Easy Peasy Slow-Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

Who doesn’t love a good, hearty meal that practically makes itself? Enter, our simple slow-cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe. Less fuss, more flavor – it’s all you need for a satisfying family meal. Trust us, the anticipation’s worth that tender, tasty result!

The Magic of Slow Cooking

There’s something magical about slow cooking. It’s a process that transforms tough, chewy cuts of meat into tender, succulent masterpieces. And when it comes to corned beef, slow cooking is the way to go.

Low-Heat Setting

The slow cooker, also known as a crockpot, is the perfect tool for slow cooking. It allows you to set your meat to cook on a low heat setting for hours on end, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to become fork-tender.

Effortless Cooking

The beauty of the slow cooker is that it does all the work for you. You can set it and forget it, knowing that your corned beef will come out perfectly cooked every time. Plus, it’s a great way to save time and energy in the kitchen.

Infusing Flavor

When you slow cook your corned beef, you’re not just cooking it, you’re infusing it with flavor. The low heat setting allows the meat to absorb all the delicious flavors of the spices and seasonings, creating a depth of flavor that you just can’t achieve with other cooking methods.

Reviving Tough Cuts

And let’s not forget about the tenderness. Slow cooking breaks down the connective tissue in the meat, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to beat. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those tough cuts of meat that you might otherwise overlook.

In short, slow cooking is the magic ingredient that takes your corned beef from good to great. So dust off your slow cooker, set it to low, and let the magic happen. Your taste buds will thank you.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Here are some ideas to make your meal even more enjoyable, once it has been cooked to perfection:

Side Dishes

For Classic Pairing

Serve your corned beef with some boiled or mashed potatoes for a classic pairing.

For Flavorful Twist

Cabbage is a traditional side dish for corned beef. Try sautéing it with some butter and garlic for a flavorful twist.

For A Bit of Sweetness

Glazed carrots are a great side dish to add some sweetness to your meal.

For A Delicious Treat

Irish soda bread is a classic bread that pairs well with corned beef. Serve it warm with some butter for a delicious treat.

Spices and Seasonings

When it comes to cooking corned beef in a crockpot, the right combination of spices and seasonings can make all the difference. Here are some of the most common spices and seasonings used in crockpot corned beef recipes:

Pickling Spice Blend

This is a blend of spices commonly used in pickling. It typically includes mustard seed, coriander seed, dill seed, allspice, cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaves. Many crockpot corned beef recipes call for pickling spice, either as a pre-made blend or as individual spices that are combined.

Balancing Sweetness

A touch of sweetness can help balance out the salty flavor of corned beef. Brown sugar is a popular choice for adding sweetness to crockpot corned beef recipes.

Adding Complexity

A little bit of black pepper can add some depth and complexity to the flavor of crockpot corned beef. It’s a simple addition that can make a big difference.

Chili Heat

Some crockpot corned beef recipes call for a small amount of chili powder to add a bit of heat. This is a great option for those who like a little bit of spice in their food.

Extra Seasonings

Depending on the recipe, other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika may be used to add flavor to crockpot corned beef.

When it comes to using spices and seasonings in crockpot corned beef, it’s important to remember that a little goes a long way. You don’t want to overpower the flavor of the beef with too many spices. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed based on your personal taste preferences.

Condiments

Add some flavor to your meal with these condiments:

Sour Cream Twist

A dollop of sour cream adds a tangy flavor to your corned beef.

Spicy Kick

Horseradish is a classic condiment for corned beef. It adds a spicy kick to your meal.

Mustard Goodness

A good mustard, such as Dijon or whole grain, pairs well with corned beef.

Drinks

A refreshing drink can make your corned beef meal even better. Here are some great options:

White Wine Pairing

A crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs well with corned beef.

Classic Beer Match

A cold beer, such as a stout or lager, is a classic drink to pair with corned beef.

Refreshing Soda Option

Serve your corned beef with some soda bread for a refreshing drink.

With all these serving and pairing suggestions, your crockpot corned beef meal is sure to be a hit.

Alternative Cooking Methods

While the crockpot is a great tool for cooking corned beef, there are other methods that can be just as effective. Here are a few alternative cooking methods to try:

Instant Pot

The Instant Pot is a popular kitchen gadget that can cook corned beef in a fraction of the time it takes in a crockpot. To make Instant Pot corned beef, follow these steps:

• Place the corned beef in the Instant Pot with the seasoning packet.
• Add enough water to cover the meat.
• Set the Instant Pot to high pressure and cook for 90 minutes.
• Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
• Remove the corned beef from the Instant Pot and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Oven

Cooking corned beef in the oven is a great way to get a crispy crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Here’s how to do it:

• Preheat the oven to 325°F.
• Place the corned beef in a roasting pan with the fat side up.
• Add enough water to cover the meat.
• Cover the pan with foil and bake for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.
• Remove the foil and broil for 5-10 minutes to get a crispy crust on the outside.

Stovetop

If you don’t have a crockpot or oven, you can still cook corned beef on the stovetop. Here’s how:

• Place the corned beef in a large pot with the seasoning packet.
• Add enough water to cover the meat.
• Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
• Simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.
• Remove the corned beef from the pot and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

No matter which method you choose, be sure to let the corned beef rest before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I cook a 3 lb corned beef in a slow cooker?

A 3 lb corned beef should be cooked for about 7-8 hours on low heat in a slow cooker. However, it is always best to check the meat’s internal temperature to ensure it has reached 145°F.

How can I make slow cooker corned beef for Reubens?

To make slow cooker corned beef for Reubens, cook the corned beef in a slow cooker with beer and seasonings. Once cooked, thinly slice the meat and assemble the Reuben sandwich with rye bread, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing.

What is the best way to season corned beef for a slow cooker?

The best way to season corned beef for a slow cooker is to use the seasoning packet that comes with the meat. Additionally, spices such as bay leaves, garlic, and mustard seeds can be added for extra flavor.

Should corned beef be cooked in liquid in a slow cooker?

Yes, corned beef should be cooked in liquid in a slow cooker to prevent it from drying out. A mixture of beer, beef broth, or water can be used as the cooking liquid.

Why did my slow-cooked corned beef turn out tough?

Slow-cooked corned beef can turn out tough if it is not cooked long enough or if it is overcooked. It is important to cook the meat until it is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork. Additionally, cutting against the grain can also help make the meat more tender.

Key Takeaways

• Crockpot corned beef is a classic dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
• The magic of slow cooking allows the beef to become incredibly tender and flavorful.
• Corned beef is a salt-cured beef brisket that’s seasoned with a variety of spices, giving it a unique and delicious flavor.