Are you ready to transport your taste buds straight to the rolling green hills of Ireland? This classic Homestyle Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe is more than just a meal—it's a culinary journey that promises to warm your heart and satisfy your deepest comfort food cravings. Whether you're celebrating St. Patrick's Day or simply craving a hearty, traditional dish that speaks to generations of home cooking, this recipe will become your new go-to comfort classic that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine: Irish
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 pounds corned beef brisket
- 1 onion, quartered
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 1 head of cabbage, cut into wedges
- 4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon pickling spice
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the corned beef brisket under cold water to remove excess salt and brine. Pat it dry with paper towels.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, place the rinsed corned beef brisket. Add the quartered onion, chopped carrots, and pickling spice.
- Pour in 4 cups of water, ensuring that the corned beef is mostly submerged. If necessary, add a little more water to cover the meat.
- Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 2 hours.
- After 2 hours, carefully remove the lid and check the tenderness of the corned beef. It should be fork-tender. If it needs more time, cover and simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
- Once the corned beef is tender, carefully remove it from the pot and set it aside to rest on a cutting board. Cover it with aluminum foil to keep it warm.
- Add the cabbage wedges to the pot with the remaining broth and vegetables. Increase the heat to medium and bring the liquid back to a gentle boil.
- Cook the cabbage for about 15-20 minutes, or until it is tender but still vibrant in color. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- While the cabbage is cooking, slice the rested corned beef against the grain into thin slices.
- To serve, place a few slices of corned beef on each plate, accompanied by a generous portion of the cooked cabbage and carrots. You can drizzle some of the cooking broth over the meat and vegetables for added flavor.
- Enjoy your homestyle corned beef and cabbage with some crusty bread or mustard on the side, if desired.
Tips
- Rinse the corned beef thoroughly to reduce excess saltiness and ensure a more balanced flavor.
- Use a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even heat distribution.
- Cook the meat low and slow to guarantee maximum tenderness—patience is key!
- Always slice the corned beef against the grain to ensure the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Don't overcook the cabbage; it should remain vibrant and slightly crisp for the best taste and nutritional value.
- Save the cooking broth—it's liquid gold! Use it to enhance gravies or as a base for soups.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of Guinness or a few whole garlic cloves to the cooking liquid.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 458kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 36g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 100mg
