Slow-Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage for Effortless Irish Comfort
For a hands-off approach to the classic Irish feast, try this slow-cooker corned beef and cabbage recipe. It's perfect for busy days when you want a hearty and flavorful meal without the fuss. Let the slow cooker work its magic as the beef becomes tender and the vegetables soak up all the savory goodness. Get ready for a delicious and stress-free Irish-inspired dinner!
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pounds corned beef brisket with spice packet
- 1 onion, peeled and sliced
- 4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4-6 small potatoes, quartered
- 1 small cabbage, cored and cut into wedges
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- Whole black peppercorns
- Water, as needed
Instructions:
1. Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
- Place sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Put the corned beef brisket on top of the onions, fat side up.
- Sprinkle minced garlic, bay leaf, and whole black peppercorns over the brisket.
2. Add Spice Packet:
- Sprinkle the spice packet that comes with the corned beef over the meat.
3. Cover with Vegetables:
- Arrange carrots, potatoes, and cabbage wedges around the corned beef in the slow cooker.
4. Add Water:
- Pour enough water into the slow cooker to cover the ingredients.
5. Cook on Low:
- Set the slow cooker to low and let it cook for about 8 hours or until the corned beef is tender.
6. Check for Doneness:
- Test the corned beef with a fork to ensure it's fork-tender. The vegetables should also be tender but not mushy.
7. Slice and Serve:
- Carefully remove the corned beef from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it against the grain.
8. Serve with Vegetables:
- Arrange the sliced corned beef on a serving platter, surrounded by the slow-cooked vegetables.
9. Enjoy the Effortless Feast:
- Serve this slow-cooker corned beef and cabbage with your favorite mustard or horseradish on the side for an extra kick.
Tips for Perfect Slow-Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage:
- Trim Excess Fat:
If the corned beef has a thick layer of fat, you can trim it before placing it in the slow cooker.
- Adjust Cooking Time:
Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker. Check for doneness after 7 hours and adjust accordingly.
Now that you've embraced the convenience of slow cooking, sit back and let the flavors meld together as you enjoy this delicious and effortless corned beef and cabbage feast. Whether it's a St. Patrick's Day celebration or a cozy family dinner, this slow-cooked version is sure to be a hit!