Get ready to transport yourself to the cozy kitchens of New England with this mouthwatering Crockpot New England Boiled Dinner that promises to be the most tender, flavorful, and satisfying meal you've ever experienced! This classic one-pot wonder is not just a recipe; it's a hearty culinary tradition that brings families together, filling your home with irresistible aromas and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're craving a traditional American comfort meal or looking to impress your dinner guests, this foolproof recipe is about to become your new go-to dish.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs corned beef
- 4 cups water
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 4 potatoes, quartered
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 small head cabbage, cut into wedges
- 1 tbsp pickling spice
Instructions
- Remove corned beef from packaging and pat dry with paper towels. If the beef comes with a spice packet, set it aside.
- Place the corned beef in the bottom of a large 6-quart slow cooker, ensuring it sits flat and centered.
- Sprinkle the pickling spice evenly over the top of the corned beef, covering it completely.
- Carefully pour the water around the sides of the meat, making sure not to wash off the spices.
- Prepare the vegetables by washing and chopping carrots into 2-inch chunks, quartering potatoes, cutting onion into large wedges, and separating cabbage into thick wedges.
- Layer the chopped vegetables around and on top of the corned beef in the crockpot, starting with carrots, then potatoes, onions, and finally cabbage.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set to cook on LOW heat for 8 hours, allowing the meat and vegetables to become tender and fully infused with flavor.
- After cooking time is complete, carefully remove the corned beef and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Transfer the cooked vegetables to a large serving platter and arrange the sliced corned beef in the center.
- Serve hot, optionally with additional mustard or horseradish sauce on the side.
Tips
- Choose the right cut of corned beef: Look for a well-marbled, flat-cut corned beef for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Don't rush the cooking process: The low and slow method is crucial for breaking down the meat's tough fibers and creating melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Layer vegetables strategically: Place harder vegetables like carrots and potatoes at the bottom, with more delicate vegetables like cabbage on top to prevent overcooking.
- Pat the corned beef dry before cooking to help the spices adhere better and create a more flavorful crust.
- Let the meat rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is incredibly moist and tender.
- For a lighter version, you can trim excess fat from the corned beef before cooking.
- If you prefer a more concentrated flavor, you can replace some of the water with beef broth.
- Serve with traditional accompaniments like whole grain mustard, horseradish sauce, or a splash of Irish beer for an authentic touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 369kcal
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 29g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 67mg
