another 2 to 3 hours. The meat is done when it pierces easily with a fork. This slow method is the secret to how to make corned beef perfect.

What else can I add to my corned beef and cabbage?

You can add other root vegetables. Parsnips or turnips are great choices. A splash of beer in the broth adds depth. Mustard seeds or extra peppercorns boost flavor. Do not forget the garlic herb butter at the end! *Fun fact: Adding carrots sweetens the pot naturally.* Serve with grainy mustard on the side. Which tip will you try first?

My Kitchen Table Is Always Open

I hope you love this crockpot corned beef as much as my family does. It fills the house with a wonderful smell. It brings everyone to the table. That is the real magic of cooking.

I would love to hear about your cooking adventure. Tell me about your St. Patrick’s Day recipes or your weeknight dinners. Your stories are my favorite thing to read. Have you tried this recipe? Let me know how it turned out in the comments below.

Happy cooking!
—Grace Ellington.