Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

You catch the smell through the steam vent and suddenly you are starving. It’s that kinda warm, savory scent that wraps around you like a comfy sweater after a long day. You sense the broth depth in the air, and it’s pulling you closer to the kitchen no matter what you were doing before.

The slow cooker is working its magic, but it’s really the pressure cooker settings that make this recipe stand out. You can feel that slow release working, teasing your taste buds for what’s about to come. You are moments away from that tender pull of corned beef falling apart with every bite.

Even if you’re not a corned beef fan usually, you’re gonna love how simple this all comes together. The cabbage, baby carrots, and those red potatoes soak up all that broth goodness. You recall the last time you tried a similar dish and it wasn’t nearly as tender or flavorful. You kinda can’t wait to dig in.

Why This Recipe Works Every Single Time

• Using a slow cooker with that sealing ring tight makes sure all the flavors blend and nothing escapes.
• The natural release method keeps the meat juicy and tender without drying out.
• Including pickling spices gives the corned beef that classic tangy kick without overpowering it.
• Laying cabbage wedges on top lets them steam gently and hold their shape without turnin to mush.
• Sufficient beef broth creates that rich broth depth you want for soaking your veggies.

Your Simple Ingredient Checklist

• 1 (5 to 6 pound) flat cut corned beef with pickling spices on it
• 4 to 6 small potatoes, halved if bigger than 2 inches (red new potatoes or Yukon Gold work well)
• 1 large onion quartered
• 1 ½ cups baby carrots
• 2 ribs celery cut in 3-inch pieces
• 3 cloves garlic whole or smashed
• 2 tablespoons pickling spice (optional but dang tasty)
• 2 to 4 cups beef broth to cover everything
• 1 medium head cabbage cut into 1-inch wedges

That’s it! All pretty straightforward, nothing fancy needed. You can prep these quick and toss it all in your slow cooker or pressure cooker if you want to speed things up a bit.

Walking Through Every Single Move

Step 1: You start by placing the corned beef right in the slow cooker. Sprinkle those pickling spices on top if you wanna amp up the flavor a bit.

Step 2: Next go in the potatoes, onion, baby carrots, celery, and garlic all around the meat. You wanna nestle them cozy so they get soaked in that broth.

Step 3: Pour in the beef broth and make sure most ingredients are covered. That’s the broth depth that brings everything to life.

Step 4: Place the cabbage wedges on top, kinda like a cap, so they steam slow and don’t fall apart.

Step 5: Cover the cooker, seal tight with the sealing ring, and set it on low for 8 to 10 hours or high for about 4 to 5 hours.

Step 6: When time’s up, let the cooker do a natural release or slow release if you’re impatient but careful not to ruin that tender pull.

Step 7: Carefully remove the corned beef to rest a few minutes before slicing. Serve everything hot with veggies ladled with that broth goodness.

Easy Tweaks That Make Life Simple

• You can swap out baby carrots for frozen if fresh ones are hard to find. They cook the same real good.
• Try adding a splash of mustard or horseradish sauce when serving, gives a nice zing with minimal effort.
• If you’re short on time use the pressure cooker function, but make sure sealing ring is properly set to avoid leaks.
• Use pre-cut cabbage wedges from the market to skip chopping hassle. Saves you some precious minutes.

That First Bite Moment

You spot that first slice of corned beef, the edges tender and the center juicy. The scent of pickling spices floats up as you bring that fork closer, and dang it smells good.

The meat practically melts in your mouth with that tender pull, not stringy but perfectly cooked. The cabbage and veggies are soaked in broth depth and add a sweet contrast to the savory beef.

You can’t help but savor each bite, feeling cozy and satisfied like you just crushed a perfect home-cooked meal. It’s one of those dishes that comforts your belly and soul all at once.

How to Store This for Later

• Fridge: Put leftovers in airtight containers and keep up to 4 days. Reheat gently to keep meat tender and veggies from turning mushy.
• Freezer: Slice the beef and pack with veggies and some broth in freezer-safe bags. Good for up to 3 months.
• Reheat Tip: Use low heat settings or steam gently to retain broth depth and avoid drying out your corned beef.
• Make Ahead: Cook the corned beef a day before and store, so flavors kinda deepen overnight before serving again.

Everything Else You Wondered About

• Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
  A: Flat cut is best for this recipe because it cooks evenly and holds up well to slow cooking. Check our tips in Steak and Guinness Pie.
• Q: Do I gotta add extra pickling spice?
  A: It’s optional but gives that classic tang. If your corned beef already has spices, you can skip. Similar spice tips are found in our Irish Cream Chicken recipe.
• Q: Can I pressure cook instead of using slow cooker?
  A: Yup! Just make sure the sealing ring is tight, use the pressure cooker setting, and do a natural release for best results.
• Q: What if my cabbage gets mushy?
  A: Place cabbage wedges on top like instructed, so it steams instead of boils. Helps keep texture.
• Q: How much broth is enough?
  A: Cover ingredients up to halfway or more. Too little broth dries stuff out; too much dilutes flavor.
• Q: Can I add other veggies?
  A: Sure thing. Just add firmer veggies early and softer ones last so they don’t get mushy.

For more delicious and easy pressure cooker recipes, don’t miss our Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad and Quick High Protein Greek Pasta Salad posts. They share great tips and ideas for busy weeknights.