Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe
This classic Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe features a tender corned beef brisket slowly braised in ale and aromatic spices, paired with caramelized cabbage and onions. Perfectly seasoned and cooked low and slow, this hearty dish offers a comforting meal that’s ideal for St. Patrick’s Day or any cozy dinner.
- Author: Dylan
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
For the Corned Beef:
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 3 pound corned beef brisket
- 12 ounces ale or lager
- 24 ounces water
- 3 carrots, roughly chopped
- 3 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 bay leaf
For the Cabbage:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 1/2 cups sliced Vidalia onion (about one large onion)
- 1 head savoy or green cabbage, core removed and sliced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) to prepare for slow roasting the corned beef.
- Brown the brisket: In a large Dutch oven, heat canola oil over medium-high heat. Place the corned beef brisket fat side down in the pot and cook until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Flip and brown the other side for 5-6 minutes. Turn off heat and drain excess fat. If using a slow cooker, transfer the browned brisket there now.
- Add cooking liquids and aromatics: Pour the ale over the brisket. Add water, roughly chopped carrots and celery, dry mustard, dried thyme, mustard seeds, and bay leaf. Cover the pot and place it into the preheated oven for 3 hours, or if using a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-7 hours.
- Prepare the cabbage: One hour before the brisket finishes, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in butter until melted, then add the sliced onions. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the sliced cabbage and continue cooking until it begins to wilt and caramelize. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Roast cabbage: Transfer the skillet with cabbage and onions to the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, stirring once halfway through to promote even caramelization. The cabbage and onions should develop a golden-brown color.
- Check brisket tenderness: When the 3 hours are up, test the brisket for tenderness—it should be fork-tender and easily pull apart. If it remains tough, return it to the oven and cook an additional 30 minutes.
- Rest and serve: Remove the corned beef from the oven, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Slice the brisket against the grain, then serve alongside the caramelized cabbage and onions for a classic, satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a slower cooking option, use a slow cooker on low for 6-7 hours instead of oven roasting.
- Make sure to slice the brisket against the grain to keep the meat tender.
- The ale adds depth of flavor but can be substituted with beef broth if preferred.
- Caramelizing the cabbage enhances sweetness and balances the savory beef.
- Resting the meat is essential to retain juices and improve texture.
Keywords: corned beef, cabbage, Irish recipe, slow cooked brisket, St. Patrick's Day dinner, caramelized cabbage