Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes Recipe
Get ready to fill your kitchen with an absolutely irresistible aroma, because Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes is the kind of dish that’s a breeze to make but tastes like you fussed for hours. This cozy classic bundles melt-in-your-mouth brisket, buttery potatoes, and sweet carrots into one big warm hug of a meal. The slow cooker magically does all the work, letting the seasoned flavors mingle gently while you get on with your day. Whether you’re gathering everyone for a St. Patrick’s Day feast or just craving some comforting, down-to-earth goodness, this recipe never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of staples, you can transform everyday ingredients into a vibrant and hearty supper. Each component brings its own special touch—color, richness, or subtle sweetness—making Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes an easy favorite for weeknights and celebrations alike.
- Corned beef brisket (3–4 pounds): Make sure your cut has a little marbling for tenderness, and don’t forget the seasoning packet that packs in the classic flavor.
- Baby potatoes (1 1/2 pounds, halved): Little potatoes become unbelievably creamy as they simmer and soak up the seasoned broth below the brisket.
- Carrots (4 large, peeled and cut into chunks): Carrots add a gentle sweetness and a pop of cheerful color to every serving.
- Onion (1 large, quartered): The onion melts right into the broth, infusing it with savory depth.
- Beef broth or water (4 cups): The cooking liquid keeps everything juicy and flavorful; use broth for an extra savory punch.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Just enough garlic to infuse the pot with subtle aromatic warmth.
- Bay leaf (1): The bay leaf lends an earthy echo to the long-simmered flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle background heat—feel free to adjust to your preference.
- Green cabbage (optional, 1/2 head, cut into wedges): If you’re a cabbage fan, add this in the last hours for classic Irish flair and extra texture.
How to Make Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Set the Stage
First, scatter the potatoes, carrots, and onion evenly on the bottom of your slow cooker. This isn’t just for convenience—they’ll serve as a savory, flavorful platform for your brisket to rest on, while soaking up all the incredible juices along the way.
Step 2: Rinse and Arrange the Brisket
Give your corned beef brisket a quick rinse under cold water, then pat it dry with paper towels. Nestle it right on top of your vegetables, fat side up—this way, all those luscious drippings will baste both the meat and the veggies as it cooks. Sprinkle the contents of the seasoning packet over the meat for a burst of spice in every bite.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Pour In the Broth
Sprinkle the minced garlic, bay leaf, and black pepper over everything. Carefully pour in the beef broth (or water, if you prefer) around the meat, being sure not to wash off the seasonings. The liquid will work its magic, keeping everything tender and ensuring the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic
Place the lid on your cooker and set it—and yourself!—to relax. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the meat becomes fork-tender. If you’re including cabbage, add the wedges during the last 2 hours so they’re perfectly wilted but still have a little bite.
Step 5: Rest and Slice the Corned Beef
Once everything’s meltingly tender, carefully remove the brisket and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps all those flavorful juices settle inside the meat. Then, slice it against the grain for super-tender pieces and serve up with plenty of those slow-simmered vegetables and a ladleful of the savory broth.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes
Garnishes
Brighten each plate with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, or scatter a few snipped chives on top for color and a light oniony bite. A spoonful of grainy mustard or a dab of horseradish cream alongside gives the dish a punchy, tangy lift that’s irresistible next to the rich, savory beef.
Side Dishes
While Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes is pretty much a meal all on its own, warm crusty bread or homemade soda bread is perfect for soaking up any extra broth. On the lighter side, a crisp green salad with sharp vinaigrette balances out the meal nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your slow-cooked masterpiece family-style in a deep platter, nestling the slices of beef atop the vegetables with a ladle of broth poured over everything. For smaller gatherings, build individual bowls with neat, beautiful layers of meat, potatoes, carrots, and a cabbage wedge for that classic Irish-American bistro vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once you’ve enjoyed your dinner, let any remaining Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes cool to room temperature. Transfer the beef and vegetables to airtight containers and pour any extra broth on top to keep things moist. Stored well, leftovers will stay delicious in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, slice the beef and pack it with the vegetables and broth in freezer-safe bags or containers. Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes freezes beautifully for up to 2 months—just be sure to remove as much air as possible from the containers to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices of beef and veggies gently in a saucepan with some of the reserved broth, warming over medium-low heat until hot. This keeps everything tender and juicy. Microwave reheating works, too—just go in short bursts, covered, to avoid drying out the meat.
FAQs
Can I cook Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes on high instead of low?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, the high setting will get the job done in about 4 to 5 hours. Just keep in mind that low and slow delivers a slightly more tender texture, so use high when you need that speedy comfort fix.
Is it necessary to rinse the corned beef before cooking?
A quick rinse helps wash away extra salt from the curing brine but leaves all the robust flavor behind. Patting the beef dry after rinsing means you’ll still get that perfect crust as it cooks atop the veggies.
Can I skip the cabbage or add other vegetables?
Cabbage is totally optional—feel free to leave it out or swap in other hearty veggies like parsnips, rutabaga, or turnips. Just add them with the potatoes and carrots so everything cooks evenly in your Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes.
What’s the best way to slice the finished corned beef?
Always slice against the grain for the most tender results. This shortens the muscle fibers and gives you velvety slices that pull apart effortlessly alongside your potatoes and carrots.
Does Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes work for meal prep?
It’s an excellent candidate! Make a batch on the weekend, then portion leftovers into containers for easy lunches or dinners all week. It reheats well and packs up beautifully for on-the-go meals.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a tried-and-true comfort dish that’s both effortless and impressive, give Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes a place at your table. You’ll love how the flavors meld together with practically no work, leaving you free to relax while your home fills with that unforgettable aroma. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your family’s new favorite!
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Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes recipe is a classic Irish-American dish perfect for a comforting and flavorful meal. With tender corned beef, hearty potatoes, and savory vegetables simmered in a slow cooker, this dish is easy to prepare and yields delicious results.
Ingredients
Corned Beef:
- 3–4 pounds corned beef brisket with seasoning packet
Vegetables:
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Other Ingredients:
- 4 cups beef broth or water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 head green cabbage, cut into wedges (add in last 2 hours of cooking)
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Place potatoes, carrots, and onion in the slow cooker.
- Prep Corned Beef: Rinse corned beef brisket, pat dry, and place on top of vegetables.
- Season: Sprinkle with seasoning packet, garlic, bay leaf, and pepper.
- Add Liquid: Pour beef broth or water around the meat.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or on high for 4–5 hours.
- Add Cabbage: If using, add cabbage wedges during the last 2 hours of cooking.
- Rest and Serve: Remove brisket, let rest, and slice against the grain. Serve with vegetables and broth.
Notes
- For extra flavor, replace half of the cooking liquid with beer.
- Leftovers make excellent sandwiches or hash.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Irish-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1620mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 130mg