Crockpot Corned Beef Easy Irish Comfort

Need an easy crockpot corned beef recipe This is it Tender flavorful and perfect for St Patricks Day or any day Get my simple tips for a perfect Irish dinner ... Quick & Easy Weeknight
Crockpot Corned Beef: Your Easy Ticket to Irish Comfort
Fancy some proper Irish comfort food? I do! Ever wondered how to make corned beef without slaving away? Well, have I got a treat for you! This crockpot corned beef recipe is so easy, even my nan could make it, and she burns water.
This slow cooker corned beef and cabbage is a brilliant take on the classic Irish-American dish, perfect any time of the year.
The beauty of it? Toss everything in the crockpot and let it do its magic. It is a seriously brilliant one-pot corned beef dinner .
Why You'll Love This Easy Corned Beef Recipe
Did you know that corned beef brisket slow cooker is thought to have originated as a way to preserve meat? Now, it's a staple for St.
Patrick's Day, and rightly so! This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep. The crockpot does the rest, cooking it for 8- 10 hours on low, or 4- 6 hours on high.
This serves about 6-8 hungry souls.
This recipe delivers tender, flavorful corned beef and cabbage with minimal effort. It is packed with protein and nutrients from the beef and veggies, making it a surprisingly healthy and satisfying meal.
It's perfect for a cozy night in, a St. Patrick's Day feast, or any time you crave that classic Irish flavour.
Honestly, this recipe is proper lush! It is simple and gives you fall apart Irish corned beef every time, I promise!
What Makes this Crockpot Corned Beef So Great?
This isn't just any corned beef brisket slow cooker recipe. The short answer is that is easy. I promise! It's about the process! It is how the flavours meld together over hours.
I used to be scared about making this kind of dinner, but I am not anymore! I also love the fact that searing the beef first adds a deep, rich flavour you just can't get otherwise.
Plus, using low-sodium broth keeps the saltiness in check.
Now, let's get down to business! Here is what you'll need.
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make this amazing crockpot corned beef a reality! It's easier than finding a decent parking space in London on a Saturday, I promise.
We are making a simple one-pot corned beef dinner .
Crockpot Corned Beef Easy Irish Comfort Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment
Here’s the lowdown on what you need to pull off this easy corned beef recipe , turning it into a proper St. Patrick's Day corned beef feast.
Main Ingredients
- Corned Beef Brisket: 1 (3-4 pound) piece (that's 1.35kg to 1.8kg ), with its little pickling spice pal. Get one that's pink and firm, not grey and slimy. Trust your gut!
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ). Nothing fancy, just your everyday olive oil.
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium , chopped (about 1 cup ). Go for one that's firm and doesn’t smell too pungent before you cut it.
- Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Fresh garlic is key. Avoid the jarred stuff if you can.
- Beef Broth: 4 cups ( 950ml ), low-sodium if possible. Corned beef is salty enough, you know?
- Dark Beer (Optional): 1 cup ( 240ml ). Guinness is the obvious choice for this Guinness corned beef .
- Bay Leaf: 1 . Don't skip this. It adds a subtle but important flavor.
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon ( 5ml ). A little goes a long way.
- Black Peppercorns: 1 teaspoon ( 5ml ). Adds a bit of a bite!
- Baby Carrots: 1 pound ( 450g ). Pre-cut is fine – we're keeping it easy, remember?
- Small Red Potatoes: 1 pound ( 450g ), quartered. Any small, waxy potatoes will do the trick.
- Green Cabbage: 1 medium head (around 1 pound / 450g ), cut into wedges. Make sure it's nice and firm.
Seasoning Notes
Honestly, the pickling spice packet that comes with the corned beef brisket slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting.
The thyme and peppercorns just give it an extra oomph . If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of mustard powder would be lovely.
If you don't have thyme, marjoram will do in a pinch.
Equipment Needed
- Slow Cooker (Crockpot): 6-quart or larger. A must for slow cooker corned beef .
- Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping veggies, obvs.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Don't eyeball it too much.
And that's it! Easy peasy, lemon squeezy! Now you're all set to make some proper Irish corned beef right here and even slow cooker corned beef and cabbage with this crockpot corned beef recipe .
Next, we'll get to the fun part: cooking!

Crockpot Corned Beef: Easy Irish Comfort
Honestly, who doesn't love a good Crockpot Corned Beef ? It's like a hug in a bowl. A proper St.
Patrick's Day corned beef is practically mandatory, right? But why wait for March 17th? This easy corned beef recipe is perfect any time you're craving some serious comfort food.
Let's dive into this one-pot corned beef dinner !
Prep Like a Pro for Your Crockpot Corned Beef
Before we get started, let's talk prep. Essential mise en place , as they say! Chop your onion, mince the garlic, and quarter those potatoes.
It makes cooking so much smoother. For a slow cooker corned beef and cabbage , this step is vital! Speaking of cabbage, hold off on cutting that until later.
No one wants soggy cabbage! Pro tip: have all your spices measured out.
The Magic: Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Step-by-Step
Okay, let's get cooking!
- Sear that beautiful corned beef brisket slow cooker style in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. About 2- 3 minutes per side. This is optional, but trust me, it adds flavour.
- Sauté 1 chopped medium yellow onion in the same pan. Add 4 minced cloves of garlic until fragrant.
- Place the seared corned beef in your crockpot. Top with that yummy onion and garlic mixture.
- Pour in 4 cups low-sodium beef broth and 1 cup of Guinness corned beef , if you are using it. Add the spice packet, 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon dried thyme , and 1 teaspoon black peppercorns .
- Cook on low for 8- 10 hours or high for 4- 6 hours , until fork-tender.
- Add 1 pound baby carrots and 1 pound quartered small red potatoes. Cook for another 1- 2 hours .
- Toss in 1 medium head of cabbage, cut into wedges. Cook for 30- 60 minutes .
- Let it rest for 10- 15 minutes before slicing against the grain .
Pro Tips for Perfect Corned Beef
Don't skip the sear! It really makes a difference. Also, low-sodium broth is your friend. Corned beef can be salty enough already.
I once used regular broth and it was way too much! And seriously, slice against the grain . Trust me on this one!
Making this the Irish corned beef of your dreams.
Now you have a crockpot corned beef recipe that's sure to impress. Enjoy your tender, flavourful corned beef and cabbage !
Recipe Notes for Your Crockpot Corned Beef Masterpiece
Okay, so you're about to embark on your crockpot corned beef recipe adventure! Here's the lowdown on a few things to keep in mind.
I learned a thing or two making my fair share of these! This easy corned beef recipe is about to blow your mind.
Serving Suggestions: From Plate to Palate
Presentation matters. Honestly, a simple platter with the sliced corned beef and cabbage , arranged artfully with carrots and potatoes, looks amazing.
A dollop of horseradish sauce? Chef's kiss! For sides, think classic. Creamy colcannon (mashed potatoes with cabbage) is a winner.
Don't forget Irish soda bread for soaking up all those delicious juices. A pint of Guinness, anyone? This really makes this Guinness corned beef sing.
Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Fridge it up. Keep the corned beef brisket slow cooker creation in an airtight container. It's good for about 3-4 days.
Want to freeze it? No probs! Wrap the sliced beef tightly in freezer-safe wrap or bags. It will last for about 2-3 months.
Reheating is a breeze. Just microwave it with a splash of broth, or simmer gently on the stovetop. Slow cooker corned beef leftovers taste great!
Variations: Make It Your Own!
Feeling adventurous? Swap out the traditional red potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter twist. For a gluten-free version, make sure to use gluten-free beer (if you're using beer).
Or just skip the beer altogether and add more broth! Easy peasy. Thinking of making this around St. Patrick's Day corned beef , grab the freshest cabbage you can find.
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff
Okay, listen up. This one-pot corned beef dinner is reasonably good for you...ish. It has protein from the beef, fiber from the veggies.
But, corned beef can be salty, so watch the sodium intake. Using low-sodium beef broth really helps. Carrots are packed with vitamin A.
Cabbage? It's got vitamin C! This Irish corned beef is a great family meal.
So, go on, give this slow cooker corned beef and cabbage a whirl! I promise, it's easier than finding a four-leaf clover. Enjoy your delicious, home-cooked meal!

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I overcook my crockpot corned beef? It's been in there for ages!
Yes, you can overcook corned beef in a crockpot, even though it's pretty forgiving. Overcooked corned beef can become dry and stringy, a bit like chewing on an old boot. The key is to look for fork-tenderness – it should pull apart easily. If it's already there well before the suggested time, turn off the crockpot or switch it to "warm" to prevent further cooking.
My crockpot corned beef is too salty! Is there anything I can do to fix it?
Corned beef is naturally salty, so you're not alone in this! Using low-sodium beef broth is key from the get-go. If it's already cooked and too salty, try adding a peeled and quartered potato to the pot for the last hour of cooking. The potato will absorb some of the excess salt. Also, serving it with a creamy sauce like horseradish sauce can help balance the saltiness.
When should I add the vegetables to my crockpot corned beef, and why?
Timing is everything when it comes to the veggies! Add the carrots and potatoes about 1-2 hours before the end of the cooking time, as they need more time to become tender. The cabbage, on the other hand, should only be added for the last 30-60 minutes. This prevents it from becoming overly mushy, ensuring a slightly tender-crisp texture.
Can I make crockpot corned beef ahead of time, or is it best served immediately?
You can definitely make it ahead! In fact, some folks reckon it tastes even better the next day. Cook the corned beef and vegetables, then store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat everything gently in the crockpot or in a pot on the stove until warmed through. Just like a good Sunday roast, it can improve with a little resting time!
Is there a healthier way to make crockpot corned beef? I'm watching my salt and fat intake.
Absolutely! Start by using a leaner cut of corned beef, if available. More importantly, always use low-sodium beef broth. You can also trim off any excess fat after cooking. Load up on the veggies – carrots, potatoes, and especially cabbage are packed with nutrients. Serve with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt instead of a heavy cream sauce for a lighter touch.
I've got leftover crockpot corned beef. What are some creative ways to use it up?
Leftover corned beef is incredibly versatile! Think corned beef hash for breakfast, or a Reuben sandwich with Swiss cheese and sauerkraut for lunch. You could also chop it up and add it to a shepherd's pie or make corned beef tacos with a tangy slaw. And if you're feeling adventurous, try corned beef and cabbage egg rolls – a fun twist on a classic!