Get ready to transform your kitchen into an Irish culinary paradise with the most mouthwatering, fall-apart tender corned beef and cabbage recipe that will have your family begging for seconds! This slow cooker magic turns a classic Irish-American dish into an effortless meal that requires minimal prep but delivers maximum flavor. Whether you're celebrating St. Patrick's Day or simply craving a hearty, comforting dinner, this recipe is about to become your new go-to crowd-pleaser.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Irish
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3-4 pounds corned beef brisket
- 1 medium head of cabbage, cut into wedges
- 4 carrots, cut into chunks
- 4 potatoes, quartered
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
Instructions
- Remove corned beef brisket from packaging and pat dry with paper towels. If brisket includes a seasoning packet, set it aside.
- Place the corned beef brisket in the center of a large slow cooker, fat side facing up. This will help keep the meat moist during cooking.
- Sprinkle the included seasoning packet or mustard seeds evenly over the surface of the brisket for additional flavor.
- Prepare vegetables by washing and cutting cabbage into wedges, peeling and chopping carrots into chunks, and quartering potatoes.
- Arrange cut carrots and potatoes around the sides of the corned beef in the slow cooker.
- Carefully pour beef broth into the slow cooker, ensuring it covers approximately one-third to one-half of the brisket.
- Cover slow cooker with lid and set to cook on low heat for 8 hours, which will help tenderize the meat and allow flavors to develop thoroughly.
- During the last hour of cooking, gently place cabbage wedges on top of the meat and vegetables.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove brisket and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Transfer meat and vegetables to a large serving platter, spooning some cooking liquid over the top for added moisture and flavor.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Select a high-quality corned beef brisket with good marbling for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Fat Side Up: Always place the brisket fat side facing up in the slow cooker to keep the meat moist and self-basting during the long cooking process.
- Liquid Level Matters: Ensure the beef broth covers about one-third to one-half of the brisket to maintain moisture without drowning the meat.
- Timing is Key: Add cabbage during the last hour of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy and maintain a perfect texture.
- Slicing Technique: Always slice the corned beef against the grain to ensure each bite is tender and easy to chew.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the meat rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a more flavorful and succulent result.
- Save the Cooking Liquid: The broth left in the slow cooker is packed with flavor - spoon it over the meat and vegetables for an extra taste boost.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 400kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 120mg