Corned beef is beef brisket cured in salt brine and flavored with corned beef seasoning like mustard seeds, peppercorns, and bay leaves.

Can I make corned beef and cabbage in a slow cooker?

Yes, corned beef and cabbage slow cooker recipes are popular because they create tender brisket with minimal effort.

What spices are used in traditional corned beef and cabbage recipe?

Common spices include mustard seeds, coriander, black peppercorns, bay leaves, and crushed red pepper flakes.

Can I bake corned beef and cabbage in oven?

Yes, cover tightly with foil and bake at 325°F for several hours until fork-tender, adding vegetables during the final hour.

Corned Beef and Cabbage – Easy Classic Recipe 2026

Name: Corned Beef and Cabbage
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Cuisine: Irish-American
Ingredients: 3-4 lb corned beef brisket; 1 head green cabbage; 4 carrots; 1 1/2 lbs baby potatoes; 1 onion; 3 cloves garlic; Bay leaves; Mustard seeds; Peppercorns

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.

Ingredients

Scale

🛒 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

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