Slow Cooker Corned Beef

Slow Cooker Corned Beef

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Nothing beats the cozy aroma of Slow Cooker Corned Beef simmering all day, filling your home with the promise of a hearty, satisfying dinner. This dish brings together tender, flavorful beef with classic veggies like carrots, potatoes, and cabbage, all infused with the rich, savory broth of slow-cooked goodness.

Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any chilly evening when comfort food is calling, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. Just set it in the morning, and by dinner, you’ll have a meal that feels like a warm hug, ready to slice and serve.


What Kind of Beef Should I Use for Slow Cooker Corned Beef?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use a corned beef brisket, which usually comes with a seasoning packet. Look for either a flat cut (leaner, slices neatly) or a point cut (more marbled and juicy). Both work beautifully, so it’s up to your texture preference.


Ingredients for the Slow Cooker Corned Beef

  • Corned beef brisket: The star of the show, delivering rich, salty flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Yellow potatoes: Hold up well during slow cooking and soak up the broth’s savory notes.
  • Carrots: Add sweetness and color, balancing the saltiness of the beef.
  • Cabbage: A classic partner that becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
  • Onion: Deepens the broth with natural sweetness.
  • Garlic cloves: Infuse aromatic goodness into every bite.
  • Beef broth or water: Provides moisture for slow cooking, creating a flavorful base.
  • Seasoning packet: Usually comes with the brisket and includes spices like mustard seed, coriander, and bay leaf, adding that signature corned beef taste.

How To Make the Slow Cooker Corned Beef

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Peel and cut the carrots into large chunks, halve the potatoes, quarter the cabbage, and slice the onion. Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water to remove excess brine.

Step 2: Layer in the Slow Cooker

Place the onion slices and garlic cloves at the bottom of the slow cooker. Lay the corned beef brisket on top, fat side up. Scatter the carrots and potatoes around the meat.

Step 3: Add Liquid and Seasoning

Pour in enough beef broth or water to just cover the brisket. Sprinkle the seasoning packet over the meat, letting the spices sink into the broth for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set the slow cooker to low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours. About 2 hours before it’s done, add the cabbage wedges on top so they cook until tender but not mushy.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Once cooked, transfer the brisket to a cutting board and slice against the grain for tender pieces. Serve alongside the veggies, spooning over some of the flavorful broth.


Serving and Storing Slow Cooker Corned Beef

Serve your corned beef with the tender carrots, potatoes, and cabbage, drizzled with broth or paired with a dollop of mustard or horseradish sauce for extra zing. Leftovers make incredible sandwiches or hash the next morning!

For storage, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, slice the beef and pack it with some broth in a freezer-safe bag or container; it will keep well for up to 3 months.


Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep corned beef from drying out?

The key is cooking it low and slow with enough liquid. Always slice against the grain to keep it tender.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes! You can cook it on high for 4-6 hours, but low for 8-10 hours gives the most tender results.

Do I need to rinse the corned beef before cooking?

Rinsing removes excess brine, which helps control the saltiness of the finished dish. It’s recommended but optional.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Gently warm slices in broth on the stovetop or microwave to keep them moist.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Parsnips, turnips, or even sweet potatoes can be delicious additions.


Want More Beef Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Slow Cooker Corned Beef, you’ll probably enjoy these other hearty favorites:

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can come back to it anytime.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you stick with the classic cabbage or try other veggies? Maybe added a splash of Guinness to the broth?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Questions and tips are welcome—let’s help each other cook better!

👉 For more recipes and daily cooking inspiration, check out my Pinterest page: Life with Nina on Pinterest.


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Slow Cooker Corned Beef

Slow Cooker Corned Beef

  • Author: Nina Johnson
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8-10 hours
  • Total Time: about 8-10 hours
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Irish-American

Description

Slow Cooker Corned Beef is the ultimate comfort food — tender, flavorful brisket slow-cooked with potatoes, carrots, and cabbage, all soaking up a rich, savory broth. Perfect for a cozy dinner or St. Patrick’s Day celebration.


Ingredients

Scale

1 corned beef brisket (about 34 pounds)

1.5 pounds yellow potatoes, halved 4 large carrots, cut into chunks

1 small head cabbage, quartered 1 onion, sliced 4 garlic cloves, smashed 4 cups beef broth or water

1 seasoning packet (comes with brisket)


Instructions

  1. Peel and cut the carrots, halve potatoes, quarter the cabbage, slice the onion, and rinse the corned beef brisket.
  2. Place onion and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  3. Lay brisket on top, fat side up.
  4. Add carrots and potatoes around the meat.
  5. Pour in beef broth or water to cover brisket.
  6. Sprinkle seasoning packet over the top.
  7. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
  8. Add cabbage wedges for the last 2 hours.
  9. Remove brisket, slice against the grain, and serve with veggies and broth.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, gently warm slices in broth on the stovetop or microwave to keep them moist.

Try adding parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes for variety.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 1500mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 140mg

Keywords: corned beef, slow cooker, St. Patrick’s Day, comfort food

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