Name: Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Stew Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Cuisine: Irish-American
Ingredients: 2 pounds corned beef, cut into bite-sized pieces; 4 large potatoes, cut into large pieces; 2 stalks celery, chopped; 1 white onion, chopped; 1 bag baby carrots (16 oz); 1/2 head cabbage, cut into small wedges; 3 cups beef broth; 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 Tablespoons McCormick® Pickling Spice; 1 Teaspoon McCormick® Garlic Powder; 1/2 Teaspoon McCormick® Paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon pepper; 1 Tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening); Chopped parsley for garnish; Additional salt and pepper for seasoning to taste

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort food that practically makes itself, I have just the thing for you. This Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Stew Recipe is the kind of dish that warms the soul and fills your kitchen with the most inviting aromas all day long. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal without any fuss, and the flavors? Oh, they’re downright fan-freaking-tastic. Pull up a chair—let me walk you through why this stew is about to be your new slow cooker favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: Toss everything into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it—no need to hover, and the house smells amazing all day.
Tender, Flavorful Meat: The slow cooking process makes the corned beef melt-in-your-mouth tender with a rich, savory broth.
Complete One-Pot Meal: Starchy potatoes, sweet carrots, crunchy cabbage—all in one bowl, which means less cleanup and more yum.
Customizable Flavors: You can easily tweak the spices or veggies to suit your family’s preferences, no sweat at all.

A white bowl filled with a colorful soup showing several layers: the bottom layer is a clear brown broth, floating on it are chunks of pink ham, bright orange baby carrots, light yellow potato pieces, green cabbage leaves, and some small bits of herbs sprinkled on top. The bowl sits on a textured brown surface with a small white bowl nearby holding some round brown spices. The scene includes a grey cloth with fringed edges to the right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Stew, corned beef and cabbage stew, hearty slow cooker stew, easy Irish stew recipe, comfort food slow cooker

Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right ingredients makes this Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Stew Recipe truly shine—fresh veggies and a good quality corned beef take this from just “okay” to downright memorable. You’ll find that the mix of spices is just the right balance to complement the mild sweetness of the carrots and cabbage.

Flat lay of fresh corned beef chunks, large peeled potatoes cut into big pieces, two celery stalks with leaves, one whole white onion, a handful of baby carrots, small wedges of green cabbage, a small white bowl of rich beef broth, a small white bowl of dark Worcestershire sauce, a small white bowl filled with mixed pickling spices, a small white bowl of garlic powder, a small white bowl of paprika, a small white bowl of coarse salt, a small white bowl of freshly ground black pepper, a small white bowl of cornstarch, and a few sprigs of fresh chopped parsley placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Stew, corned beef and cabbage stew, hearty slow cooker stew, easy Irish stew recipe, comfort food slow cooker

Corned Beef: Go for a 2-pound cut that’s already trimmed and ready to cube; it breaks down beautifully in the slow cooker.
Potatoes: Large chunks hold their shape after hours of cooking—russets or Yukon gold work perfectly.
Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and aroma without overpowering the stew.
White Onion: Brings sweetness and depth once slow-cooked with the meat.
Baby Carrots: Their natural sweetness is a nice contrast to savory corned beef.
Cabbage: Cut into small wedges so it softens just right but doesn’t turn mushy.
Beef Broth: The base of your stew—rich and savory with just the right amount of salt.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a complex umami punch that you might not expect but will love.
Pickling Spice: Essential for that classic corned beef flavor, so don’t skip it!
Garlic Powder and Paprika: They quietly enhance the overall flavor without stealing the spotlight.
Salt & Pepper: To season just right; remember to taste near the end.
Cornstarch (optional): For thickening the stew if you prefer a heartier broth.
Chopped Parsley: Fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and subtle freshness.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this stew “my own” depending on the season or who I’m cooking for. Don’t hesitate to tweak the ingredients—you might discover a new family favorite that way.

Add Some Heat: I sometimes toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick that cuts through the richness.
Swap out Vegetables: Tried it with parsnips or turnips, and it added a lovely earthy sweetness.
Make it Gluten-Free: Just skip the Worcestershire sauce or use a gluten-free version to keep everyone happy.
Thicker Broth: Mixing cornstarch with a little water at the end helps if you want a stew that clings to your spoon perfectly.

How to Make Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Stew Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Meat and Veggies

Start by cutting your corned beef into bite-sized pieces—don’t worry if the edges look a bit rough; they’ll soften up beautifully in the slow cooker. Chop your potatoes into large chunks, celery and onion into bite-sized pieces, and slice the cabbage into small wedges. This prep sets you up for even cooking and a nice texture balance in the stew.

Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Layer the corned beef, potatoes, celery, onion, carrots, and cabbage right into the slow cooker. Trust me, no need to get fancy about layering; everything mingles together just right while cooking.

Step 3: Mix the Broth and Spice It Up

In a separate bowl, combine your beef broth with Worcestershire sauce, pickling spice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour this fragrant mixture over the layered ingredients. This blend is where the magic starts to happen, infusing the meat and veggies with classic, hearty corned beef flavors.

Step 4: Set and Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or set the slow cooker to high for 5-6 hours if you’re short on time. The long, slow cook lets the corned beef become tender and breaks down the veggies perfectly. You’ll want to check near the end—that’s when the textures should be just right, and your kitchen will smell incredible.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serve

Once cooked, taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If you like a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water, stir it in, and cook on high for a few more minutes until thickened. Garnish with chopped parsley, and you’re ready to dig in!

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Stew Recipe

Chunk Size Matters: Cutting your corned beef into uniform bite-sized pieces helps it cook evenly and makes the stew easier to enjoy.
Pickling Spice Magic: I learned not to skimp on pickling spice—it’s the soul of authentic flavor in this dish.
Add Cabbage Later: If you want your cabbage less mushy, add it halfway through cooking instead of at the start.
Don’t Overcook Potatoes: Using large chunks avoids them turning to mush; if you want softer potatoes, feel free to cut them smaller but keep an eye on cook time.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Stew Recipe

A white bowl filled with a clear brown broth soup containing large chunks of pink sausage, bright orange baby carrots, soft yellow potato cubes, and pale green cabbage leaves. The soup's ingredients are mixed together, with one spoon holding a piece of sausage, a cabbage leaf, and a carrot raised above the bowl. The surface under the bowl is a white marbled texture, and the spoon has an ornate handle. Small herbs are sprinkled on top of the soup, adding small green flecks throughout the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Stew, corned beef and cabbage stew, hearty slow cooker stew, easy Irish stew recipe, comfort food slow cooker

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top right before serving—it adds a bright freshness and beautiful pop of green. Sometimes I also serve with a dollop of whole grain mustard on the side for a tangy bite that cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

Honestly, this stew is a meal in itself, but if you want to round things out, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up all the flavorful broth. And a simple green salad can add a fresh bite to balance the heartiness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions like St. Patrick’s Day, I love serving this stew in rustic stoneware bowls and setting a cozy table with green napkins and candles. It turns a simple meal into a festive celebration that everyone remembers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the stew cools, I transfer it to airtight containers and refrigerate. It keeps beautifully for up to 4 days, and honestly, the flavors often taste even better the next day once everything has marinated together.

Freezing

I sometimes freeze leftovers in portion-sized freezer bags or containers. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture when reheating. It freezes and reheats well without losing much flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of beef broth or water helps keep the stew juicy and prevents it from drying out. Microwave works too, but stovetop gives better control over temperature.

FAQs

Can I use a corned beef brisket instead of cubed corned beef?

Absolutely! If you have a whole corned beef brisket, you can cook it whole in the slow cooker for the same amount of time, then slice or cube it after it’s tender. Just keep in mind cooking times might vary slightly depending on thickness.
What is the best way to prevent the cabbage from getting mushy?

Great question! To keep cabbage from getting too soft, either add it during the last 1-2 hours of cooking or cut it into larger chunks so it holds up better during the long cooking process.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker?

Yes, you can! Cooking on high pressure for about 60-70 minutes followed by a natural release works well. Just be cautious with the potatoes—they may cook faster, so adjust accordingly or add them halfway through cooking.
Do I need to rinse corned beef before cooking?

Some people prefer rinsing to reduce saltiness, but I usually skip rinsing because the brine adds flavor to the stew. If you’re sensitive to salt, give it a quick rinse and pat it dry before cooking.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Stew Recipe makes life easier without sacrificing flavor. It’s a recipe I keep coming back to, especially when I want a fuss-free meal that feels like a warm hug. If you want a wholesome, filling dish that your family will rave about, I can’t recommend this enough. Go ahead and try it—you’ll be so glad you did.