I gotta tell ya, if there’s one smell that takes me straight back to my childhood kitchen on Snyder Avenue, it’s the deep, cozy aroma of corned beef slow-simmering all day long. You walk through the door, and boom—it hits you like a big ol' hug from your Nonna who missed ya. And that’s kinda why this corned beef crock pot recipe holds such a special place in my heart.
See, in South Philly, St. Paddy’s Day wasn’t just for the Irish. Nope. We all got in on the fun. My ma would pull out the crock pot around 7 a.m., still in her slippers, and by dinnertime, we’d have this fall-apart, juicy-as-anything corned beef that just melted in your mouth. Cabbage on the side (not my favorite, but hey, tradition's tradition), carrots and red potatoes soaking up all that broth… it was like a warm sweater for your belly.
And honestly? Making crock pot corned beef and cabbage recipe style is about the easiest way to do it. No fuss, no flames, no babysitting a boiling pot. Just set it and forget it—like my Uncle Vinnie does with his fantasy football team.
Cozy Sips While You Wait
While the corned beef is bubbling away in the slow cooker, how about a warm drink to keep you company? I’ve got some real comforting favorites that hit the spot:

We usually go with the flat cut—it’s leaner, a little more predictable, and slices like a dream. That’s the kind you want if you're makin' sandwiches the next day or dicing it up for hash with some runny eggs.
As for that little spice packet? Yeah, it’s magic. Toss that baby right in with the meat and about four cups of beef broth, and you’re halfway to flavor town. If your brisket shows up spice-less, don’t panic. You can whip up your own mix with pickling spice or toast up a blend of mustard seeds, coriander, peppercorns—you get the idea.
And here’s the thing with veggies in your corned beef and cabbage recipe crock pot version: don’t just throw ‘em in at the start. That’s a rookie move. Add the potatoes and carrots about halfway through cookin'. Otherwise, you’ll end up with mush. And cabbage? Last hour only. Trust me. My ma learned that one the hard way. The house smelled like boiled gym socks for a week.

Now look, if you’re one of those cabbage haters like me, feel free to skip it. You won't get your Irish card revoked, I promise. But if you're feeding the whole crew, cabbage stretches that dish further and soaks up the broth beautifully.
And leftovers? Fuggedaboutit. Next-day Reuben sandwiches or a good ol' corned beef hash with eggs are like little gifts from your past self.

FAQs Folks Often Ask Me:
Should corned beef be covered in water in a crock pot?
You can, but I prefer beef broth. Just enough to almost cover the meat, not drown it. The slow cooker creates its own steam too, so no need to overdo it.
Can you cook corned beef in the slow cooker?
Oh, absolutely. It's the easiest and most foolproof method. Just low and slow, and you’re golden.
Why is my corned beef in the crock pot rubbery?
That usually means it didn’t cook long enough. Keep it on low for the full 8-9 hours. That patience pays off big time.
Is corned beef better in crock pot or stove?
Between you and me? Crock pot, hands down. Set it in the morning, come home to the smell of magic.
Corned Beef Crock Pot Recipe

Corned Beef Crock Pot Recipe
A tender, slow-cooked corned beef crock pot recipe packed with flavor and perfect for St. Patrick's Day or any comfort food craving. Cooked with carrots, potatoes, and (optional) cabbage.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-9 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooked
- Cuisine: Irish-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
1 (3-4 lb) corned beef brisket, flat cut, with spice packet
4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
8 small red potatoes, halved or quartered
1 onion, peeled and chopped into chunks
4 cups beef broth
½ head cabbage, coarsely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the corned beef under cold water and place it in your crock pot.
- Pour in the beef broth so it surrounds the meat but doesn't cover it completely.
- Sprinkle the seasoning packet over the top of the meat.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8-9 hours.
- About halfway through, add in the carrots, potatoes, and onion.
- One hour before serving, add the cabbage if you're using it.
- Remove the meat, slice across the grain, and serve with veggies and a ladle of that broth over top.
Notes
- If your brisket didn’t come with a spice packet, just toast up a blend of coriander, mustard seed, peppercorn, bay leaf, and a pinch of red pepper.
- Slice it thin for sandwiches or dice it for an amazing hash the next morning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 639kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 3277mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 122mg
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