Ina Garten’s Corned Beef and Cabbage is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or a comforting family dinner. Combining tender corned beef with perfectly cooked cabbage, carrots, and potatoes, this recipe is simple yet satisfying.
What is Ina Garten Corned Beef and Cabbage?
Corned Beef and Cabbage is a classic Irish-American dish made with cured beef brisket, simmered until tender, and served with boiled vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. Ina Garten’s version brings a gourmet touch with balanced flavors and a perfectly cooked result.

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Corned Beef and Cabbage
- Classic comfort food: A hearty, satisfying meal for any occasion.
- Simple preparation: Requires minimal effort for maximum flavor.
- Perfect for gatherings: Serves a crowd with ease.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or seasonings.
- Rich in flavor: Slow cooking ensures tender meat and flavorful broth.
Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Corned Beef and Cabbage
- Corned beef brisket: 4–5 pounds (with seasoning packet included).
- Water: Enough to cover the brisket in the pot.
- Onion: 1 large, quartered.
- Carrots: 4 large, peeled and cut into chunks.
- Potatoes: 6 medium, peeled and halved.
- Green cabbage: 1 head, cut into wedges.
- Bay leaves: 2.
- Black peppercorns: 1 teaspoon.
- Garlic cloves: 3, peeled and smashed.
- Dijon mustard (optional): For serving.
Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Corned Beef and Cabbage
Step 1: Prepare the corned beef
- Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water to remove excess brine. Place it in a large pot or Dutch oven.
Step 2: Add aromatics and cook
- Add enough water to cover the brisket completely. Add the seasoning packet, onion, bay leaves, peppercorns, and garlic. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 2 1/2–3 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Step 3: Cook the vegetables
- Add the carrots and potatoes to the pot with the beef. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the cabbage wedges and continue simmering for another 15–20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Slice and serve
- Remove the corned beef from the pot and let it rest for 10 minutes. Slice the beef against the grain into thin slices.
- Arrange the sliced beef on a platter with the cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. Serve with Dijon mustard if desired.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Corned Beef and Cabbage
- Irish soda bread: A classic accompaniment to this dish.
- Horseradish sauce: Adds a tangy kick to the corned beef.
- Green beans: A fresh, crunchy side dish.
- Beer or cider: Pairs beautifully with the hearty flavors.
Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Corned Beef and Cabbage
- Rinse the brisket: Removes excess salt from the curing process.
- Simmer gently: Keep the beef tender and flavorful.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables: Add them in stages to avoid mushiness.
- Rest the beef before slicing: Helps retain its juices for a moist texture.
- Use quality ingredients: High-quality corned beef and fresh vegetables make a big difference.
Creative Variations of Ina Garten Corned Beef and Cabbage
- Glazed corned beef: Brush the cooked beef with a mustard-brown sugar glaze and broil for a caramelized finish.
- Vegetable medley: Add parsnips, turnips, or leeks for more variety.
- Spicy twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the cooking liquid for a kick.
- Roasted vegetables: Roast the carrots, potatoes, and cabbage in the oven for added flavor.
Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Corned Beef and Cabbage
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze sliced corned beef and vegetables separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven or on the stovetop with a little broth to keep it moist.
FAQs
How do I know when the corned beef is fully cooked?
Corned beef is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F–200°F, making it tender enough to slice easily. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Can I make corned beef and cabbage in advance?
Yes, corned beef can be cooked a day in advance. Store it in its cooking liquid to keep it moist, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven. Add fresh vegetables when reheating for the best flavor.
What can I do with leftover corned beef and cabbage?
Leftovers can be used to make corned beef hash, sandwiches, or wraps. Chop the meat and vegetables, then pan-fry them with a bit of butter for a quick and hearty meal.
Should I soak corned beef before cooking?
Soaking corned beef in cold water for 1–2 hours before cooking can help reduce the saltiness. This step is optional but recommended for a milder flavor.
Wrapping Up
Ina Garten’s Corned Beef and Cabbage is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners, holidays, or anytime you’re craving a comforting meal. With its tender beef and perfectly cooked vegetables, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Try it today for a taste of classic comfort food!
More Ina Garten Recipes
- Ina Garten Chocolate Babka
- Ina Garten Mexican Wedding Cookies
- Ina Garten Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Ina Garten Yellow Cake
Ina Garten Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe
Corned Beef and Cabbage is a classic Irish-American dish made with cured beef brisket, simmered until tender, and served with boiled vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. Ina Garten’s version brings a gourmet touch with balanced flavors and a perfectly cooked result.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 210
- Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling/Simmering
- Cuisine: Irish-American
Ingredients
- Corned beef brisket: 4–5 pounds (with seasoning packet included).
- Water: Enough to cover the brisket in the pot.
- Onion: 1 large, quartered.
- Carrots: 4 large, peeled and cut into chunks.
- Potatoes: 6 medium, peeled and halved.
- Green cabbage: 1 head, cut into wedges.
- Bay leaves: 2.
- Black peppercorns: 1 teaspoon.
- Garlic cloves: 3, peeled and smashed.
- Dijon mustard (optional): For serving.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the corned beef
- Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water to remove excess brine. Place it in a large pot or Dutch oven.
Step 2: Add aromatics and cook
- Add enough water to cover the brisket completely. Add the seasoning packet, onion, bay leaves, peppercorns, and garlic. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 2 1/2–3 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Step 3: Cook the vegetables
- Add the carrots and potatoes to the pot with the beef. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the cabbage wedges and continue simmering for another 15–20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Slice and serve
- Remove the corned beef from the pot and let it rest for 10 minutes. Slice the beef against the grain into thin slices.
- Arrange the sliced beef on a platter with the cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. Serve with Dijon mustard if desired.