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Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe

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4.1 from 9 reviews

Classic Corned Beef and Cabbage is a hearty, flavorful Irish-American dish perfect for a comforting meal. Tender corned beef brisket is simmered with aromatic bay leaves and spices, then served alongside perfectly cooked baby potatoes, carrots, and tender cabbage wedges. This traditional recipe offers a satisfying balance of savory meat and wholesome vegetables, ideal for St. Patrick's Day or any cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

Meat

  • 3 to 3½ pounds corned beef brisket (with spice packet)
  • 2 bay leaves

Vegetables

  • 1 ½ pounds baby potatoes
  • 6 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 3-inch pieces
  • 1 head green cabbage, cut into 2-inch wedges

Instructions

  1. Add and Cover: Place the corned beef brisket into a large stock pot or Dutch oven. Add the spice packet that comes with the brisket along with 2 bay leaves. Cover all with enough water to fully submerge the meat.
  2. Cook the Brisket: Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and allow the brisket to cook for 2 ½ to 3 hours, approximately 50 minutes per pound, until the meat is tender.
  3. Add Vegetables: Add the baby potatoes and carrots to the pot with the brisket. Continue simmering for 10 to 15 minutes until these vegetables are nearly tender.
  4. Add Cabbage: Add the cabbage wedges to the pot, arranging them around the meat and other vegetables. Simmer for an additional 15 minutes until the cabbage is cooked through and tender.
  5. Slice and Serve: Carefully transfer the brisket to a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice the meat against the grain to ensure tenderness. Transfer the cooked vegetables to a serving platter. Serve the sliced corned beef alongside the potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and accompany with horseradish sauce for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Be sure to slice the corned beef against the grain to maximize tenderness.
  • Cooking times may vary based on the size and thickness of the brisket; check periodically for doneness.
  • If desired, save some cooking liquid as a flavorful broth or gravy base.
  • For extra flavor, you can add other spices such as peppercorns or mustard seeds to the boiling water.
  • This dish pairs well with mustard or horseradish sauce.