This Ina Garten corned beef and cabbage recipe is a tender and hearty recipe, which is made with corned beef brisket and fresh green cabbage. It’s a classic Irish-American comfort food perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or Sunday dinner, ready in about 3 hours and 50 minutes.
Jump to RecipeIna Garten Corned Beef And Cabbage Recipe Ingredients
- 4–5 pounds corned beef brisket (with seasoning packet)
- Water (enough to cover brisket)
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and halved
- 1 head green cabbage, cut into wedges
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
- Dijon mustard (optional, for serving)

How To Make Ina Garten Corned Beef And Cabbage Recipe
- Prepare the corned beef: Rinse the brisket under cold water to remove excess brine. Place it in a large pot or Dutch oven.
- Simmer with aromatics: Cover the beef with water, add seasoning packet, onion, bay leaves, peppercorns, and garlic. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook 2 ½–3 hours until tender.
- Add carrots and potatoes: Add carrots and potatoes to the pot; simmer 20 minutes.
- Add cabbage: Add cabbage wedges and simmer an additional 15–20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Rest and slice beef: Remove beef, rest 10 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
- Serve: Arrange beef slices with cabbage, carrots, and potatoes on a platter. Serve with Dijon mustard if desired.

Recipe Tips
- How to know when corned beef is done: The meat should be fork-tender and reach an internal temperature of at least 190°F.
- Can I cook this in a slow cooker? Yes, cook on low for 8–9 hours or high for 4–5 hours, adding vegetables halfway through.
- Best cabbage variety: Green cabbage is traditional, but savoy cabbage also works well.
- How to reduce saltiness: Rinse the beef well before cooking and use fresh water instead of brine for simmering.
- Can I make this ahead? Yes, slice the beef and store with some cooking liquid to keep it moist when reheating.
What To Serve With Corned Beef And Cabbage
This hearty dish pairs perfectly with classic sides:
- Irish soda bread
- Creamy horseradish sauce
- Buttered peas
- Mustard or dill pickles

How To Store Corned Beef And Cabbage
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in broth or microwave.
Freeze: Freeze sliced beef separately from vegetables for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in broth.
Corned Beef And Cabbage Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~480 per serving
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 36g
- Sodium: High (varies by brisket)
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use beer instead of water for cooking corned beef?
Yes, using half beer and half water adds rich flavor and depth to the broth.
Why is my corned beef tough?
It likely needs more cooking time—keep simmering until fork-tender.
Do I have to use the spice packet?
No, but it adds traditional flavor. You can substitute whole spices like mustard seed, coriander, and cloves.
Try More Recipes:
- Ina Garten Orzo Salad With Shrimp Recipe
- Ina Garten Zucchini Au Gratin Recipe
- Ina Garten Greek Orzo Salad Recipe
Ina Garten Corned Beef And Cabbage Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings20
minutes3
hours30
minutes480
kcalA classic Irish-American dish with tender corned beef, cabbage, and hearty vegetables—perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
-
4–5 pounds corned beef brisket with seasoning packet
-
Water to cover
-
1 large onion, quartered
-
4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
-
6 medium potatoes, peeled and halved
-
1 head green cabbage, cut into wedges
-
2 bay leaves
-
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
-
3 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
-
Dijon mustard (optional)
Directions
- Rinse brisket; place in pot with water, seasoning, onion, bay leaves, peppercorns, and garlic.
- Bring to boil; simmer covered 2 ½–3 hours until tender.
- Add carrots and potatoes; simmer 20 minutes.
- Add cabbage; simmer 15–20 minutes more until tender.
- Remove beef; rest 10 minutes, slice thin against grain.
- Serve with vegetables and mustard.
