Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage: A St. Patrick’s Feast

Last Updated on March 22, 2025 by Souhail

Nothing says St. Patrick’s Day like a hearty plate of Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage. Whether you’re celebrating with friends, hosting a family gathering, or simply craving a comforting Irish-inspired meal, this slow cooker recipe is the perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit.

With its tender, juicy corned beef and flavorful vegetables, this dish is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal. The slow cooker works its magic, transforming a tough cut of brisket into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece, while the cabbage, carrots, and potatoes absorb all the rich, beefy goodness. And the best part? You barely have to lift a finger. Just toss everything in the crockpot, and let the flavors develop while you enjoy the festivities!

Corned beef and cabbage has long been a St. Patrick’s Day tradition in the United States, though its roots trace back to Irish immigrants who adapted their homeland’s classic boiled bacon and cabbage. Today, it remains one of the most beloved dishes to serve on March 17th. And while the traditional method involves simmering the beef on the stovetop for hours, the slow cooker makes the process effortless, guaranteeing perfectly cooked corned beef with minimal effort.

Why This Recipe Works for St. Patrick’s Day

There’s no better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than with a dish that’s steeped in tradition yet incredibly simple to make. Here’s why this Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe is a must-have for your holiday menu:

1. Slow Cooking Makes It Incredibly Tender

Corned beef comes from the brisket cut, which is naturally tough. Cooking it low and slow in the crockpot allows the connective tissues to break down, resulting in fall-apart tender meat. This means you’ll get juicy, flavorful corned beef without the risk of it becoming dry or tough.

2. The Flavors Are Perfectly Balanced

By cooking everything in one pot, the cabbage, potatoes, and carrots absorb the rich, seasoned broth, creating a dish that’s both hearty and flavorful. The classic spice packet that comes with corned beef usually includes a mix of mustard seeds, coriander, bay leaves, and peppercorns, giving the dish its signature taste.

3. It’s Completely Hands-Off

Unlike traditional stovetop methods that require constant attention, the crockpot does all the work for you. Just set it and forget it while you enjoy your St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Whether you’re watching a parade, having a pint with friends, or just relaxing at home, you won’t have to worry about stirring or monitoring a pot.

4. A Perfect Pairing for Irish-Inspired Sides

Want to take your St. Patrick’s Day meal to the next level? Pair this dish with classic Irish sides like:

• Irish Soda Bread – The perfect way to soak up the delicious broth.
• Colcannon – Creamy mashed potatoes with cabbage and butter.
• Guinness Beer Bread – A slightly sweet, malty bread that pairs perfectly with corned beef.

5. Leftovers Make the Best Next-Day Meals

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this dish is just as good (if not better) the next day. Transform them into:

• Reuben Sandwiches – Layer corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing on rye bread.
• Corned Beef Hash – Sauté leftover corned beef with diced potatoes and onions for a delicious breakfast.
• Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup – A warm and cozy way to use up leftovers.

6. Authentic with a Modern Twist

While corned beef and cabbage isn’t a dish traditionally eaten in Ireland, it became popular among Irish immigrants in America who adapted their homeland’s flavors using readily available beef brisket. This crockpot version keeps the authentic flavors while making the cooking process easier and more foolproof.

This Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage is the ultimate way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, combining tradition, convenience, and incredible flavor in one easy-to-make dish. Now, let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions!

Ingredients Breakdown

Main Ingredients:

• 1 (3 to 4-pound) corned beef brisket with spice packet
• 4 cups water or beef broth
• 1 medium onion, quartered
• 3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1.5 pounds baby potatoes (red or Yukon gold), halved
• 1 small green cabbage, cut into wedges

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor:

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
• 1 to 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage is incredibly simple, thanks to the slow cooker. Just follow these steps for a perfectly tender, flavorful dish that’s ideal for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

1: Prepare the Slow Cooker (5 minutes)

• Place the quartered onion, minced garlic, and bay leaves at the bottom of your crockpot. This creates a flavorful base for the corned beef.

2: Add the Corned Beef (2 minutes)

• Remove the corned beef from its packaging and rinse it under cold water to remove excess brine (optional but recommended to reduce saltiness).
• Place the brisket on top of the onions, fat side up, to keep the meat juicy as it cooks.
• Sprinkle the spice packet over the beef, ensuring even coverage.

3: Add Liquid (1 minute)

• Pour in 4 cups of water or beef broth (or substitute with beer like Guinness for a richer taste).
• Add apple cider vinegar and whole-grain mustard (if using) to enhance the flavor.

4: Slow Cook the Corned Beef (8-10 hours on LOW or 4-6 hours on HIGH)

• Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours (recommended for the most tender results) or on HIGH for 4 to 6 hours if you’re short on time.

5: Add the Vegetables (Last 2 Hours of Cooking)

• 2 hours before the cooking time is up, add the carrots and potatoes around the brisket.
• 1 hour before the cooking time is up, add the cabbage wedges on top. Cover and continue cooking until the cabbage is tender but not mushy.

6: Rest and Slice the Corned Beef (10 minutes)

• Once done, remove the corned beef from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board.
• Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain into thin slices.

7: Serve and Enjoy!

• Arrange the sliced corned beef on a platter with carrots, potatoes, and cabbage.
• Drizzle with some of the cooking liquid for extra flavor.
• Serve with grainy mustard, horseradish sauce, or Irish soda bread for the perfect St. Patrick’s Day feast!

Pro Tips for Success

• Use Leftovers Creatively: Make Reuben sandwiches, corned beef hash, or soup.
• Pick the Right Cut: Flat cut is best for slicing, while point cut is juicier but better for shredding.
• Rinse the Corned Beef: Removes excess salt for a better-balanced flavor.
• Use Beer for Depth: Swap water for Guinness or beef broth for a richer taste.
• Cook on LOW for Best Texture: 8-10 hours on LOW makes the meat extra tender.
• Add Veggies at the Right Time: Potatoes & carrots: 2 hours before done. Cabbage: 1 hour before.
• Slice Against the Grain: For the most tender, easy-to-eat corned beef.
• Save the Broth: Drizzle it over the meat & veggies or use it for soup.
• Make It Ahead: Tastes even better the next day! Store & reheat in the broth.
• Pair with Classic Irish Sides: Irish soda bread, colcannon, or Guinness beer bread.

Recipe Card

Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage

Recipe by SimonCourse: DinnerDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

8

hours 

Calories

450

kcal

This Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage is the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day feast, featuring tender, slow-cooked corned beef, flavorful carrots, potatoes, and cabbage. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, it’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal!

Ingredients

• 1 (3 to 4-pound) corned beef brisket with spice packet

• 4 cups water or beef broth (or Guinness beer for richer flavor)

• 1 medium onion, quartered

• 3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks

• 1.5 pounds baby potatoes (red or Yukon gold), halved

• 1 small green cabbage, cut into wedges

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (Optional)

• 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard (Optional)

• 1 to 2 bay leaves (Optional)

• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns (Optional)

Directions

• Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the onion, garlic, and bay leaves at the bottom of the crockpot.
• Add the Corned Beef: Rinse the brisket under cold water to remove excess salt. Place it fat-side up in the slow cooker and sprinkle the spice packet on top.
• Add Liquid: Pour in the water, broth, or beer. Add apple cider vinegar and mustard if using.
• Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours (or HIGH for 4-6 hours).
• Add Vegetables: 2 hours before the corned beef is done, add the potatoes and carrots. 1 hour before it’s done, add the cabbage.
• Rest and Slice: Remove the corned beef, let it rest for 10 minutes, then slice against the grain.
• Serve & Enjoy: Arrange the corned beef, carrots, potatoes, and cabbage on a platter. Drizzle with cooking liquid and serve with mustard or horseradish sauce.

Notes

• Rinsing Corned Beef: Helps remove excess salt; recommended but optional.
• Best Cooking Method: LOW for 8-10 hours yields the most tender meat.
• Slicing Tip: Always slice against the grain for the most tender bites.

FAQ About Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply craving a comforting, slow-cooked meal, this Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe is the perfect dish. The low-and-slow cooking method guarantees tender, juicy corned beef, while the cabbage, potatoes, and carrots soak up the rich, flavorful broth. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe is a must-have for any festive gathering.

One of the best things about corned beef and cabbage is its versatility. If you have leftovers, consider making a delicious Corned Beef Hash for a hearty breakfast the next day. Want to explore other comforting dishes? You might love trying a classic pot roast or learning about the best herbs and spices for roast beef to enhance your next slow-cooked meal.

For those who enjoy pairing meals with homemade condiments and sides, check out how to make your rice taste like a restaurant’s or discover the secret ingredient in a great stew. These little details can elevate your St. Patrick’s Day feast to a whole new level!

So, grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a warm, flavorful, and festive meal. If you try this Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe, let us know in the comments how it turned out!