Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe – Easy & Traditional Dinner

One of my favorite memories in the kitchen started with a large pot gently simmering on the stove and the comforting aroma of spices filling the house. Growing up, I learned that simple, hearty meals bring people together, and that belief still guides every recipe I share. This corned beef and cabbage recipe reflects my love for balanced one-pot meals that are practical, flavorful, and perfect for gathering family around the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This corned beef and cabbage recipe is everything a classic comfort meal should be—simple, hearty, and incredibly flavorful. If you are looking for an easy corned beef and cabbage dinner that delivers traditional taste without complicated steps, this recipe checks every box. The tender corned beef brisket slowly simmers with corned beef seasoning, creating deep, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with soft cabbage, carrots, and potatoes.

One of the best parts about this traditional corned beef and cabbage recipe is how versatile it is. You can prepare corned beef and cabbage slow cooker style for hands-off convenience, cook it on the stovetop for classic texture, or even adapt it for corned beef and cabbage in oven variations. It is a true one-pot meal that minimizes cleanup while maximizing comfort.

This dish is ideal for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The balanced combination of protein and vegetables makes it both satisfying and practical. Whether you are new to cooking or experienced in the kitchen, this easy corned beef and cabbage recipe guarantees tender meat, flavorful broth, and dependable results every single time.

Ingredients for This Recipe

Corned beef and cabbage relies on simple ingredients that build bold, traditional flavor. The star is the corned beef brisket, cured in brine and infused with classic corned beef seasoning. Cabbage adds subtle sweetness, while carrots and potatoes absorb the rich broth created during simmering. This traditional corned beef and cabbage recipe uses everyday pantry staples and aromatic spices to create a deeply comforting meal. Whether you are making easy corned beef and cabbage for a weeknight dinner or planning a holiday feast, these ingredients work together to deliver authentic flavor and tender texture.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6–8):

For the Corned Beef:

3–4 lb corned beef brisket (with spice packet)
10 cups water (or enough to cover)
1 onion, quartered
3 cloves garlic, smashed
2 bay leaves

For the Vegetables:

1 small head green cabbage, cut into wedges
4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
1 ½ lbs baby potatoes (or quartered Yukon Gold potatoes)

Optional Additional Spices (if no packet included):

1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
½ teaspoon coriander seeds
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

How to Make This Recipe

Making corned beef and cabbage is easier than most people expect. This easy corned beef and cabbage method focuses on slow simmering to create fork-tender brisket and flavorful vegetables. The key to a perfect traditional corned beef and cabbage recipe is patience—allowing the corned beef brisket to gently cook so the seasoning fully penetrates the meat. As the beef simmers, it creates a rich broth that enhances the cabbage, carrots, and potatoes.

🛒 Steps:

Place corned beef brisket in a large pot and cover with water. Add onion, garlic, bay leaves, and corned beef seasoning.

Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover and cook for 2 ½–3 hours until the corned beef brisket is fork-tender.

Add potatoes and carrots during the last 30–40 minutes of cooking for perfectly tender texture.

Add cabbage wedges during the final 15–20 minutes so they soften without becoming mushy.

Remove corned beef and cabbage from the pot. Rest the brisket, slice against the grain, and serve with vegetables and broth.

This classic method ensures balanced flavor, tender beef, and perfectly cooked vegetables in every bite.

Expert Cooking Tips

Perfect corned beef and cabbage comes down to technique. For the most tender corned beef brisket, always simmer gently rather than boiling aggressively. A slow, steady cook allows the corned beef seasoning to infuse deeply into the meat. If you want extra flavor, toast your mustard seeds and coriander before adding them to your traditional corned beef and cabbage recipe.

💡 Expert Tips:

Rinse the corned beef brisket before cooking to remove excess brine and control saltiness.

Cook corned beef and cabbage slow cooker style on LOW for 8–9 hours for ultra-tender texture.

Slice the corned beef against the grain to ensure each bite stays tender and juicy.

Do not overcook the cabbage; add it last for the best texture and flavor.

Use leftover broth to create corned beef and cabbage soup for a second comforting meal.

These techniques elevate an easy corned beef and cabbage dinner into a flavorful, restaurant-quality dish.

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Corned beef and cabbage remains a timeless comfort meal that blends tradition, simplicity, and bold flavor. Whether you prepare this easy corned beef and cabbage recipe for a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, the tender brisket, savory broth, and perfectly cooked vegetables create a balanced one-pot meal everyone will love. With classic corned beef seasoning and reliable cooking methods, this traditional corned beef and cabbage recipe guarantees satisfying results every time you serve it.

Corned Beef and Cabbage

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• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: ~3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 3 hours 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A classic, hearty dish featuring tender, slow-cooked corned beef brisket served with cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. This traditional comfort meal is especially popular for St. Patrick’s Day but is delicious year-round. The beef is gently simmered with aromatic spices until fork-tender, creating a flavorful and satisfying one-pot dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6–8):

For the Corned Beef:

3–4 lb corned beef brisket (with spice packet)
10 cups water (or enough to cover)
1 onion, quartered
3 cloves garlic, smashed
2 bay leaves

For the Vegetables:

1 small head green cabbage, cut into wedges
4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
1 ½ lbs baby potatoes (or quartered Yukon Gold potatoes)

Optional Additional Spices (if no packet included):

1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
½ teaspoon coriander seeds
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

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Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Corned Beef
Rinse the corned beef under cold water to remove excess brine. Place it in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add water to fully cover the meat. Add onion, garlic, bay leaves, and included spice packet (or your homemade spice blend).

Step 2: Simmer Until Tender
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 2 ½–3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Carrots
Add potatoes and carrots to the pot during the last 30–40 minutes of cooking.

Step 4: Add Cabbage
Place cabbage wedges into the pot during the final 15–20 minutes. Cook until tender but not mushy.

 

Step 5: Slice and Serve
Remove the corned beef and let rest for 10–15 minutes. Slice against the grain. Serve with vegetables and spoon some broth over the top.

Notes

• Slow Cooker Method: Cook on LOW for 8–9 hours. Add vegetables during the last 2 hours.
• Oven Method: Place brisket in a roasting pan with 2 cups water, cover tightly with foil, and bake at 325°F (165°C) for 3–3 ½ hours. Add vegetables in the last hour.
• Extra Flavor: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a spoonful of whole grain mustard to the broth.
• Leftovers: Use sliced corned beef for sandwiches or make corned beef and cabbage soup the next day.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Main Course / Dinner
• Method: Simmered / One-Pot
• Cuisine: Irish-American