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Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage With Beer

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  • #93994

You don't need a holiday to enjoy this savory corned beef and cabbage with beer. Whip it up any day of the week and make any meal feel like a feast.


serves/makes:
  
ready in:
  over 5 hrs
Rating: 5/5

8 reviews
2 comments

ingredients


To Brine

1 1/2 quart water
1 1/2 cup kosher salt
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup pickling spices
5 pounds beef brisket, trimmed (but don't trim off all the fat)
2 tablespoons saltpeter (optional, preserves the red color of the beef)
1 bottle stout beer

To cook

2 bottles stout beer
Water
2 bay leaves
2 cloves garlic, smashed
1 tablespoon coriander seeds
2 whole allspice
1 head cabbage, quartered
6 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into lengths
4 medium onions, peeled and sliced crosswise
3 pounds mini red potatoes

directions

To Brine: Combine all ingredients except the beer in a large mixing bowl until dissolved.

Pierce brisket all over with paring knife.

Place brisket in an over-sized plastic bag and pour in brine liquid and beer, submerging completely. Extract as much air as possible, seal the bag and lay flat in the refrigerator for a few days to a week, flipping the bag daily.

Rinse well under cold running water.

To cook: Place spices in cheesecloth, tying off to create a bag. This will make it easier to remove the ingredients later.

Place corned beef and vegetables in crockpot. Cover with beer and water, enough to cover the meat by an inch, and add spice bag.

Cover and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours.

Remove and discard spice bag. Transfer meat to cutting board. Cut across the grain of the brisket, slicing as thinly as possible. Skim broth of fat, if desired and return sliced meat to the crockpot.

Serve with rolls, rye bread, mustard and horseradish.

added by

Pamela Chester, CDKitchen Staff
Read more: Have a Corney St. Patrick's Day!


crock pot notes

Crock pots/slow cookers all heat differently. There is no standard among manufacturers. Cooking times are suggested guidelines based on our testing. Please adjust cooking times and temps to work with your brand and model of slow cooker.

recipe tips


Use a high-quality stout beer for the best flavor.

Trim excess fat from the brisket, but leave some for added flavor.

Slice the corned beef against the grain for a more tender and less stringy texture.

Let the corned beef rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat moist.

common recipe questions


Can I omit the saltpeter in the brine?

Yes, saltpeter is optional and mainly used to preserve the red color of the meat. If omitted, the beef may turn a gray color when cooked.

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

While brisket is traditional for corned beef, you can experiment with different cuts like round or chuck, adjusting cooking times accordingly.

What are pickling spices and can I make my own blend?

Pickling spices typically include ingredients like mustard seeds, coriander seeds, bay leaves, cinnamon, peppercorns, and cloves. You can make your own blend.

How long should I brine the beef?

Brining time can vary but a few days to a week is recommended for the flavors to fully penetrate the meat. Flip the bag daily to make sure the meat is marinated evenly.

How do I store leftovers?

Store the meat and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave.


nutrition data

1235 calories, 77 grams fat, 73 grams carbohydrates, 55 grams protein per serving.
Show full nutritional data (including Weight Watcher's Points ®, cholesterol, sodium, vitamins, and diabetic exchanges)


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reviews & comments

  1. Guest Foodie REVIEW:

    Excellent, as is. I also add allspice and cloves to the water, and a bay leaf or two to kick up the spice factor a notch. I put the vegetables into the crockpot a couple of hours before it's finished. If for some reason they don't all get done (they will, tho) you can transfer all of the vegetables to either a roasting pan and top it off in the over, or you can just steam them all together. Either way, you can't go wrong with a corned beef any day of the year...I wear the Clan Stewart tartan, so I'm Scottish, and if a Scot can love this, anyone can. ;-)

  2. rooppp REVIEW:

    Omit the seasoning packet that comes with the corned beef and just use this recipe! My grocery store finally started carrying corned beef brisket year round instead of just in March so now I can have it when I want it (love reuben sandwiches and reuben casseroles). This recipe makes it so tender and flavorful.

  3. DK REVIEW:

    We have been using this recipe for years...the best for sure!

  4. lizdale REVIEW:

    OMG!!!! This was the BOMB!!! My whole family LOVED this and have asked me to make this again. Thanks for a wonderful reciepe...

  5. Nicki

    what if you buy a corned beef already seasoned? do I still need to marinate it overnight? Would marinating it in the cider and beer be good over night or no?

  6. Elena REVIEW:

    This recipe turned out great! Thanks for sharing!

  7. beach mom REVIEW:

    Too sweet. I would recommend decreasing the brown sugar from 1 full cup to 2 Tablespoons

  8. Guest Foodie REVIEW:

    Have made this several times. Everyone loves it. I use a serving sauce on top of corned beef or on the side of: brown sugar + honey+ mustard

  9. gizmo REVIEW:

    I made this in the crockpot as directed. It was great. My whole family loved it. I will surely be making it again. Thank you!

  10. Guest Foodie

    Found exact same recipe in a slowcooker recipe book. Just didn't like the flavor. Not Corned Beef.

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