There’s something truly special about a meal that brings the family together year after year. In our home, every St. Patrick’s Day, we make a traditional Irish meal: corned beef and cabbage. The scent of tender corned beef simmering in a rich beef broth with cabbage wedges, red potatoes, and tender carrots fills the house with warmth. It’s a tradition we cherish, one that started years ago and has remained a staple in our springtime meals.

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This crock pot corned beef and cabbage recipe is one of the best ways to enjoy a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The easy slow cooker method ensures tender, flavorful meat, making it perfect for both first-time cooks and seasoned home chefs. Whether you’re preparing it for St. Patrick’s Day or simply craving a comforting spring meal, this corned beef recipe is a winner.

vertical image of corned beef on wooden table.

A Brief History of Corned Beef and Cabbage

Corned beef and cabbage is often associated with Ireland, but its roots are actually tied to Irish immigrants in America. In Ireland, beef was historically a luxury, and pork was more commonly eaten. However, when Irish immigrants arrived in the United States, they found that beef was more accessible and affordable in grocery stores. They paired it with cabbage, an inexpensive vegetable that absorbed a lot of flavor, and the corned beef dinner was born. Over time, it became a staple of Irish-American cuisine, especially on St. Patrick’s Day.

Why This Corned Beef Dinner is the Best Way to Celebrate

There are plenty of ways to prepare corned beef, but using a crock pot is by far the best way to achieve fork-tender results. The low setting of the slow cooker allows the meat to soak up the spices, beef broth, and aromatics, resulting in a flavor-packed meal without the need for constant attention. The added bonus? Your home will be filled with the inviting scent of a traditional Irish meal all day long.

This dish also resonates deeply with traditional Midwest cooking. The slow cooker is a beloved kitchen tool in many Midwestern households, used to create hearty, no-fuss meals that bring comfort to the table. Just like pot roasts and stews, corned beef and cabbage fits right in with the kind of cooking that prioritizes warmth, simplicity, and feeding a crowd. Plus this is a great excuse for us to use this beautiful vintage platter we found at a thrift store. But something like this serving platter from Amazon would work just as well.

Ingredients

For this corned beef and cabbage dinner, we’re using fresh spices instead of the seasoning packet that often comes with store-bought corned beef. This method gives the dish more flavor while allowing each spice to shine. You may not have all the spices in our recipe but we encourage you to try them out. You may discover a new spice you want to add in other dishes, like the aniseed that has a subtle licorice fragrance.

What you’ll need

4 cups beef bone broth (beef broth can be substituted)
5 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
1.5 lbs. baby potatoes, red and gold mixed
1 small head of cabbage, cut into wedges
4-5 lb corned beef brisket
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon peppercorns
½ teaspoon celery seeds
1 teaspoon caraway seed
1 teaspoon mustard seed
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1 teaspoon anisseed
½ teaspoon whole cloves
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
3 garlic cloves, crushed

Instructions

1: Prepare the Corned Beef

Place the corned beef brisket in the crock pot, fat side up. Add the bay leaves, peppercorns, celery seeds, caraway seed, mustard seed, coriander seeds, anisseed, whole cloves, fennel seeds, and crushed garlic cloves. These fresh spices infuse the meat with incredible depth of flavor, far superior to the standard seasoning packet.

2: Add the Liquid

Pour in 4 cups of beef bone broth, making sure the brisket is mostly submerged. The bone broth not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the tender texture of the meat.

3: Slow Cook the Corned Beef

Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 4 hours. This allows the meat to begin breaking down while absorbing the flavors of the broth and spices.

4: Add the Vegetables

After 4 hours, add the potatoes and carrots to the slow cooker. These vegetables will soak up the delicious broth, making them the perfect side to this corned beef recipe.

5: Finish with Cabbage

Two hours later, add the cabbage wedges to the crock pot. Cook for an additional hour, allowing the cabbage to soften while still maintaining its shape. By adding the cabbage last, you prevent it from becoming too mushy.

6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cooking time is complete, check that the corned beef is fork tender. Remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with the vegetables, and don’t forget to ladle some of the flavorful broth over the top for added richness.

cabbage, vegetables and meat in crock pot.

Tips for the Best Corned Beef Dinner

Discard the seasoning packet: While many grocery store corned beef cuts come with a spice packet, using fresh spices enhances the taste significantly.
Use beef bone broth for extra depth: It makes a noticeable difference in the richness of the dish.
Don’t add the cabbage too early: Adding it during the last hour ensures it retains its structure and flavor.
Pair with Irish soda bread: A slice of warm Irish soda bread completes the meal beautifully.
Save the leftover meat: Sliced corned beef makes for amazing sandwiches the next day!

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover meat, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats well and can be used for other dishes, such as corned beef hash or Reuben sandwiches. The best way to keep it moist when reheating is to add a little broth to prevent drying out.

A Tradition Worth Keeping

Every time I make this dish, I’m reminded of how food brings people together. Whether you’re making this for the first time or it’s already a staple in your home, this corned beef dinner is bound to become a family favorite. The easy slow cooker method makes it simple, flavorful, and perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day—or any spring evening that calls for comfort food. And for those of us in the Midwest, it’s just another reason to embrace the slow cooker and all the hearty, home-cooked goodness it brings.

Need a sweet treat after such a hearty meal? Try this delicious and light, Angle Food Cake Strawberry Trifle!