Name: Corned Beef and Cabbage
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 4 cups water PLUS more as needed; 1 cup salt; ½ cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon whole mustard seeds; 1 teaspoon black peppercorns; ½ teaspoon white peppercorns; 1 teaspoon whole cloves; 1 teaspoon whole juniper berries; 2 bay leaves; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; 4 pounds beef brisket trimmed; 1 onion sliced; 1 cup carrots 1 large carrot; ½ head cabbage sliced into wedges; 6 red potatoes halved or quartered; 3 cloves garlic optional; 6 cups water or more as needed

Tender and juicy corned beef and cabbage recipe made with a homemade brine or prepared using a pre-seasoned beef brisket. Add in potatoes, carrots, onions, and cabbage for a well-rounded, satisfying meal!

Why this recipe works

Corned beef and cabbage is a hearty, comforting dish packed with salt-cured beef, carrots, potatoes, and tender green cabbage. It’s extra popular around St. Patrick’s Day in the States but it’s just as delicious year-round.

We are including an option to make your brine from scratch as well as a how-to cook a pre-brined beef brisket to make this corned beef and cabbage recipe. You can also make corned beef in the crockpot and instant pot for even more convenience.

Close up photo of a plate of Corned Beef and Cabbage

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

BEEF – You can make this recipe using our homemade brine listed in the recipe card below, or by using a pre-seasoned corned beef brisket from the grocery store. Both ways work well! Brining the beef brisket can sometimes be tricky if you don’t fully submerge it in the mixture, however, it does allow you to control the amount of salt that goes into your beef. We have made this recipe both ways, it all comes down to preference.

ADDITIONS – Onion, carrots, potatoes, garlic, and cabbage are the other necessary ingredients for a satisfying corned beef meal. Red potatoes are most authentic for this recipe, and you’ll want to use green cabbage. Cut the cabbage into wedges, leaving part of the core intact to keep the cabbage from falling apart.

How to Make Corned Beef and Cabbage

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

To make the brine (if using), place all ingredients in a stockpot and bring to a boil to dissolve sugar and salt, stirring occasionally.
Allow the brine to cool completely before submersing the brisket. Top with additional water as needed to completely cover.
Refrigerate for up to 10 days to brine.
When ready to prepare, place corned beef brisket in large pot (or Dutch oven) and cover with fresh water.
Cover pot with lid and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Continue to simmer for 45 minutes per pound.
Peel and chop your vegetables however you’d like – it’s more rustic to leave them with a bit of skin.
Add the vegetables except for the cabbage to the pot when there are about 30 minutes left of cooking time. After 15 minutes, add the cabbage.
Remove the pot from the heat and let the meat rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Is corned beef and cabbage Irish?

While corned beef does have roots in Ireland, it’s mostly popular in America and typically enjoyed during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. It’s an Irish-American tradition curated from immigrants in New York that’s mashed together with Jewish culture (salt-cured beef purchased from kosher butchers) and has since been a mainstay during the holiday, but can certainly be enjoyed year-round.

How do you store leftover corned beef and cabbage?

Store leftovers in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I make corned beef and cabbage in a slow cooker?

Yes, absolutely. Hop over to our crockpot corned beef recipe or instant pot corned beef for other ways of cooking a mean beef brisket!

Serving Suggestions

Slice your corned beef against the grain. You can cut it thin or thick, depending on your preference. Serve with crusty bread and a crisp dinner salad on the side. We love using leftovers to make a hefty corned beef sandwich or corned beef hash the following day!

More St. Patrick’s Day Recipes

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This post originally appeared here on February 1st, 2017 and has since been updated with new photos and expert tips.