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Simple Crockpot Corned Beef (One-Pot Meal)

Posted bySandra Shaffer on
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If you’re looking for a no-fuss, hearty dinner that practically cooks itself, this Crockpot Corned Beef is exactly what you need. Tender corned brisket slow-cooked with potatoes, carrots, and cabbage makes the ultimate Irish-inspired comfort meal. It’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any cozy Sunday dinner.

A complete Corned beef meal on a white platter.

I love making this recipe because it fills the house with the most incredible aroma. It reminds me of gathering around the table with family, piling our plates high, and going back for seconds (and maybe thirds). The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, which means I can relax while dinner takes care of itself.

If you are a fan of brisket recipes like this, then you don’t want to miss this: Oven Baked Brisket, Brisket Beef Stew, or Slow Cooker Beef Brisket Chili.

A forkful of corned beef on a white dinner plate with carrots and potatoes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Set It and Forget It: The slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day.
  • Perfect for Holidays: This is a must-make for St. Patrick’s Day alongside Irish Brown Soda Bread or family gatherings.
  • Incredibly Tender Beef: Slow cooking makes the brisket juicy and easy to slice.
  • Complete Meal in One Pot: Meat, potatoes, carrots, and cabbage all cook together for a full dinner.

Ingredients

This is a list of the ingredients that you need to make your grocery shopping easier. You can find the full list of the ingredients and amounts needed in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Ingredients to make corned beef in a slow cooker.
  • Corned beef brisket: This is the star of the dish, becoming melt-in-your-mouth tender after hours of slow cooking.
  • Water: Helps create the cooking liquid that keeps the brisket moist.
  • Beef broth: Adds rich, deep flavor to the meat and vegetables while enhancing the overall taste.
  • Peppercorns and seasoning packet: These bring that signature corned beef flavor and subtle spice.
  • Thyme: Adds a mild herbal note that complements the beef beautifully.
  • Red potatoes: They hold their shape well in the slow cooker and soak up all that flavorful broth.
  • Carrots: Add natural sweetness and balance to the savory brisket.
  • Green cabbage: A classic pairing with corned beef that becomes tender and slightly sweet during the final hour of cooking.

How to Make Crockpot Corned Beef

This is a quick overview of the step-by-step instructions for making this recipe. You can find the complete list of instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Corned beef with spices in a white slow cooker.
  1. Place the corned beef brisket into the slow cooker. Pour in the water and beef broth, then add the thyme and seasoning packet with peppercorns.
Potatoes and carrots over corned beef in a slow cooker.
  1. Lay the potatoes on top of the brisket, followed by the carrots. Cover and cook on high for 6–7 hours.
Sliced cabbage wedges in a slow cooker.
  1. During the last hour of cooking, add the cabbage wedges.
Sliced corned beef on a white platter.
  1. Once finished, remove the brisket and slice it against the grain into ¼-inch slices. Enjoy a slice of this St. Patrick’s Day Sheet Cake after this hearty meal.

Substitutions and Additions

  • Add Garlic: Toss in a few smashed garlic cloves for extra savory depth.
  • Use Baby Potatoes: Swap red potatoes for baby Yukon golds for a buttery texture.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
  • Beer Boost: Replace one cup of broth with a dark Irish stout for a richer flavor.

How To Store

  • Storage: Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator with some of the broth for up to 5 days.
  • Reheating: Put in a oven safe dish and cover with foil. Reheat at 325°F with some of the broth to keep the meat tender for 20-25 minutes.
  • Freezing: You can freeze it for up to three months.
Overhead view of corned beef meal with platter on the side and a dinner plate filled with food.

Sandra’s Pro Tips

  • Always slice the corned beef against the grain for the most tender bites.
  • If your brisket is large, trim excess fat before cooking to avoid greasy broth.
  • For even cooking, cut potatoes and carrots into similar-sized pieces.
  • Let the meat rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
  • Breathe new life into your leftovers by making this Corned Beef and Cabbage Chowder.

FAQs

Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions for this recipe.

Do I need to rinse the corned beef before cooking?

I usually give it a quick rinse to remove excess brine and reduce saltiness, but it’s optional.

Can I cook this on low instead of high?

Yes! Cook on low for 8–9 hours if you prefer a slower cooking method.

How do I know when the corned beef is done?

It should be fork-tender and easy to slice. If it feels tough, it likely needs more time.

Can I add the cabbage earlier?

I recommend adding it during the last hour so it doesn’t become overly soft and mushy.

A plateful of corned beef with cabbage.

Other Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes You May Enjoy

Leftover Corned Beef Recipes

There is usually enough corned beef to be enjoyed for several meals. The leftovers can be used to make complete new dishes like these:

Corned Beef and Cabbage Chowder - The Foodie Affair
corned beef meal with cabbage and carrots on a platter.

Easy Crockpot Corned Beef Recipe

Tender corned beef slow cooked with potatoes, carrots, and cabbage for a complete Irish meal.
4.91 from 31 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main – Beef
Cuisine: American
Keyword: crockpot corned beef
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7 hours
Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 887kcal
Author: Sandra Shaffer

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds corned beef brisket
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups beef broth I used Better Than Bouillon, Reduced Sodium
  • Peppercorns and seasoning that comes with the corned beef
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 1/2 pounds red potatoes small
  • 1 1/2 pounds carrots peeled and cut into 3-inch lengths (cut in half if the carrots are thick)
  • 1 head green cabbage cut into wedges

Instructions

  • Put corned beef in the slow cooker and cover with broth, water, thyme and peppercorn seasonings.
  • Place potatoes on top of brisket and then add the carrots. Cover and cook on high for 6-7 hours.
  • The last hour add cabbage wedges.
  • To serve slice meat against the grain into 1/4 inch slices. Add additional liquid before service if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 887kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 75g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 21g | Cholesterol: 254mg | Sodium: 707mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 11g

Disclaimer

Please note that the nutritional information provided are guidelines and may vary based on the brand of products used. For your specific nutritional goals use My Fitness Pal or Verywell Fit recipe calculators. All content within this site is not intended as medical diagnosis or treatment and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise.

This post was originally published March, 2015. It has been updated with new photos, March 2025.

Sandra The Foodie Affair Post Signature

Hi! I'm Sandra the recipe for The Foodie Affair. You'll find easy-to-follow recipes, where I will feature fresh, wholesome ingredients with a focus on making meals that can be enjoyed by everyone, whether for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner. Along with recipes, you will learn cooking tips, and how traditional recipes can be turned into a healthier dish. Thank you for being here.

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56 Comments

  4. After reading this post I decided to make my corned beef in the crock pot this year, It looks delicious and effortlessly!

    Reply

  5. I love beef in the crock pot… it comes out so tender and succulent but need to try it with a corned beef! Thanks for the suggestion. . Im making a list of all the recipes Im going to make with it… becasue its finally Corned Beef season!

    Reply

  8. This looks so good! And making it in the slow cooker is the best thing ever! Cannot wait to make this on St. Patrick’s Day!

    Reply

    1. Hi Sue! It really is preference. Flat is lean and point is marbled with more fat. Both are delicious, but if you can’t decide get the whole brisket and enjoy both cuts!

      Reply

  14. Does this really cook for 6-7 hours on high? Most slow cooker recipes that I use do 3-4 on high or 6-8 on high. Just want to be sure dinner isn’t ready way too early. 🙂

    Reply

  15. What a great hearty meal. My husband is always cooking this so at least I now have a recipe I can follow to try for him. Thanks so much.

    Reply

  16. Beautiful roast and perfectly cooked. I have never made this before at home and now that I live on the other side of the pond this is not something you can find in the stores so guess can just look at your delicious photos! Sharing of course!

    Reply

  30. Yup, exactly how I make corned beef! Thinking about leaving the potatoes out this year and making mashed red potatoes instead of boiled ones though. Now if corned beef would just go on sale! Man, it’s so expensive here right now! haha Your dish is making me crave it now!

    Reply

  32. I have never made corned beef but your looks delicious it’s making me want to try! Slow cooker brisket can come out dry but yours looks nice and juicy, maybe it’s the seasoning? Looks awesome.

    Reply

  34. corned beef is huge in my family – this recipe looks so amazing. I will def. save this to make for brunch on sunday! thanks!

    Reply