Savory Slow-Cooked Corned Beef and Cabbage
This Savory Slow-Cooked Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe embraces the rich flavors of traditional Irish cuisine and is perfect for family gatherings or festive occasions. Utilizing a slow cooker, this dish turns perfectly seasoned corned beef into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth delight. Paired with hearty cabbage, carrots, and potatoes, every bite is an inviting combination of textures and flavors. The simmering spices and cooking liquid create a delectable broth that enhances the entire dish, making it a comforting one-dish meal that you'll want to enjoy year-round.
6-8
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Hot water
4 cups (None)
Apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons (None)
Sugar
2 tablespoons (None)
Fresh ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Large onion
1 large (Cut into quarters)
Corned beef brisket
3 lbs (With spices included)
Small white or yellow potatoes
8 small (Scrubbed and cut into quarters)
Cabbage
1 head (Cored and cut into 10 wedges (about 1 1/2 pounds))
Carrots
4-5 (Cut into 1-inch pieces)
Instructions
1
In a 6-quart Crock-Pot, combine hot water, apple cider vinegar, sugar, fresh ground pepper, and quartered onion. Stir until mixed well.
2
Place the corned beef brisket and contents of the spice packet into the mixture, immersing it as much as possible.
3
Carefully arrange the scrubbed and quartered potatoes and 1-inch pieces of carrots over the brisket and around the sides of the Crock-Pot.
4
Cover the pot with its lid and set to cook on the high heat setting for 4 hours.
5
After 4 hours, remove the lid and sprinkle the cabbage wedges over the contents, ensuring an even distribution on top.
6
Cover the pot again and reduce the heat setting to low. Continue cooking for an additional 3 to 4 hours, or until the corned beef is tender and easily pulled apart.
7
For serving, remove the corned beef and slice it against the grain. Serve slices drizzled with some of the cooking liquid to maintain moisture, alongside the cabbage, potatoes, and carrots.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein is a 3-pound corned beef brisket, which includes a spice packet.
What size slow cooker is recommended for this dish?
A 6-quart Crock-Pot or slow cooker is recommended to accommodate the beef and vegetables.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6 to 8 servings.
What vegetables are included in this one-dish meal?
The recipe includes a large onion, small white or yellow potatoes, carrots, and a head of cabbage.
How should the cabbage be prepared?
The cabbage should be cored and cut into 10 wedges, weighing about 1.5 pounds in total.
What is the initial cooking setting and duration?
The first phase of cooking is set to high heat for 4 hours.
When should I add the cabbage to the slow cooker?
Add the cabbage wedges after the initial 4 hours of cooking on high.
What is the cooking setting for the second phase?
After adding the cabbage, reduce the heat setting to low for the remaining cooking time.
How long does the second phase of cooking take?
The second phase takes an additional 3 to 4 hours on the low setting.
How do I know when the corned beef is finished cooking?
The beef is done when it is tender and can be easily pulled apart.
What liquids are used to create the broth?
The broth is made using 4 cups of hot water and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
Is sugar used in this recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of sugar are added to the cooking liquid to balance the flavors.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
Use 8 small white or yellow potatoes that have been scrubbed and cut into quarters.
What size should the carrots be cut into?
The carrots (4-5 in total) should be cut into 1-inch pieces.
How should the onion be sliced for the slow cooker?
The large onion should be cut into quarters.
Should the corned beef be submerged in the liquid?
Yes, you should immerse the brisket as much as possible in the water mixture.
What should I do with the spice packet that comes with the beef?
The contents of the spice packet should be added to the mixture along with the brisket.
How should the meat be sliced for serving?
The corned beef should be sliced against the grain to ensure tenderness.
How can I keep the beef moist after slicing?
Drizzle the sliced beef with some of the cooking liquid before serving.
Can I use any type of vinegar?
The recipe specifically calls for apple cider vinegar for its specific flavor profile.
What type of cuisine does this recipe represent?
This dish is a staple of traditional Irish cuisine.
What kind of pepper is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper.
Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?
No, the potatoes only need to be scrubbed; the skins can remain on for the cooking process.
What is the total estimated time for this recipe?
The total cooking time ranges from 7 to 8 hours, plus preparation time.
Is this a good meal for family gatherings?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for family gatherings and festive occasions.
Can I make this dish year-round?
Yes, it is described as a comforting one-dish meal that can be enjoyed throughout the year.
Where should the potatoes and carrots be placed in the Crock-Pot?
They should be arranged over the brisket and around the sides of the pot.
Do I need to stir the contents after adding the cabbage?
No, simply sprinkle the cabbage wedges evenly on top of the other ingredients.
What is the primary texture of the beef in this recipe?
The slow cooking process turns the corned beef into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth delight.
What kind of broth is produced during cooking?
The simmering spices and liquid create a delectable broth that enhances the entire dish.