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Corned Beef with Cabbage

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This classic corned beef and cabbage is a quintessential one-pot wonder, offering a deeply savoury flavour that only comes from slow, gentle simmering. By poaching the beef brisket with sweet carrots, whole onions and aromatic herbs, the meat becomes exceptionally tender while creating a light, nutritious broth. This traditional method relies on simple, wholesome ingredients to produce a satisfying meal that is both comforting and naturally balanced for any day of the week.

As a diabetes-friendly option, this dish focuses on lean protein and fibre-rich vegetables, making it an excellent choice for a heart-healthy family dinner. The addition of leafy green cabbage in the final hour of cooking provides a lovely textural contrast to the soft root vegetables. Serve it in wide bowls with a few steamed floury potatoes and a touch of English mustard for a truly authentic British farmhouse experience.

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Ingredients for Corned Beef with Cabbage

  • 1.8kg corned brisket of beef

  • 3 large carrots, cut into large chunks

  • 6 to 8 small onions

  • 1 teaspoon dry English mustard

  • large sprig fresh thyme and some parsley stalks, tied together

  • 1 cabbage

  • salt and freshly ground pepper

How to make Corned Beef with Cabbage

Put the brisket into a saucepan with the carrots, onions, mustard and the herbs. Cover with cold water, and bring gently to a boil. Simmer, covered, for 2 hours. Discard the outer leaves of the cabbage, cut in quarters and add to the pot. Cook for a further 1 to 2 hours or until the meat and vegetables are soft and tender.

Serve the corned beef in slices, surrounded by the vegetables and cooking liquid. Serve with lots of floury potatoes and freshly made mustard.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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