Succulent Ina Garten Corned Beef And Cabbage Recipe

Hearty Ina Garten’s Corned Beef And Cabbage Recipe

Diving into the world of corned beef and cabbage unveils a culinary treasure that transcends mere sustenance.

This hearty Irish-inspired delicacy weaves together succulent meat and vibrant vegetables in a dance of flavors that whispers tales of tradition.

Tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef nestles alongside silky cabbage, creating a symphony of comfort on your plate.

Every forkful carries the warmth of home-cooked memories and generations of culinary love.

The recipe’s simplicity belies its profound ability to nourish both body and soul.

With minimal effort, you can transform humble ingredients into a feast that celebrates connection and heritage.

Savor a meal that promises to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with pure satisfaction.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 5

Ina Garten Corned Beef and Cabbage Ingredient List

For Meat Base:
  • Corned Beef Brisket: Select a well-marbled cut with even fat distribution for maximum tenderness and flavor.
  • Water: Use fresh, filtered water to ensure clean taste and optimal cooking environment.
For Aromatic Spices and Herbs:
  • Bay Leaves, Whole Peppercorns, Mustard Seeds, Juniper Berries, Allspice Berries, Whole Cloves: Choose whole, fragrant spices that are fresh and vibrant, ensuring they release maximum depth and complexity during slow cooking.
For Vegetable Companions:
  • Carrots, Celery Stalks, Onion: Pick firm, crisp vegetables with bright colors and no blemishes to enhance the broth's richness.
  • Potatoes: Select waxy, firm potatoes that hold their shape during boiling.
  • Cabbage: Choose a dense, compact head with crisp, green leaves for optimal texture.
For Horseradish Cream Sauce:
  • Sour Cream, Prepared Horseradish, Dijon Mustard, Worcestershire Sauce, Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Opt for high-quality, fresh ingredients to create a zesty, balanced sauce that complements the rich beef.

Cookware for Boiling Corned Beef the Ina Way

  • Large 6-quart pot: Spacious cooking vessel perfect for braising beef and holding all ingredients.
  • Sharp kitchen knife: Essential for chopping vegetables and slicing meat precisely.
  • Cutting board: Sturdy surface for preparing ingredients safely.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately portion spices and seasonings.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and moving ingredients around the pot.
  • Small mixing bowl: Ideal for combining horseradish cream sauce ingredients.
  • Ladle: Useful for transferring cooking liquid over meat when serving.
  • Serving platter: Beautiful platform for presenting sliced corned beef.
  • Tight-fitting lid: Keeps moisture locked in during slow cooking process.

Instructions to Cook Ina Garten’s Corned Beef

Instructions to Cook Ina Garten’s Corned Beef

Corned Beef Feast

  • Kick Off the Cooking Adventure

Grab a spacious pot and nestle your beef brisket inside. Toss in a colorful mix of carrots, celery, and onions. Sprinkle a handful of aromatic spices like bay leaves, peppercorns, and juniper berries to create a flavor explosion.

  • Simmer to Perfection

Crank up the heat until the liquid bubbles enthusiastically, then dial it back to a gentle, lazy simmer. Cover the pot and let the magic happen. This slow dance of heat and herbs will transform your tough meat into a tender masterpiece over about 3 hours.

  • Transform Vegetables

Swap out the tired cooking vegetables for fresh potatoes and cabbage. Drop these new friends into the bubbling liquid. Let potatoes dance for 10 minutes, then introduce cabbage wedges for another 10-minute flavor party.

  • Slice and Plate with Flair

Carefully lift the beef from its aromatic bath. Let it rest briefly, then slice against the grain into delicate pieces. Arrange the meat on a beautiful platter surrounded by its vegetable companions.

  • Whip Up a Zesty Sauce

In a small bowl, blend sour cream with bold horseradish, tangy Dijon mustard, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper until the sauce sings with flavor. This creamy companion will elevate your corned beef from delicious to unforgettable.

  • Serve and Celebrate

Ladle some cooking liquid over the meat to keep it moist and juicy. Place the vibrant vegetables alongside. Set the spicy cream sauce nearby for guests to add their personal touch. Gather your loved ones and enjoy this hearty, love-filled meal.

Tips for Tender Cabbage and Flavorful Broth

  • Boost Your Corned Beef Success
  • Tenderize Wisely: Choose a flat-cut brisket for more even cooking and better texture. Avoid point-cut versions which have more fat and irregular shapes.
  • Spice Master Trick: Toast whole spices like peppercorns and juniper berries in a dry skillet before adding to liquid. This technique releases deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
  • Low and Slow Technique: Never rush the cooking process. Maintain a gentle simmer to guarantee meat remains incredibly tender and prevents tough, chewy results.
  • Leftover Magic: Transform remaining corned beef into hash, sandwiches, or slice thinly for next-day breakfast with eggs. Cold meat works perfectly for these delicious reimagined meals.

How to Serve Corned Beef Family Style

  • Serve with Festive Flair: Arrange sliced corned beef on a large platter surrounded by vibrant green cabbage wedges and golden potatoes. Drizzle cooking liquid over meat to keep it juicy and inviting.
  • Pair with Zesty Sauce: Place homemade horseradish cream sauce in a small decorative bowl next to the meat. This tangy condiment adds a bright kick that complements the rich beef perfectly.
  • Irish-Inspired Side Spread: Add crusty Irish soda bread or warm dinner rolls to complete the meal. Encourage guests to soak up the delicious cooking liquid with bread slices for extra flavor.
  • Family-Style Presentation: Create a communal dining experience by placing the platter in the center of the table. Let everyone serve themselves, creating a warm and interactive mealtime atmosphere.

Storage Tips for Ina’s Hearty Beef and Cabbage

  • Preserve Freshness: Refrigerate leftover corned beef in airtight containers within two hours of cooking, keeping for 3-4 days. Wrap meat tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain delicious flavor.
  • Freeze for Future Meals: Store sliced corned beef in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, removing excess air. Frozen portions stay fresh for up to three months, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impromptu lunch sandwiches.
  • Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated corned beef gently in microwave or oven, adding a splash of reserved cooking liquid to prevent drying. Aim for internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety and preserve tender texture.
  • Smart Portion Planning: Slice entire brisket before storing, creating convenient grab-and-go portions. Separate meat, vegetables, and sauce into individual containers for easy meal prepping and quick reheating throughout the week.
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Succulent Ina Garten Corned Beef And Cabbage Recipe

Succulent Ina Garten Corned Beef And Cabbage Recipe


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4.5 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Ina Garten’s classic corned beef and cabbage recipe offers a hearty Irish-American comfort meal perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Home cooks can prepare this traditional dish with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs (1.36 kg) corned beef brisket, uncooked, rinsed
  • 16 cups cold water
  • 1 lb (0.45 kg) new potatoes, halved
  • 2 medium carrots, unpeeled, cut into thirds
  • 2 celery stalks, cut into thirds
  • 1 large onion, peeled, quartered
  • 1 medium green cabbage, cut into 8 wedges
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tsps whole black peppercorns
  • 2 tsps mustard seeds
  • 10 whole juniper berries
  • 8 whole allspice berries
  • 4 whole cloves
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 4 tbsps prepared horseradish
  • 2 tsps Dijon mustard
  • ¼ tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • kosher salt
  • freshly ground pepper

Instructions

  1. Meat Preparation: In a large 6-quart pot, layer corned beef with carrots, celery, onion, bay leaves, peppercorns, mustard seeds, juniper berries, allspice, and cloves. Completely submerge the meat in cold water.
  2. Braising Process: Bring liquid to a robust boil, then immediately reduce heat to low, creating a gentle simmer to prevent meat from toughening. Cover and braise for 3 hours until fork-tender.
  3. Vegetable Integration: Remove aromatic vegetables and whole spices with a slotted spoon. Introduce halved new potatoes into the remaining broth, return to medium heat, and boil for 10 minutes until slightly softened.
  4. Final Cooking Stage: Add cabbage wedges to the pot, continuing to boil for an additional 10 minutes to ensure vegetables are cooked yet maintain a slight crispness.
  5. Plating and Presentation: Transfer corned beef to a cutting board, slice against the grain into 1/4-inch pieces. Arrange potatoes and cabbage on a serving platter, positioning beef alongside and drizzling with cooking liquid.
  6. Horseradish Cream Accompaniment: Whisk together sour cream, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with kosher salt and black pepper until well combined.
  7. Serving: Present the dish immediately, complemented by the zesty horseradish cream as a vibrant condiment.

Notes

  • Meat Selection Matters: Choose a high-quality, well-marbled corned beef brisket for maximum tenderness and flavor.
  • Slow Cooking Technique: Maintain a low, gentle simmer to prevent the meat from becoming tough and dry.
  • Spice Symphony: The blend of bay leaves, peppercorns, and juniper berries creates a complex, aromatic flavor profile.
  • Slice Smart: Always cut the corned beef against the grain to ensure each piece is tender and easy to chew.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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