This Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage is a tender and easy recipe, which is made with corned beef brisket and savoy cabbage. It’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal, ready in about 7 hours.
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe Ingredients
For the Corned Beef and Cabbage:
- 2 large carrots, peeled
- 1 yellow onion, peeled
- 6 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 (3- to 4-lb.) package corned beef brisket, with seasoning packet
- 1/2 head savoy cabbage
- 1 lb. small red-skinned potatoes
For the Honey Mustard:
- 1/2 cup grainy mustard
- 2 Tbsp. honey
How To Make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage
- Prepare the Vegetables: Cut the carrots into 3-inch long pieces. Cut the onion in half, leaving the root end intact, then cut each half into 3 wedges (6 total). Place the carrots, onion wedges, and thyme sprigs in the bottom of a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker.
- Add the Corned Beef: Place the corned beef brisket, fat-cap side up, on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. Cover with 1 quart of water (or beer) and sprinkle the contents of the seasoning packet over the top.
- Initial Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the high setting for 5 hours.
- Make the Honey Mustard: While the beef cooks, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the grainy mustard and honey until well combined. Set aside.
- Add Final Vegetables: Cut the cabbage into 4 wedges, leaving the core intact. After 5 hours, place the potatoes in the slow cooker around the sides of the corned beef. Place the cabbage wedges on top.
- Finish Cooking: Cover the slow cooker again and continue to cook on high for about 2 more hours, until the corned beef is fork-tender and the cabbage and potatoes are soft.
- Serve: Carefully remove the corned beef and vegetables from the slow cooker. Slice the corned beef against the grain and serve it with the cooked vegetables and a side of the honey mustard sauce.

Recipe Tips
- How do I ensure the beef is tender? The slow cooker does all the work! The long, slow cooking time is designed to break down the tough brisket into incredibly tender meat. If your beef is tough, it simply needs more time to cook.
- Can I cook this on the low setting? Yes. If you have more time, you can cook the corned beef on the low setting for about 8-10 hours. Add the potatoes and cabbage for the last 2-3 hours of the cooking time.
- What’s the best way to slice corned beef? For the most tender slices, always slice the cooked and rested corned beef against the grain. Look for the lines of the muscle fibers and cut perpendicular to them.
- Can I use beer instead of water? Absolutely. Using a bottle of beer, especially a stout like Guinness, instead of water will infuse the corned beef and vegetables with an even deeper, richer flavor.
What To Serve With Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage
This all-in-one slow cooker meal is a complete feast, but it’s even more traditional and delicious with:
- The homemade honey mustard sauce for dipping.
- Slices of rye or pumpernickel bread with butter.
- A side of applesauce to complement the savory flavors.
How To Store Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage
Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This dish makes for fantastic leftovers. Leftover Idea: Chop up the leftover corned beef and potatoes to make a delicious corned beef hash for breakfast the next day.
Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~550 kcal per serving
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 15g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
What if my corned beef didn’t come with a spice packet?
No problem. You can make your own by combining 1 tablespoon each of whole black peppercorns, whole mustard seeds, and coriander seeds, along with a few bay leaves. Sprinkle this over the brisket.
Do I need to brown the beef first?
No, for this super easy slow cooker recipe, there’s no need to brown the meat first. It’s a true u0022dump-and-gou0022 meal where the slow cooker does all the work.
Why is my corned beef tough after 7 hours?
If the beef is still tough, it simply means it needs more cooking time to allow the connective tissues to fully break down. Continue to cook it, checking for tenderness every 30-45 minutes.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman 16 Minute Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Corned Beef Hash
- Pioneer Woman Vegetable Beef Soup
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe
Description
An incredibly easy, set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker meal featuring fork-tender corned beef, soft potatoes, and cabbage, all served with a simple honey mustard sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place carrots, onion, and thyme in the bottom of a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker.
- Place the corned beef, fat-side up, on top of the vegetables. Cover with 1 quart of water and sprinkle with the seasoning packet.
- Cover and cook on High for 5 hours.
- While the beef cooks, mix the mustard and honey together for the sauce.
- Add the potatoes and cabbage wedges to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on High for 2 more hours, until the beef and vegetables are tender.
- Slice the corned beef and serve with the vegetables and honey mustard.
Notes
- u003cliu003eThis is a true u0022dump and gou0022 recipe; no pre-browning is required, making it incredibly easy.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor a richer flavor, you can substitute a bottle of beer (like Guinness) for the water.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThe corned beef is done when it is u0022fork-tender,u0022 meaning a fork slides in easily with no resistance.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis dish is perfect for a busy day when you want a comforting meal ready for dinner.u003c/liu003e
