Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage with Potatoes

Mia Garcia
Mia Garcia
Published: May 20, 2026
Categories: Vegetables, Beef
Tags: Dinner, Beef, Slow Cooker, One-Pot, Irish, St. Patrick's Day

Slow Cooker Corned Beef

Tender, melt-in-your-mouth corned beef with root vegetables and cabbage, slow-cooked to perfection.

Prep Time:15 minCook Time:480 minTotal Time:495 minServings:6Difficulty:Easy

There is nothing quite as comforting as the aroma of corned beef wafting through the house on a chilly afternoon. This recipe is my absolute go-to for St. Patrick's Day, but honestly, it’s far too delicious to save for just once a year. By letting the brisket simmer low and slow, the tough fibers break down into buttery, succulent slices that pair perfectly with the earthy sweetness of cabbage and carrots.

The secret to a really great corned beef lies in the timing. Adding the vegetables at the right moment ensures they soak up all those pickling spices and beef juices without turning into mush. I love serving this with a generous dollop of grainy mustard or creamy horseradish sauce for that extra kick. It’s a complete meal in one pot that makes clean-up a breeze and leaves everyone asking for seconds.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories:550 kcal
Protein:35 g
Carbs:24 g
Fat:32 g

Directions

  1. 1
    Sliced onions layered in the bottom of the slow cooker.

    Place the sliced onion at the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker to create a base for the meat.

  2. 2
    Corned beef brisket placed fat side up on the onions.

    Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water to remove excess salt, then place it on top of the onions, fat side up.

  3. 3
    Pickling spices and minced garlic sprinkled over the corned beef.

    Sprinkle the contents of the included spice packet over the beef and add the minced garlic.

  4. 4
    Potatoes and carrots arranged around the corned beef brisket.

    Arrange the potatoes and carrots around the sides of the brisket.

  5. 5
    Broth and beer poured into the slow cooker around the beef and vegetables.

    Pour the beef broth and the beer into the slow cooker; the liquid should come about halfway up the side of the beef.

  6. 6
    Covered slow cooker gently cooking the corned beef on low.

    Cover and cook on the low setting for 8 to 10 hours.

  7. 7
    Cabbage wedges nestled into the cooking liquid around the beef.

    During the last 2 hours of cooking, carefully nestle the cabbage wedges into the cooking liquid around the beef.

  8. 8
    Cooked corned beef resting on a cutting board before slicing.

    Once the beef is fork-tender, remove it from the slow cooker and transfer to a cutting board. Let it rest for 15 minutes.

  9. 9
    Sliced corned beef served with cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and cooking liquid.

    Slice the beef against the grain into thin slices and serve alongside the vegetables with a drizzle of the cooking liquid.

Ingredients

  • Corned beef brisket with spice packet:4 lb
  • Yellow onion, cut into large wedges:1 piece
  • Red potatoes, halved:1 lb
  • Carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks:4 pieces
  • Garlic, minced:3 cloves
  • Beef broth:2 cups
  • Guinness or dark stout beer:12 oz
  • Small head of green cabbage, cut into wedges:1 piece

Tips & Notes

  • Always slice the corned beef against the grain to ensure every bite is tender rather than chewy.
  • If you prefer a less salty flavor, you can soak the brisket in cold water for an hour before cooking, then discard that water.
  • Leftovers make the absolute best Reuben sandwiches the next day!