Name: Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 h
Total time: 10 h 10 min
Cuisine: Irish-American
Ingredients: 2½ pounds corned beef brisket; 1 onion sliced; 6 red potatoes peeled and halved; 2 cups baby carrots; 1 cabbage cut into wedges; 1 beef bouillon cube; 1 clove garlic minced; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon dry mustard; 1 teaspoon caraway seeds; 2 cups low-sodium beef broth; The spice packet that comes with the corned beef brisket (optional)

There’s just something incredibly comforting about slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth corned beef paired with tender cabbage. This Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe is a no-fuss, flavor-packed meal that practically cooks itself while filling your home with the most inviting aromas. It’s a classic that deserves a spot on your table anytime you're craving a hearty, satisfying dinner.

A slow cooker filled with a layer of cooked vegetables including light brown quartered potatoes, orange baby carrots, and translucent cooked cabbage. On top, there is a thick layer of sliced medium-rare roast beef, showing a dark brown crust sprinkled with coarse mustard seeds and cracked black pepper, and a pinkish-red interior. The vegetables surround the beef, adding color and texture contrast. The slow cooker is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe countless times, especially when I want a stress-free dinner that tastes like it took all day in the kitchen. There’s real magic in letting the slow cooker do the heavy lifting, turning humble ingredients into something truly special.

Hands-Off Cooking: Toss everything in and let your crockpot work its magic while you get on with your day.
Flavorful Liquid Blend: The mix of beef bouillon, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and dry mustard infuses the meat with layers of savory goodness.
Tender Yet Textured Veggies: Adding the cabbage at the end means you get that perfect balance of softness and crunch.
Simple Ingredients: No complicated steps or hard-to-find items — just classic flavors that come together beautifully.

The image shows a dish with five thick slices of pink roast beef covered in mustard seeds and herbs, placed in the middle. Below and around the beef, there are several pieces of orange baby carrots, light yellow potato chunks, and soft cabbage leaves. All the ingredients are inside a black slow cooker bowl. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe shines because each ingredient plays a vital role — from the hearty corned beef brisket to the sweet carrots and earthy potatoes. Plus, the broth blend carries all those flavors and keeps the meat juicy. Shopping for this is straightforward, but a little heads-up on choosing the right brisket makes a big difference.

Flat lay of a large piece of fresh corned beef brisket with a deep red color and trimmed fat, a whole round onion sliced in half showing white layers, six peeled and halved red potatoes with smooth skin, two cups of vibrant orange baby carrots, one whole garlic clove peeled and smooth, a small white ceramic bowl containing bright yellow dry mustard powder, a small white ceramic bowl with dark brown Worcestershire sauce, a small white ceramic bowl filled with clear beef broth, a quartered fresh green cabbage with crisp leaves, a small white ceramic bowl holding light brown caraway seeds, and one unopened beef bouillon cube in natural form—all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Corned Beef Brisket: I prefer flat cut for even cooking and easier slicing, but point cut works too if you love extra marbling.
Onion: Sliced onion adds subtle sweetness and depth to the broth as it cooks.
Red Potatoes: I peel and halve them so they cook evenly without turning mushy.
Baby Carrots: They hold their shape nicely and add a gentle, earthy crunch.
Beef Bouillon Cube: Packs a savory punch to the cooking liquid, enhancing the meat’s robust flavor.
Garlic Clove: Just a little minced garlic amps up aroma and taste without overpowering.
Worcestershire Sauce: It adds a tangy, umami layer that really deepens the savoriness.
Dry Mustard: A subtle heat that balances the richness perfectly.
Corned Beef Spice Packet (Optional): Use it if you want a traditional seasoning boost, but the other spices do a great job too.
Cabbage: Cut into wedges for tenderness — adding it later keeps the texture just right.
Caraway Seeds: These little seeds give that classic hint of warmth and pairing with cabbage is timeless.
Beef Broth: I like low-sodium so I control the saltiness, and it’s the perfect base for simmering everything.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love about this Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe is how versatile it is. You can tweak the veggies, swap the broth, or even try different spice blends to match your mood or dietary needs.

Variation: I once tried adding a splash of Guinness instead of beef broth — it gave the meat a richer, maltier flavor that my family couldn’t get enough of.
Dietary Tweaks: For a lighter version, swap beef broth for vegetable broth, leaving all the good flavors intact.
Veggie Swaps: Try adding parsnips or turnips if you want to add a sweet earthiness that pairs beautifully with the beef.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Brisket

Start by trimming visible fat off your corned beef brisket—that way, you avoid overly greasy bites but keep the meat nice and tender. I find this little step makes the texture better without sacrificing flavor.

Step 2: Layer Your Veggies and Meat

Spray your crockpot with cooking spray so nothing sticks. Then, lay down the sliced onions, peeled and halved potatoes, and baby carrots. Place the beef brisket right on top of this veggie bed—this helps the meat sit above the bottom and lets flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3: Mix and Pour the Flavorful Liquid

Whisk together your beef bouillon cube (crushed), minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and beef broth until combined. Pour this savory mixture over the brisket, soaking everything in. Sprinkle the optional spice packet from the brisket packaging on top for that classic seasoning burst.

Step 4: Slow Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours. About an hour before the end of cooking, tuck in your cabbage wedges along with the caraway seeds. This timing keeps the cabbage tender but still with a little bite—which I personally prefer.

Step 5: Serve It Up

When it’s done, discard the cooking liquid (or save a little if you want to use as a broth for another dish). Slice your corned beef against the grain for the best texture. Serve with mustard on the side to add a zesty kick if you like — it really lifts the flavors.

Top Tip

From many batches of this Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe, I’ve learned a few tricks that saved me time and gave better results—here are the ones that make a real difference in your final dish.

Trim Fat Before Cooking: It prevents the dish from becoming too greasy while still keeping the meat juicy.
Timing Your Cabbage: Add it during the last hour for tender-crisp texture; earlier for softer cabbage, but avoid mushiness.
Use Low-Sodium Broth: It gives you control over salt levels and allows the spices to shine without being too salty.
Slicing Against the Grain: This ensures each bite is tender and easy to chew—trust me, it’s worth taking a moment for.

How to Serve Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe

corned beef and cabbage - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple here—just a little whole-grain mustard or spicy brown mustard on the side adds the perfect tangy contrast. Sometimes, I sprinkle fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. It’s that little finishing touch that makes the meal feel complete.

Side Dishes

Classic sides like a crusty loaf of bread or Irish soda bread work beautifully. For veggies, I often roast some Brussels sprouts or make a simple green salad to brighten the plate. And for a real treat, creamy mashed potatoes are unbeatable, especially when you want an ultra-comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to carve the corned beef into thick slices and fan them out on a platter surrounded by vibrant cabbage wedges and glazed carrots. Drizzling a bit of the cooking broth over the top keeps everything moist and adds visual appeal. It turns a simple meal into a centerpiece that gets everyone at the table excited.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and make sure to keep meat and veggies separate if I can. This way, the cabbage doesn’t get too soft overnight. Leftovers taste amazing reheated the next day and give you a quick, satisfying meal.

Freezing

This Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe freezes well, especially the sliced meat. Just pop portions in freezer bags with some cooking liquid to keep the meat moist. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a covered skillet or the microwave with a splash of broth to keep things juicy. Avoid overheating to keep the meat tender and the cabbage from turning mushy — slow and steady wins the race here.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What cut of corned beef is best for this recipe?

The flat cut corned beef brisket is my go-to for this Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe because it’s even in thickness, making it easier to slice and cook uniformly. The point cut is fattier and can be used if you prefer a richer taste, but it may take longer to cook.

Can I add the cabbage earlier for softer texture?

Absolutely! If you prefer your cabbage more tender, add the cabbage wedges a few hours earlier during the last 3 to 4 hours of cooking. Just keep in mind that the cabbage will lose some bite and might become quite soft.

Do I have to use the spice packet included with the corned beef?

Not at all! The spice packet adds traditional flavors, but the recipe’s broth and spices like Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and caraway seeds create plenty of delicious seasoning on their own. Use the packet if you want extra depth.

Can I substitute beef broth with something else?

Yes, you can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth, water, or even Guinness beer for a richer flavor. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly, especially if you’re using water, to keep the dish tasty.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe holds a special place in my home for those cozy, no-fuss evenings when I want something that tastes like love cooked all day long. Give it a try — you’ll be surprised how easy it is to make a traditional, hearty meal that everyone enjoys, with minimal effort. Treat yourself and your family to a plate of tender corned beef and perfectly cooked cabbage — I promise it’s worth it every time.