This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Please read our disclosure policy.

Growing up, what I remember of corned beef is that I hated it. My mom loved it and would prepare one every so often and my sister, Kelsey, and I would suffer through the meal. My guess is that since Mom loved Reuben sandwiches so much, the leftover corned beef was more of the goal than the roast itself.

I think for my sister and me, the problem was the quality and flavor of the repackaged corned beef. Today, I do not always take the time to corn my own brisket. I’ve done the work, and it’s certainly delicious, but I don’t always want to commit the time. Thankfully, in today’s world, we have access to terrific corned beef that we don’t have to prepare at home.

Large red Dutch oven with two hands holding handles filled with red colored corned beef sitting on top of cabbage and carrots on white countertop
Save this post!
Enter your email address and we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll receive our once-per-month newsletter!

What type of beef to buy

This recipe starts with the brisket. Personally, I choose grass-fed beef, which may surprise some since I’m surrounded by Iowa cornfields. Grass-fed beef is often raised with regenerative farming practices. The farmer puts just as much care into the land as they do into the cattle. Organic grass-fed cattle have more nutrients from eating nutrient-dense prairie. That makes sense, right? This means they have more protein, more nutrients, and more omega-3 fatty acids. All of this really means that they are not only healthier but also taste better when consumed!

When you buy corned beef at the market, it already has all of the spices and flavoring. All we need to do is prepare it correctly at home and enjoy the perfect corned beef without the work of making it ourselves.

Close up view of three slices of red colored corned beef sitting on white plate with cabbage and carrots in background

The ingredients in this corned beef

  • Corned beef is the obvious star in this recipe. Any corned beef you find and chose will have the iconic flavor. This type of beef, which is a brisket cut, is slightly pickled with spices. The end result will always be more red-colored than traditional beef which is not corned. The pickling imparts more of this iconic color.
  • Beef stock helps create a rich jus and ensures that the beef is moist. Do not worry about making your own stock. Bouillon works well in this case.
  • Worcestershire sauce provides a deeper flavor to the overall stock. A little bit of this magic sauce added to the stock creates a depth that tastes like it was a rich, long-cooking-time stock, but without any of the work.
  • Carrots are a staple with any pot roast since they add a delicious sweetness to the meal. I like to keep my carrots in large pieces so they do not become mushy during the cooking time.
  • Cabbage is a hands-down must with corned beef. Cabbage became widely used with corned beef to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day because it was inexpensive. The cooked cabbage will take on the flavors from the jus cooking alongside the roast.
White plate filled with serving of red colored corned beef with cabbage and carrots and large Dutch oven filled with rest of corned beef all on white countertop

For this classic meal, the ingredients are simple and straightforward. But each one makes a difference in the roast. While the cabbage may turn off some people, I’m often surprised how enjoyable cooked cabbage is. Since the cabbage is cooked under the brisket, the flavor is rich with the beef stock jus. Plus, the simple flavor of the cabbage lends well with the unique flavor of the corned beef.

More Recipes Like This One

Watch how to make this corned beef

YouTube video

Corned Beef with Cabbage & Carrots

4.28 from 33 votes
This very traditional St. Patrick's Day recipe is a must-make when the holiday rolls around. Corned beef paired with cabbage and carrots is a unique meal that is super delicious! Cooked all in one pot with a few ingredients, this recipe will surely be a keeper!
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 3 hours 30 minutes
Total: 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Save this recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!

Ingredients

  • 2-3 lb corned beef
  • 1 large onion
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 small cabbage (about 2 lb) cut in wedges
  • 1 ½ lb carrots washed and cut in large pieces

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Peel and slice the onion into wedges. Lay the onion in the bottom of the Dutch oven. Place the corned beef on top of the onion as if the onion wedges are acting as a roasting rack. Mix the Worcestershire with the beef stock and pour it into the Dutch oven around the corned beef. Cover the Dutch oven with the lid and place in the preheated oven until the meat is just beginning to become tender, about 2 hours.
    2-3 lb corned beef, 1 large onion, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 cups beef stock
  • After the roast has been cooking for 2 hours, remove the roast from the Dutch oven and add the carrots and cabbage. Set the corned beef on top of the carrots and cabbage and cover with the lid. Return to the oven until the roast is easily tender when pierced with a fork, 1 to 1 ½ hours.
    1 ½ lb carrots, 1 small cabbage (about 2 lb)
  • Slice and serve with carrots, cabbage, and crusty bread.

Video

YouTube video

Nutrition

Serving: 1 servingCalories: 500 kcal

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave a comment below!

Kaleb Wyse is a New York Times bestselling author behind the popular Wyse Guide website. Living on his fourth-generation Iowa farm, he loves sharing recipes and gardening tips that come from traditions that feel comfortably familiar. His down-to-earth style makes sustainable living and farm life feel like home!

You May Also Like

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

These slow cooker chicken tacos are super easy! Just toss in chicken thighs, spices, and onions for tender, flavorful meat that’s ready when you are.

2025 Holiday Guide

This year's holiday guide is back and ready to order. Plus, it's better than ever!

Cover of the 2025 Wyse Guide holiday guide.
4.28 from 33 votes (20 ratings without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating:




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

24 Comments

  1. Dawn says:

    5 stars
    This is awesome!
    Only difference from mine is the broth and worsteshire. It made a big flavor difference. Hubby and I love it!
    I got your book last week and thoroughly enjoying it. I feel I am part of your family now. Which btw is a great family. You are all Blessed.
    Now to decide what recipes to make!!

  2. Lizzy S says:

    5 stars
    Delicious and easy!!
    My first corned beef and it turned out great. I added potatoes and little less cabbage so everything could fit. The veggies absorbed the wonderful flavor. I also love keeping the carrots big. They were cooked perfectly, and I’m def doing this for my braised roast recipe.
    Thank you so much for this recipe and your videos. I’m already pinning others to try from you!

    Happpy St. Patrick’s Day!!!

    ☘️🇮🇪💚

  3. James says:

    Thanks for the recipe.