Running short on time but would like to make a traditional Irish dish for dinner this St. Patrick’s Day? Slow Cooker Corned Beef with Cabbage and Potatoes is easy, hands off and delivers a moist and tender piece of meat. Throw in cabbage, potatoes and carrots, and you’ve got yourself the perfect meal and a little piece of Irish luck on your side!
If you love St. Patrick’s Day recipes, try this Shepherd’s Pie Poutine or Bailey’s Mint Chocolate Chip Dip for dessert.
I absolutely love corned beef so it’s very puzzling to me why I only make it once a year. Every year I question myself vowing to make it more than just once in March. It’s delicious served as the main course, with a side of cabbage and potatoes, and leftovers make a yummy corned beef sandwich with thousand island dressing, the next day. Each year I always switch up the recipe and try something new.
Last year I made Bobby Flay’s version, the year before that I made Skinnytaste’s version and while both of them are very different and very delicious, I still love my go to recipe the best, which I received from my girlfriend, whom received it from a coworker.
Side note, my dad makes Alton Brown’s Corned Beef recipe and it is outta this World but takes too long for my liking (10 days!) I’ve switched it up a little bit to add in my own things and take a few things out and this year I nailed the perfect combination. It was moist, tender and all around scrumptious!
I use to attend the South Side Irish parade, in Chicago, with my old friend. Each year we’d walk in the parade and afterwards enjoy a delicious corned beef lunch followed by a Shamrock Shake for dessert. (Why are those things SO good and SO bad for you?! I am yet to find a copycat recipe that tastes great and is “better” for you and no I don’t want spinach in it. If anyone has a recipe to share?) I digress, back to the corned beef. It was the best corned beef I’ve ever had and I’m yet to replicate it but this Slow Cooker Corned Beef with Cabbage and Potatoes is a close second to that corned beef I enjoyed YEARS ago.
I absolutely love my slow cooker and find any reason to use it. I recently made this Slow Cooker Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup again, and it’s slowly become my favorite comfort food. I also know that there are a lot of busy families out there who love the philosophy, “set it and forget it” so this Slow Cooker Corned Beef with Cabbage and Potatoes is perfect for this St. Patrick’s Day. You throw all the ingredients into the slow cooker, not the potatoes or cabbage yet, they’ll become mush, set that baby on low and it’s ready to be eaten shortly after you come home.
This year, in addition to switching up my go to recipe, I also decided to try a new brand of Corned Beef. This year I chose Premium Cuts Finest Beef which is an all natural, uncured, 100% grass fed, no antibiotics, hormones,or nitrites, piece of meat. And no, this is not sponsored, I bought this with my own monies at Sam’s Club. Usually I’m cheap, when it comes to corned beef, and always purchase mine at Aldi (for 2.99/lb) and I’ve never been disappointed.
But recently I was reading a recipe where they used and recommended a corned beef with no added nitrates. I’m not very knowledgeable on the use of sodium nitrites, sorry, until just recently. According to The Truth about nitrite in Lunch Meat, “The preservative sodium nitrite fights harmful bacteria in ham, salami and other processed and cured meats and also lends them their pink coloration. However, under certain conditions in the human body, nitrite can damage cells and also morph into molecules that cause cancer.” Yeah, that was enough for me to read and also think and look more closely at the meat I choose for my family.
So I decided to splurge, $4.89/lb, (big spender!) and go the no added nitrates route and it had rosemary extract in the seasoning so obviously! The only difference I could taste from this no added nitrites to the years previous cuts of meat I purchased was the salt factor! Truth be told, nitrites are flavorful. Read this article by J. KENJI LÓPEZ-ALT, who’s a freaking culinary genius, love him! So when I say the only different was the salt, my corned beef wasn’t as salty as in the years past and although it had a great pickling spice with it and tasted fantastic, I wasn’t necessarily sold on the no nitrites added. So, I say to you, to each their own. Either type of meat you choose, this Slow Cooker Corned Beef with Cabbage and Potatoes is fabulous!
I mentioned I made Bobby Flay’s version last year, which is also fabulous and I have a huge crush on him. I mean, I love a man who can cook and has red hair! GIMME! If I could pick anyone to have my last meal with, it would be him. I’d die a happy and very full woman. )Sorry honey, the man CAN cook!) Again, I digress. So what I loved from Bobby’s recipe was a Mustard honey horseradish sauce. I decided to make that alongside my corned beef which was a genius move. It’s so good and packs a huge punch from the horseradish.
So, my advice to you this St. Patrick’s day, make this Slow Cooker Corned Beef with Cabbage and Potatoes. It’s flavorful, fork tender, doesn’t require any hands on time and is a well-rounded meal. The whole family will love this and you’ll love the leftovers on sandwiches, Irish nachos (coming soon!) and corned beef hash!
And might I add a Guinness is the perfect pairing for those of you who are 21+
Slow Cooker Corned Beef with Cabbage and Potatoes
Prep
Cook
Total
Yield 6
Running short on time but would like to make a traditional Irish dish for dinner this St. Patrick's Day? Slow Cooker Corned Beef with Cabbage and Potatoes is easy, hands off and delivers a moist and tender piece of meat. Throw in cabbage, potatoes and carrots, and you've got yourself the perfect meal and a little piece of Irish luck on your side!
Ingredients
Slow Cooker Corned Beef with Cabbage and Potatoes
- 1- 3lb corned beef brisket with spice packet
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 8 cloves
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 bay leaf
- 12 ounces of beer
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 headed of cabbage, quartered
- 16 ounces baby carrots
- 1 lb baby red potatoes
Mustard-Honey-Horseradish Sauce
- 1/2 cup dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup whole-grain mustard
- 1/2 cup clover honey
- 1/4 cup prepared horseradish, drained
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- Spray the bottom of your slow cooker with cooking spray
- To each quartered onion piece, stick in 2 whole cloves.
- Place carrots and onions in the bottom and place your corned beef, fat side down, on top of the vegetables.
- Add in your garlic cloves, bay leaf, spice packet, beer and beef broth and set it on low for 8 hours.
- When there is 1 hour left, add in your potatoes and cabbage and cook for allow to cook for 1 more hour.
- After 8 hours, remove brisket from slow cooker and slice. Serve carrots, cabbage, potatoes and Mustard-Honey-Horseradish Sauce (recipe below) alongside.
- Mustard-Honey-Horseradish Sauce
- In a medium size bowl, whisk all ingredients together and serve alongside corned beef.
Notes
Mustard-Honey-Horseradish Sauce from Bobby Flay
Courses Dinner
Cuisine Irish
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 6 servings
Amount Per Serving | ||
|---|---|---|
Calories 382 | ||
% Daily Value | ||
Total Fat 7 g | 11% | |
Saturated Fat 2 g | 10% | |
Cholesterol 7 mg | 2% | |
Sodium 758 mg | 32% | |
Total Carbohydrates 61 g | 20% | |
Dietary Fiber 11 g | 44% | |
Sugars 30 g | ||
Protein 8 g | 16% | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
The only thing that stands between you and this Slow Cooker Corned Beef with Cabbage and Potatoes is 8 hours of time in your Crockpot. This meal is sure to be a family favorite and will have you making corned beef more than just on the holiday!
Check out these other festive dishes to serve up this St. Patrick’s Day:
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Britni says
Ooh my husband loves corned beef and cabbage, but I hate cooking it! I’ll have to try out this slow cooker recipe, thanks!
Megan Marlowe says
Yes, makes it so much easier than having to tend to it all day!
Helen says
This looks terrific. I’m sure my family would love it. Thanks for sharing the recipe 🙂
Megan Marlowe says
Thank you, Helen! Thanks for visiting!
jacqueline | i sugar coat it! says
This looks so mouthwatering! I have never made corned beef, but there is a sandwich place close to my office that makes a mean corned beef sandwich.
Megan Marlowe says
Mmm…you should try and make corned beef at home. It’s not terribly hard and then recreate the sandwich at home! ?
Peter @ Feed Your Soul Too says
Your corned beef looks perfectly cooked. I am sure you know that is not always as easy as it seems.
Megan Marlowe says
Thanks Peter! Yes, I agree, corned beef can be tricky!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
Yumm!!! This looks absolutely delicious! I really need to get my slow cooker out 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Meghan | Fox and Briar says
Yum! I just made some corned beef in my slow cooker too – such a great way to cook it! I love all the flavors you added here!
Megan Marlowe says
Thank you! I’m going to make it again on St. Patrick’s Day and have your Irish Mule for a libation!
Stephanie@ApplesforCj says
I also love any excuse to use my slow cooker! I’ve never really made any recipes specific to St Patrick’s Day. Guess I should be trying and this recipe gives me inspiration. Love that you got nitrate free meat!
Megan Marlowe says
I’m Irish so St. Patrick’s day recipes are close to my heart. ? I’ll never miss the holiday to whip up a special recipe!
Sarah @ Champagne Tastes says
I’ve never eaten corned beef before! But man I love cabbage with potatoes and carrots- I’d devour those sides in minutes!
Megan Marlowe says
I also love the sides just as much as the meat 🙂
Veena Azmanov says
My mother in law made corn beef with cabbage – never got to take her recipe from her – this look so good and so close to what she use to make. I must try. Thanks
Megan Marlowe says
I hope you love it and it brings back memories of the corned beef your MIL use to make! 🙂
Kathryn @ FoodieGirlChicago says
This is such a great St. Patrick’s Day dish! And such a good way to use the slow cooker.
Megan Marlowe says
Thank you, Kathryn!
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
My husband grew up in Montreal…so smoked meat has always been a favourite of his. Same cut of meat, put prepared differently. I have done this in the slow cooker too. I love using it for sandwiches….or the perfect St. Paddy’s day meal!!
Megan Marlowe says
Leftovers for corned beef sandwiches are almost better than the meal! LOL
Kylee from Kylee Cooks says
I love corned beef, and stock up on it in March so I have a freezerful to enjoy all year long (since it’s so inexpensive right now).
This looks really delicious – I love how ahead of the game you are! I start looking at corned beef…. around March 16…
Megan Marlowe says
LOL! what a good idea! I think I’ll stockpile this year so I can have it more than once!
Sara @ Modern Little Victories says
Isn’t it funny that you have those recipes you love but you only make once a year? I have a few of those too but I think they just become so ingrained with certain times of year that it’s weird to make them any other time. Your recipe looks amazing!
Megan Marlowe says
I completely agree! Maybe having them only once a year makes them that more special! 😉
Kathy McDaniel says
Let me start by saying, this look delicious and the fact that you can make it in a slow cooker is a big plus. I love corned beef and cabbage and the leftovers make for amazing sandwiches!
Megan Marlowe says
I love leftover corned beef sandwiches! My mouth is watering just thinking about them!
Jessica (Swanky Recipes) says
Corned beef with brisket? Now this is something I’d totally try! I love corned beef, too, but don’t make it that much. Love how simple this recipe truly is.
Megan Marlowe says
Thanks Jessica! Like you, I am not sure why I don’t make it more often. It’s so easy!
Leah says
I love how easy this is! We always do it for St. Patrick’s, but love it can be for everyday! Great recipe!
Megan Marlowe says
I’d eat corned beef everyday if I could! I’m not sure why I only make it once a year!
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says
Normally we do a brisket on the grill. But we also love corned beef and never make it at home — why is that? And there are delicious recipes we only make for certain holidays and they’re wonderful any time of year. Well, corned beef is on my bucket list.
Megan Marlowe says
I agree! I am not sure why I don’t make holiday recipes more often. Maybe it makes them that more special when only served once a year! 😉
valmg @ From Val's Kitchen says
That looks terrific! We’re big corned beef fans, I’m not even sure why I don’t make it more often then I do!
Megan Marlowe says
I agree! I should make it year round, but sadly only remember to make it around St. Patrick’s Day!
Hanady | Recipe Nomad says
Oh if I only I could get Corned Beef in China! This looks so yummy! (And I agree Bobby Flay is such a cutie!)
Megan Marlowe says
Bummer! corned beef is delicious. Hopefully one day you’ll be able to make it yourself! 🙂
Byron Thomas says
Megan, you just brought so many memories flooding back to me. My mom used to make a corned beef dinner quite regularly. She never cooked it the same way as you’ve presented here, but it still was quite delicious. Have you tried using the pan dripping to make a corned beef flavoured gravy? So good!
Megan Marlowe says
No, but I will try and make the gravy this year, that sounds delicious!
Natalie | Natalie's Food & Health says
Wow Mega, that beef looks absolutely delicious. So tender. Just look at that amazing colour! Love how you paired cabbage with beef. It’s a great combo and perfect winter dish. Pinning and sharing this!
Megan Marlowe says
Thank you so much, Natalie! It’s a family favorite!
Sandhya Ramakrishnan says
Slow cooker is such a lovely invention and the recipes tastes really good when cooked in it. I always ask myself the same question about why the recipes that tastes so good, are so bad for our health. I will be looking forward to your copycat recipe for the shamrock shake when you come up with one 🙂
Megan Marlowe says
Thank you so much!
Julie | Bunsen Burner Bakery says
I can’t believe that I’ve never made corned beef before – this looks so good! We’ll be in London over St. Patrick’s Day, but I guess there’s no reason I can’t make it on any other day during the year!
Megan Marlowe says
I love corned beef and wonder why I only make it once a year?! I should put it into my rotation more often! Enjoy London, Julie!
Molly Kumar says
I love slow cooker recipes !! They are so easy to make and the result is juicy food. Love all the flavors used and it looks really delicious.
Megan Marlowe says
Thank you, Molly!
daniela Anderson says
A lovely recipe that l would definitely cook on a Sunday to enjoy with my family, as it just screams comfort food. Cooking it in a slow cooker seems the perfect way. Would love to try it!
Megan Marlowe says
Yes, it works out so well in the slow cooker for a nice and tender piece of meat!
Anna Daniels says
Can I use Budweiser for the beer?
Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen says
Absolutely!
Bonnie says
Made this tonight and thought it was pretty good but a little flat. I’ve had New England Boiled Dinner all my life but never in a slow cooker. I’ve always put a little rosemary in it and I think that is the flavor that was missing to me. I will make it again and add the rosemary. The mustard sauce was very good and we did enjoy it. Thank you for a very simple way to cook corned beef with very little fuss.