I’m so excited to share one of my all-time favorite recipes with you: Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage with Bacon! This dish has a special place in my heart—growing up, my family would make it for St. Patrick’s Day, and the aroma that would fill our home was simply irresistible. The savory combination of tender corned beef, sweet cabbage, and the smoky crunch of bacon creates a meal that’s comforting and delicious, and it’s perfect for cozy gatherings or Sunday dinners.
What I love most about this recipe is that it’s practically foolproof. Just toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinner time, you’ll have a feast that rivals your favorite Irish pub. Plus, there’s something magical about the way the flavors meld together throughout the day—it’s like each ingredient is having a little party in the pot!
What’s in Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage with Bacon?
Let’s break down this incredible flavor lineup:
Corned Beef Brisket: This is the star of the show! I typically go for a 3-4 pound brisket, perfectly-seasoned with the spices included in the package. When cooked low and slow, it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Onion: A medium onion, quartered, brings a lovely sweetness and depth to the dish, while the smell of caramelizing onion is enough to make anyone’s mouth water.
Garlic: Four cloves, minced, because garlic makes everything better. It adds a savory depth that complements the corned beef beautifully.
Carrots: Four to six medium carrots, peeled and chunked, give a nice sweetness and a pop of color. Plus, they soak up all those amazing flavors!
Baby Potatoes: About a pound of baby potatoes, halved. I love their creamy texture, which ties everything together beautifully.
Green Cabbage: A small head of cabbage cut into wedges adds a wonderful crunch. I usually add this last to steam so it stays tender without becoming mushy.
Bacon: Six to eight slices, chopped. This is the game-changer! The crispy bacon adds that smoky element that elevates the entire dish.
Beef Broth: Four cups bring moisture and flavor to the slow cooker. It’s the base of the cooking liquid and a lifesaver for keeping everything juicy.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Just two tablespoons add a tangy kick, balancing the richness of the meat and bacon perfectly.
Brown Sugar: A tablespoon of brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness—trust me on this one, it works wonders!
Black Pepper & Mustard Seeds: A teaspoon of each adds heat and depth (go for the mustard seeds if you want an extra zing!).
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley is for garnish—because we eat with our eyes first, right?
Is Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage with Bacon Good for You?
Let’s chat health. While this dish is undoubtedly a comfort food classic, it’s essential to take everything in moderation.
Corned Beef: It’s high in protein and iron but also can be high in sodium, so if you’re watching your salt intake, look for low-sodium versions when you can.
Cabbage: This leafy green is fantastic! It’s low in calories and high in vitamins C and K. Plus, it’s a great source of dietary fiber, which is perfect for digestion.
Bacon: While delicious, bacon should definitely be enjoyed in moderation. The good news? It adds that ultra-crispy flavor that makes this dish so unique and mouthwatering.
In short, this dish can be a delicious part of a balanced diet when enjoyed occasionally and paired with lots of colorful veggies!
Ingredients List
– 3-4 pounds corned beef brisket
– 1 medium onion, quartered
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 4-6 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
– 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
– 1 small head green cabbage, cut into wedges
– 6-8 slices bacon, chopped
– 4 cups beef broth
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
*Serves 6-8*
How to Make Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage with Bacon?
1. Place the corned beef brisket in the bottom of your slow cooker. Don’t forget to sprinkle the seasoning packet that comes with the brisket—this is where the magic begins!
2. Add the quartered onion and minced garlic right on top of the brisket; the more flavorful, the better!
3. Layer those colorful carrots and baby potatoes around the brisket, distributing them evenly. They’ll soak up all that glorious flavor.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, black pepper, and mustard seeds. Pour this heavenly mixture over the brisket and veggies.
5. Lay the chopped bacon on top of it all. Yes, please!
6. Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for about 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
7. About 30 minutes before serving, add the cabbage wedges on top. Cover it back up to let those beauties steam and be tender.
8. Once cooked, carefully remove the corned beef and veggies from the slow cooker. Let the brisket rest for about 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
9. Serve the corned beef slices with the cabbage, carrots, and potatoes on a lovely platter. Don’t forget to garnish it with fresh chopped parsley for that pop of color. Enjoy every bite!
Your Secret Weapon: Tips and Tricks!
– You can switch up the vegetables! Feel free to add in parsnips or turnips if you want to mix things up.
– If you prefer a bit of sweetness, feel free to adjust the brown sugar; sometimes a little more is just what the dish needs!
– Leftovers are a dream! This corned beef makes for fantastic sandwiches the next day—trust me, you’ll want to make extra just for that.
I hope you’re as excited to try this Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage with Bacon recipe as I am to share it! Just imagine the delicious aroma wafting through your home and the satisfied smiles around your table. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you, so please share your thoughts and any fun twists you add. Happy cooking!
