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Slow Cooker Corned Beef

Slow Cooker Corned Beef

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Tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, Slow Cooker Corned Beef is the kind of comfort food that takes little effort and delivers big results. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, this classic dish with hearty root vegetables and flavorful beef brisket will satisfy any craving.

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. Let the slow cooker do all the heavy lifting while you get on with your day. A few hours later, you’re greeted with melt-in-your-mouth slices of corned beef surrounded by tender potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. It’s a warm hug on a plate.

What Cut of Corned Beef Should I Use?

Flat-cut corned beef brisket is ideal for this recipe. It cooks evenly and slices beautifully. It also has just enough marbling to stay moist during the slow cooking process without turning greasy. The point-cut, while more flavorful, is fattier and doesn’t slice as cleanly, making it better suited for shredding.


Ingredients for the Slow Cooker Corned Beef

Corned Beef Brisket (flat cut): This is the heart of the dish. Choose one with the seasoning packet included for the best flavor.

Baby Potatoes: They hold their shape well and soak up all the savory juices without getting mushy.

Carrots: They add a natural sweetness that complements the salty beef.

Green Cabbage: A must-have in traditional corned beef and cabbage, it becomes soft and flavorful after slow cooking.

Yellow Onion: Provides depth and a touch of sweetness to the broth.

Garlic Cloves: Infuse the broth with aromatic flavor.

Beef Broth or Water: Beef broth adds a richer taste, but water works fine too if you’re going lighter.

Pickling Spice (or the spice packet): This spice blend is key to the signature corned beef flavor.

Bay Leaves: They add an earthy, herbal note that elevates the broth.


How To Make the Slow Cooker Corned Beef

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

Start by cutting the baby potatoes in half if they’re large, slicing the carrots into chunks, chopping the cabbage into wedges, and dicing the onion. Place the potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic cloves at the bottom of the slow cooker. This bed of vegetables will act as a rack to keep the brisket elevated and allow even cooking.

Step 2: Add the Corned Beef

Place the flat-cut corned beef brisket on top of the veggies, fat-side up. This ensures the meat stays moist as it cooks. Sprinkle the seasoning packet or your own pickling spice over the top.

Step 3: Pour in the Liquid

Pour beef broth or water around (not directly over) the meat to avoid rinsing off the seasoning. Add bay leaves to the broth for added flavor.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8-9 hours or HIGH for 5-6 hours. The beef should be tender enough to slice with a fork but not falling apart.

Step 5: Add the Cabbage

In the last 2 hours of cooking, tuck the cabbage wedges around the brisket. This way, they soften beautifully without overcooking or turning mushy.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Once the brisket is fork-tender, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain. Serve it alongside the tender veggies with a ladle of broth drizzled on top.


How to Serve and Store Slow Cooker Corned Beef

To serve, arrange thick slices of corned beef across a platter, surrounded by the cooked carrots, potatoes, and cabbage. Spoon a bit of the cooking liquid over the top to keep everything moist and flavorful. It’s a hearty, rustic presentation that needs little embellishment. A grainy mustard or horseradish cream sauce on the side adds an extra zing if desired.

For leftovers, store the beef and vegetables in an airtight container with some of the broth to keep them from drying out. It will last up to 4 days in the fridge. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months. To reheat, use the microwave or gently warm everything in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of broth.

What to Serve With Slow Cooker Corned Beef?

Crusty Bread

A loaf of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up all that flavorful broth.

Irish Soda Bread

This traditional, slightly sweet bread is a nod to the dish’s Irish roots and complements the salty meat.

Mustard or Horseradish Sauce

Classic accompaniments that add a tangy kick to balance the richness.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their earthy flavor and crisp texture provide a lovely contrast to the soft veggies.

Mashed Parsnips

Creamy and slightly sweet, mashed parsnips are a great alternative to standard mashed potatoes.

Green Beans Almondine

Light and crunchy, they offer a fresh bite alongside the heavier main.

Apple Slaw

A crisp, tangy apple slaw adds a refreshing crunch and a sweet contrast to the savory flavors.


Want More Comfort Food Ideas?

If you love this Slow Cooker Corned Beef, these cozy and satisfying recipes will be right up your alley:

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Slow Cooker Corned Beef

Slow Cooker Corned Beef

This Slow Cooker Corned Beef recipe delivers fork-tender, juicy beef infused with traditional spices, served with soft cabbage, sweet carrots, and savory potatoes. It’s a hearty and comforting dish that’s ideal for busy days, holidays, or a warm, family-style meal any time of year.
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American, Irish
Servings 6 servings
Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

  • 3 to 4 pounds corned beef brisket (flat cut), with spice packet
  • 1.5 pounds baby potatoes
  • 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1 green cabbage, cut into wedges
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 4 cups beef broth or water
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon pickling spice (if no spice packet is included)

Instructions
 

  • Place potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic cloves at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • Place the corned beef brisket on top, fat-side up. Sprinkle with seasoning packet or pickling spice.
  • Pour in the beef broth or water, avoiding the top of the meat. Add bay leaves.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 8–9 hours or HIGH for 5–6 hours.
  • Add cabbage wedges during the last 2 hours of cooking.
  • Remove beef and rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with vegetables and a bit of broth spooned over.

Notes

For more depth, try adding a splash of beer like Guinness or a touch of Dijon mustard to the broth.

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 40gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 115mgSodium: 1300mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 11000IUVitamin C: 75mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 4mg
Keyword corned beef, slow cooker, St. Patrick’s Day
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