Jam Scott
Slow Cooker Corned Beef is the ultimate comfort dish, bringing tender, juicy brisket infused with spices right to your table. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, gently simmering the beef until it practically melts in your mouth, surrounded by hearty vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and cabbage. It’s a meal that feels like a cozy hug, whether you’re serving it on St. Patrick’s Day or craving a satisfying family dinner.
What makes this dish shine is its simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients, and the result is a beautifully seasoned, savory meal with minimal effort. The long, slow cooking time gives the brisket time to absorb all the flavors, making each bite more delicious than the last. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again, not just for the taste, but for how effortless it is.
What Kind of Corned Beef Should I Use?
For this recipe, flat-cut corned beef brisket is the best choice. It cooks evenly and slices beautifully, making for a prettier presentation on the plate. Point-cut brisket can also be used; it’s a bit fattier and may be more flavorful but can fall apart more easily when sliced. Make sure the brisket comes with a spice packet, which is key to infusing the meat with its signature taste.
Ingredients for the Slow Cooker Corned Beef
- Corned Beef Brisket: The star of the dish, becoming tender and flavorful with slow cooking.
- Baby Potatoes: They soak up the savory broth and add hearty texture.
- Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and color to the dish.
- Cabbage: Added near the end, it becomes soft but still slightly crisp, balancing the richness of the beef.
- Onions: Add depth and a gentle sweetness to the broth.
- Garlic: Boosts the aroma and enriches the overall flavor.
- Beef Broth or Water: Creates the cooking liquid that transforms the beef into something magical.
- Spice Packet: Usually included with the brisket, it delivers that signature corned beef flavor.
How To Make the Slow Cooker Corned Beef
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Peel and cut the carrots into large chunks. Halve the baby potatoes and slice the onions into wedges. Set the cabbage aside for later.
Step 2: Layer in the Slow Cooker
Place the corned beef brisket (fat side up) in the slow cooker. Scatter the potatoes, carrots, and onions around it. Sprinkle the spice packet over the top and pour in enough beef broth or water to almost cover the brisket.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Tenderness
Cover and cook on low for 8–9 hours or on high for about 5–6 hours. The beef should be fork-tender and the vegetables soft.
Step 4: Add the Cabbage
About 1 hour before the end of cooking, add the cabbage wedges on top of the beef. Cover and continue cooking until the cabbage is tender but not mushy.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Carefully remove the corned beef and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain. Serve with the vegetables and a ladle of the flavorful cooking liquid.
Serving and Storing Your Slow Cooker Corned Beef
Serve the sliced corned beef alongside the tender vegetables, spooning some of the savory broth over everything for extra flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with mustard or horseradish sauce for a little kick. Leftovers make excellent sandwiches or can be diced into hash for breakfast the next day.
To store, let everything cool completely, then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep corned beef from getting tough?
The key is low and slow cooking. Rushing the process or using too high a heat can make the meat chewy.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Corned beef reheats beautifully. Slice it and store it in some of its cooking liquid to keep it juicy.
Should I rinse corned beef before cooking?
Rinsing helps remove excess salt but isn’t required. If you prefer a milder flavor, give it a quick rinse.
Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?
Absolutely. Simmer it gently in a large pot for about 3 hours, following similar steps.
What can I do with leftovers?
Chop them up for sandwiches, make a corned beef hash, or stir into a hearty soup.
Want More Dinner Ideas?
If you love this Slow Cooker Corned Beef, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:
• Tender Beef Bao Buns for a fun, handheld dinner.
• Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Alfredo Tortellini for a decadent pasta night.
• Teriyaki Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Veggies when you want savory-sweet flavors.
• Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use flat-cut or point-cut brisket? Did you add any extra veggies or spices?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter!
Slow Cooker Corned Beef
- Total Time: 37 minute
- Yield: 6–8 servings
Description
A comforting, flavorful dish featuring slow-cooked corned beef brisket with tender potatoes, carrots, onions, and cabbage. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
3–4 lb corned beef brisket with spice packet
1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
4 large carrots, cut into chunks
1 medium head cabbage, cut into wedges
1 large onion, cut into wedges
4 cloves garlic, smashed
4 cups beef broth or water
Instructions
- Peel and cut the carrots; halve the potatoes; cut onion into wedges. Set cabbage aside.
- Place corned beef brisket (fat side up) in the slow cooker. Arrange potatoes, carrots, and onions around it.
- Sprinkle spice packet over the beef. Pour in broth or water to almost cover the meat.
- Cook on low 8–9 hours or high 5–6 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
- Add cabbage wedges during the last hour of cooking.
- Remove beef, let rest 10 minutes, then slice against the grain.
- Serve with vegetables and ladle some cooking liquid over the top.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–9 hours (low) or 5–6 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner
