Corned Beef and Cabbage Crock Pot Recipe

Jump to Recipe

Ready to try our tasty Corned Beef and Cabbage Crock Pot Recipe? You won't regret it!

Corned Beef is a popular Irish dish traditionally served on St. Patrick's Day. It is often made in the oven, and more recently, Instant Pot Corned Beef has become popular.

What Is Corned Beef Made Of?

Corned beef is made from beef brisket, which comes from the cow's breast area. If cooked correctly, Corned Beef Brisket should be fork-tender and juicy!

Corned Beef and Cabbage Crock Pot Recipe on a plate

A traditional corned beef recipe takes brisket, which is an inexpensive cut of meat that is usually pretty tough.

It's cured in a brine made from salt and sugar, spices, and other flavorings until it becomes tender.

Then it's cooked with additional vegetables to add flavor and texture.

In the United States, corned beef is mostly associated with New England, where Irish immigrants who came to work on the railroads introduced the dish to native Americans.

How Do You Buy Corned Beef?

It helps to know how corned beef is sold, to make sure you are buying what you want.

A fresh or uncooked corned beef brisket will be lean and red with a layer of fat on one side. It's usually cured so if you aren't going to cook it right away, it will keep for 4 or 5 days refrigerated.

Corned beef is cured by the manufacturer and ready to prepare, either plain or seasoned with a spice packet, and can be found in the grocery store meat department. If you purchase corned beef with the spice pack included, you can save time on seasoning.

vegetables for Corned Beef and Cabbage Crock Pot Recipe

Crock Pot Corned Beef Tips

Low and slow is the best way to cook corned beef in the crock pot.
Add potatoes, carrots and onions at the beginning of the cooking time.
Cover the meat to about halfway with water.
If you're cooking cabbage in the slow cooker, add this during the last couple hours of cooking so it isn't over-cooked.

Other St. Patrick's Day Recipes

FAQS

Can you overcook corned beef in a crockpot?

Yes, this is a very lean cut of meat and can become tough or dry if overcooked.

However, when cooking meat in a slow cooker, it is easy to ensure that meat will be tender. Keep an eye on the meat and check it at the 7-8 hour mark to see how it is doing.

Does corned beef need to be covered with water in slow cooker?

Corned beef brisket does very well in the slow cooker as long as it is covered about halfway with liquid. Otherwise, you risk the brisket coming out dry.

Is corned beef and cabbage bad for you?

Corned beef and cabbage is not bad for you in moderation. As with any type of heavily salted meat, it is always best to eat in small portions and save it for special occasions.

Why is my slow cooker corned beef tough?

If your slow cooker corned beef is tough, it may be due to overcooking or not enough water being used. Continue cooking at a low heat and check for doneness after about 7-8 hours on low. I normally cook mine on low for 9-10 hours total.

Is corned beef good for diabetics?

Corned beef is not considered diabetic friendly because of the high amount of sodium. However, it can be enjoyed occasionally as part of a balanced diet.

Does corned beef get tender the longer you cook it?

Corned beef will become more tender the longer you cook. If you are cooking it in a slow cooker, keep an eye on the meat and check it after 7-8 hours to ensure that it's not overcooked.

Do you cook corned beef fat side?

Some recipes will instruct you to cook the corned beef fat side up, however, it is not necessary.

Yield: 8