Few meals feel as comforting and hearty as a pot of slow-simmered corned beef and cabbage. This classic dish is known for its tender slices of flavorful beef paired with buttery potatoes, sweet carrots, and soft wedges of cabbage, all cooked together in a rich broth infused with pickling spices. As the meat slowly cooks, it releases savory flavor into the vegetables, creating a simple one-pot meal that tastes like it simmered all day.
This traditional recipe keeps things wonderfully uncomplicated, letting the ingredients speak for themselves. The brisket becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender while the vegetables soak up the delicious broth. Served hot with a spoonful of mustard or a bit of horseradish on the side, it’s a satisfying dinner that’s perfect for family meals, holiday gatherings, or anytime you want a warm, hearty comfort dish.
Ingredients
- 1 (3-pound) corned beef brisket with included spice packet
- 10 small red potatoes, halved
- 5 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 3-inch pieces
- 1 large head cabbage, cut into wedges
- Water, enough to cover the brisket
Directions
- Place the corned beef brisket in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot. Pour in enough water to fully cover the meat.
- Sprinkle the spice packet over the brisket. Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow the beef to gently simmer. Cook for about 2 hours, or until the meat is nearly fork-tender.
- While the beef cooks, prepare the vegetables by halving the potatoes, peeling and cutting the carrots into chunks, and slicing the cabbage into wedges.
- After the brisket has simmered for about 2 hours, add the potatoes and carrots to the pot. Continue cooking for about 10 minutes.
- Add the cabbage wedges and cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes and vegetables are tender.
- Remove the corned beef from the pot and let it rest on a cutting board for about 15 minutes.
- Slice the beef across the grain into thin slices.
- Serve the sliced corned beef with the cooked vegetables and a ladle of the flavorful broth.