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Old Fashioned Corned Beef Recipe

Old Fashioned Corned Beef Recipe

This old fashioned corned beef is slow simmered until tender, then finished with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots in the same flavorful broth. I make this when I want a comforting, no-fail family meal that always turns out good.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Irish
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 piece Corned beef brisket About 3–4 lb
  • 1 large Cabbage Cut into wedges
  • 5 medium Carrots Peeled and cut
  • 8 small Potatoes Peeled or scrubbed
  • 1 large Onion Quartered
  • 3 Bay leaves Optional
  • 1 tbsp Brown sugar Balances salt
  • As needed Water To fully cover beef

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot or Dutch oven Must be large enough to hold brisket
  • 1 Cutting board For resting and slicing
  • 1 Sharp knife Slice against the grain
  • 1 Ladle For serving broth

Method
 

Step 1
  1. I rinse the corned beef under cold running water to remove excess surface brine. If I have extra time, I soak it for a few hours to reduce saltiness, but that part is optional.
    Old Fashioned Corned Beef Recipe
Step 2
  1. I place the corned beef into a large pot or Dutch oven and cover it completely with cold water.
    Old Fashioned Corned Beef Recipe
Step 3
  1. I add the onion, bay leaves, and brown sugar, then bring everything to a boil over medium heat.
    Old Fashioned Corned Beef Recipe
Step 4
  1. Once it reaches a boil, I reduce the heat to low and let the beef simmer gently. I never let it boil hard because that makes the meat tough.
    Old Fashioned Corned Beef Recipe
Step 5
  1. I simmer the corned beef for about 3 to 4 hours, until it’s fork-tender and easy to pierce.
    Old Fashioned Corned Beef Recipe
Step 6
  1. I remove the beef from the pot and let it rest on a cutting board for 15–20 minutes so it slices cleanly.
    Old Fashioned Corned Beef Recipe
Step 7
  1. While the beef rests, I add the potatoes and carrots to the cooking liquid and simmer until nearly tender.
    Old Fashioned Corned Beef Recipe
Step 8
  1. I add the cabbage last and cook just until soft but not mushy.
    Old Fashioned Corned Beef Recipe
Step 9
  1. I slice the corned beef against the grain and serve it with the vegetables and as much broth as I like.
    Old Fashioned Corned Beef Recipe

Notes

I always slice corned beef against the grain, it really makes a difference. If the broth tastes too salty, I add a little hot water before serving. Leftovers are perfect for hash or Reuben sandwiches the next day.