Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage: A Mouthwatering Recipe

Looking for an easy and delicious meal to prepare for your family or friends? Why not try making corned beef and cabbage in the crock pot? This slow cooker recipe is perfect for those who want a hearty and flavorful meal without having to spend too much time in the kitchen.

Corned beef and cabbage is a traditional Irish dish that is usually served on St. Patrick’s Day. But don’t worry, you don’t have to wait for the holiday to enjoy this mouthwatering meal. With just a few simple ingredients and a crock pot, you can make this hearty dish any time of the year. So, whether you’re a busy parent or just looking for a fuss-free dinner idea, read on to discover how to make corned beef and cabbage in the crock pot with ease.

1. Choosing the Right Ingredients

When making corned beef and cabbage in a crock pot, choosing the right ingredients is crucial. The corned beef should be the star of the dish, so opt for a high-quality cut of meat from your local butcher. Look for a brisket that’s labeled “corned beef” or ask your butcher to point you in the right direction. In addition to the beef, you’ll need cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, and beef broth.

2. Prepping the Crock Pot

To get started, generously spray the inside of your crock pot with cooking spray. This will prevent the food from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Then, add the beef broth and all of the vegetables to the slow cooker. If you like your cabbage on the softer side, chop it into smaller pieces. Lastly, add the corned beef.

3. Adding Flavor

Corned beef is typically salty, so you don’t need to add a lot of seasonings to the crock pot. However, a few flavor enhancers can take your dish to the next level. Add some bay leaves, peppercorns, and thyme sprigs to the slow cooker for an extra depth of flavor.

4. Cooking Time

Cooking corned beef and cabbage in a crock pot is incredibly easy but requires patience. Set your crock pot to low heat and cook for 8-10 hours or until the beef is fork-tender. Avoid the temptation to lift the lid and check on your meal frequently. Each time you lift the lid, you add cooking time to the dish.

5. Skimming the Fat

After a few hours of cooking, you may notice that there’s some fat floating on the surface of the broth. You can easily remove this with a spoon or, if you have a baster, suck the fat out of the pot. Skimming the fat will result in a more flavorful and less greasy dish.

6. Serving Suggestions

Corned beef and cabbage in a crock pot is a classic Irish-American dish that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any other day of the year. Once your beef is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it against the grain. Then, return it to the pot and mix it with the vegetables and broth. Serve with some crusty bread and a pint of your favorite beer.

7. Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave it until heated through or warm it up on the stove.

8. Variations

While corned beef and cabbage is a classic dish, there are many variations that you can try. Some people like to add beer, mustard, or horseradish to their crock pot while others prefer to cook their beef on the stovetop. Experiment with different seasonings and methods to find your perfect recipe.

9. Tips and Tricks

Corned beef and cabbage in a crock pot is an easy dish to make, but there are a few tips and tricks that can make it even better. For example, you can opt to sear the beef before adding it to the crock pot for extra flavor. Alternatively, you can add some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

10. Final Thoughts

Making corned beef and cabbage in a crock pot is a great way to enjoy a classic dish with minimal effort. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can have a delicious and hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. So why not give it a try and see why this dish has become a favorite in households across the country?

Section 2: Preparing Ingredients and Cooking the Corned Beef and Cabbage

Gathering the Ingredients

Before preparing to make corned beef and cabbage in a crock pot, you need to have all the ingredients necessary. You don’t want to get halfway through the process and realize you’re missing something critical. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3-4 pound corned beef brisket
• 1 head of cabbage
• 5-6 medium-sized potatoes
• 4-5 medium-sized carrots
• 1 onion
• 2-3 cups of beef broth (or water with beef bouillon cubes)
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon of mustard (optional)
• 2-3 cloves of garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the Vegetables

Once you have all the ingredients, it’s time to prepare the vegetables. Start by cutting the cabbage into wedges, about 1-2 inches wide. Peel and cut the potatoes and carrots into chunks, roughly the same size as the cabbage wedges. Finally, chop the onion and mince the garlic.

Searing the Meat

Before adding the meat to the crock pot, it’s a good idea to sear it first. This step isn’t entirely necessary, but it will help to lock in the flavor and ensure a more tender result. To sear the corned beef brisket, heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the brisket in the pan and sear for 2-3 minutes per side or until browned.

Layering the Ingredients

Now that the vegetables are prepared, and the meat is seared, it’s time to layer everything in the crock pot. Begin by placing the cabbage wedges on the bottom of the crock pot, followed by the potatoes and carrots on top. Place the seared brisket on top of the vegetables.

Adding the Flavor

Now it’s time to add the flavor to our corned beef and cabbage. Pour the beef broth over the meat and vegetables, followed by the Worcestershire sauce, mustard (if using), salt, and pepper. Finally, add the minced garlic and chopped onions on top.

Cooking the Corned Beef and Cabbage

With everything layering in the crock pot, it’s time to start cooking. Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. The longer and slower the cooking process, the more tender the meat will be.

Checking the Doneness

After the cooking time is up, check the doneness of the meat by inserting a fork or meat thermometer into the thickest part of the brisket. It should read at least 145°F. If it’s not done yet, you can continue cooking it for an additional 30 minutes or until it reaches the correct temperature.

Serving the Corned Beef and Cabbage

Once the corned beef brisket is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve it up. Carefully remove the meat from the crock pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing against the grain into thin strips. Serve the meat along with the cooked vegetables, and ladle some of the cooking liquid over the top for added flavor.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, be sure to do so gently to avoid overcooking the meat. You can reheat the corned beef and cabbage in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven.

Ingredients for corned beef and cabbage

Before venturing off into the cooking process, it’s essential to collect the necessary ingredients for a delicious meal. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

Ingredients	Quantity
Corned beef brisket	1 (3-4 pounds)
Cabbage	1 small head
Carrots	3 medium-sized
Potatoes	6 small-sized
Onion	1 small-sized
Garlic	3 cloves
Bay leaf	2 pieces
Peppercorns	1 teaspoon
Water	6 cups

Preparing the ingredients

Now that you’ve got all the ingredients, it’s time to prepare them before tossing them into the crock pot. Here’s how:

Wash and peel the vegetables

Start by washing and peeling the potatoes and carrots, making sure to remove any dirt or debris. Cut the potatoes into small pieces, and slice the carrots into thin rounds. Also, chop the onion into small pieces.

Chop the cabbage

Chop the small head of cabbage into wedges. Cut out the core, and slice the wedges into smaller pieces. Rinse the cabbage thoroughly with water, and then pat them dry with a paper towel.

Season the corned beef brisket

Season the corned beef brisket with the peppercorns. Make sure to rub the peppercorns onto the surface of the meat.

Prepare the crock pot

Get out the crock pot and put the seasoned corned beef brisket into it. Add the chopped onion, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns into the crock pot. Pour over 6 cups of water to cover the brisket completely.

Cooking time

Set the crock pot on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours. Make sure to place the lid on top of the crock pot to retain the moisture inside.

Next up, we’ll dive into the final preparations in part four of this article.

Enjoy your homemade corned beef and cabbage from the crock pot!

That’s it, folks! You’ve learned how to make a delicious corned beef and cabbage meal in a crockpot, and it’s easy! We hope that you’ve enjoyed reading this guide and found it helpful in preparing your next meal. Cooking can be fun and exciting, and with this recipe, it’s both of those things! Thanks for reading and don’t forget to visit us again for more easy-to-follow recipes and helpful cooking tips. Happy cooking!