Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage: A Simple, Delicious St. Patrick's Day Recipe
Are you looking for a delicious and easy corned beef and cabbage recipe that requires minimal effort? Look no further! This crockpot recipe will deliver a tender, flavorful meal that's perfect for St. Patrick's Day or any occasion. Forget hours of stovetop cooking; this slow-cooker method yields unbelievably melt-in-your-mouth results.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- One 3-4 pound corned beef brisket: Make sure to choose a brisket with a good layer of fat for maximum flavor and moisture.
- 1 large onion, quartered: Adds a subtle sweetness to the dish.
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped: Provides a nice crunch and sweetness.
- 1 (1 pound) bag of potatoes, peeled and quartered: Russet or Yukon gold potatoes work best.
- 1 large head of cabbage, cored and cut into wedges: The star of the show!
- 4 cups beef broth: Provides a flavorful base for the cooking liquid.
- 2 bay leaves: Adds a subtle herbal note.
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns: Enhances the savory flavors.
- 1 tablespoon pickling spice (optional): This is what gives that authentic corned beef flavor.
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing Your Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure to thoroughly rinse your corned beef brisket under cold water to remove any excess salt. This step is important for preventing the dish from becoming overly salty. Pat it dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Slow Cooking Your Corned Beef
Place the corned beef brisket in your slow cooker. Add the quartered onion, chopped carrots, beef broth, bay leaves, and peppercorns.
Pro Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a few cloves of garlic, smashed, to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
Step 3: Cooking Time & Temperature
Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your brisket and your slow cooker.
Step 4: Adding the Potatoes and Cabbage
About 1-2 hours before the corned beef is finished cooking, add the quartered potatoes to the slow cooker. This allows them to cook through without becoming mushy.
During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the cabbage wedges to the slow cooker. This ensures the cabbage retains some texture while still being tender.
Step 5: Serving Your Delicious Crockpot Corned Beef
Once the corned beef is cooked through and fork-tender, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
Slice the beef against the grain and serve it with the potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. You can add some of the cooking liquid for extra flavor and moisture.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of horseradish sauce or mustard.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
- Enjoy with a side of Irish soda bread.
This Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its ease of preparation and incredible flavor make it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Give it a try and enjoy! Remember to adjust cooking times based on your specific slow cooker and the size of your brisket. Happy cooking!
