The Best Homemade Recipe Corned Beef Cabbage Slow Cooker

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What You’ll Love About This Recipe

Making homemade corned beef is easier than you think, and the results are so worth the effort. You’ll love how simple it is to create this flavorful dish at home, especially when you see how much better it tastes compared to store-bought versions.

First, it’s incredibly customizable—you control the spices and salt level to suit your taste. Second, it’s a slow-cooked dish that fills your kitchen with an amazing aroma all day. Finally, it’s perfect for hearty meals, whether you’re serving it classic-style with cabbage or using leftovers in sandwiches or hash.

Recipe

Corned beef is a flavorful and tender dish, traditionally made by curing beef brisket with a brine solution. This homemade recipe allows you to control the ingredients and create a delicious, preservative-free version of the classic dish. Perfect for sandwiches, hash, or as a centerpiece for St. Patrick’s Day.

Ingredients:

4-5 lbs beef brisket
1 gallon water
1 cup kosher salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp pink curing salt (Prague Powder #1)
1 tbsp black peppercorns
1 tbsp mustard seeds
1 tbsp coriander seeds
4 garlic cloves, smashed
5 bay leaves
1 cinnamon stick
1 tsp whole cloves
1 tsp allspice berries

Instructions:

In a large pot, combine water, kosher salt, brown sugar, and pink curing salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve. Remove from heat and let the brine cool completely.
Place the beef brisket in a large container or brining bag. Add the cooled brine, making certain the brisket is fully submerged.
Add black peppercorns, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, smashed garlic, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cloves, and allspice berries to the brine mixture.
Seal the container or bag and refrigerate for 5-7 days, flipping the brisket daily to guarantee even curing.
After curing, remove the brisket from the brine and rinse thoroughly under cold water.
Place the brisket in a large pot and cover with fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 2.5-3 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.
Slice against the grain and serve warm.

Notes:

Pink curing salt is essential for preserving the meat and achieving the characteristic pink color. It can be found online or in specialty stores.
For additional flavor, add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and cabbage during the last hour of cooking.

Equipment:

Large pot
Large container or brining bag
Measuring cups and spoons

Time:

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cooking time: 3 hours

Total time: 5-7 days (including curing)

Cuisine: American/Irish

Serving: 6-8 servings

Nutrition

Corned beef is a flavorful dish that can be made at home with simple ingredients. Here are the nutritional values per serving:

Calories	Protein	Fat	Carbs	Sodium	Fiber
300 kcal	20 g	15 g	10 g	1200 mg	2 g

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my homemade corned beef with creamy mashed potatoes—they soak up all the rich flavors so well. A slice of buttered rye bread on the side adds the perfect crunch and warmth to the meal. Trust me, these simple sides make the dish feel complete without stealing the spotlight.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

While corned beef shines as the star of the meal, you can’t go wrong pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes—they’re the perfect side to soak up all those savory juices. I love making mine with butter, warm milk, and a pinch of garlic for extra flavor. The trick? Mash them while they’re hot, and don’t skimp on the salt! They turn out fluffy and rich, balancing the salty beef beautifully. Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll never want corned beef without it. It’s comfort food at its best, simple but so satisfying.

Buttered Rye Bread

Nothing beats the hearty crunch of buttered rye bread alongside a plate of corned beef—it’s a match made in comfort food heaven. I love how the tangy, earthy flavor of rye complements the salty richness of the beef, and when you slather it with creamy butter, it’s pure bliss. Toasting it lightly adds a satisfying crispness that elevates every bite. It’s simple but so effective, turning an already delicious meal into something unforgettable. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, so you can focus on enjoying your corned beef without fuss. Trust me, once you try it, you won’t want to skip this pairing.