Boiled dinner is a classic New England comfort food that is perfect for chilly evenings This hearty one-pot meal features tender corned beef paired with potatoes, carrots, cabbage and other vegetables simmered together in a flavorful broth. While it may sound simple, there are some tips and tricks to follow to ensure you end up with a perfect boiled dinner every time In this article, I’ll walk you through the entire process step-by-step so you can learn how to cook an amazing boiled dinner with corned beef.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Corned beef brisket (5-6 lbs)
- Potatoes (white or red, 6-8 medium)
- Carrots (6-8 large)
- Onion (1 large)
- Cabbage (1 small head)
- Bay leaves (2)
- Whole black peppercorns
- Beef broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
The star of the show is obviously the corned beef. Choose a nice big brisket, ideally around 5-6 pounds, with ample fat marbling throughout for best flavor and moisture. Go for a first cut if you can find it. The vegetables provide texture and soak up flavor from the broth. Stick to sturdy root vegetables and cabbage since they hold up well to the long cooking time. Potatoes, carrots, onion and cabbage are classic but you can also add parsnips, turnips or celery root.
Step 1: Prepare the Corned Beef
Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water to remove any excess salt or spices from the surface. Trim off any hardened fat or large pieces of fat that may make slicing difficult later. Add the corned beef to a large Dutch oven or soup pot and cover with water or beef broth by about 1-2 inches. Toss in the bay leaves and peppercorns. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 1/2 – 3 hours until fork tender.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
After the corned beef has cooked for about 2 hours, add in the potatoes, carrots and onion. Let them simmer together for 15 minutes. Finally, nestle the cabbage on top and continue simmering for another 15-20 minutes until all vegetables are fork tender. The cabbage may seem underdone at first but will continue cooking as it rests.
Step 3: Finish and Serve
Once the corned beef and vegetables are all tender, remove them from the pot and arrange on a serving platter. Discard the bay leaves and peppercorns. Slice the corned beef across the grain into thin pieces. Season with a bit of salt and pepper if desired. Serve alongside mustard, horseradish sauce or pickles.
Variations and Tips
- Use ham, smoked pork hocks or pot roast instead of corned beef.
- Substitute turnips, rutabagas, parsnips or kale for some of the vegetables.
- Add a splash of beer, garlic or pickling spice to the broth.
- Cook in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Transform leftovers into corned beef hash, Reuben sandwiches or bean soup.
With a few simple ingredients and some simmering time, you can have an incredible boiled dinner ready to comfort and satisfy. The corned beef becomes incredibly tender and infuses the broth and vegetables with its signature salty, beefy flavor. If you’ve never tried your hand at boiled dinner before, this is the perfect time to change that. Follow the steps above for foolproof results. Soon you’ll see why this hearty one-pot meal has been cherished for generations throughout New England.
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Corned Beef Boiled Dinner
5-8 lb. Butcher Boy Corned Beef
1-2 bay leaves (optional)
Some or all of the following vegetables:
4-5 parsnips cut into large pieces
8-10 carrots cut into large pieces
10-12 small white potatoes
2 medium turnips cut into large pieces
1 large head of cabbage cut into wedges
1. Leave string on.
2. Put corned beef in a large pot. Add bay leaf and enough water to cover beef by 1-2 inches. Cook over high heat until water boils. Reduce heat, simmer for 3 hours or until meat is tender when pierced with a fork.
3. About 40 minutes before meat is done, add remaining vegetables, except for cabbage & parsnips.
4. Twenty minutes before meat is done, add cabbage & parsnips, simmer until vegetables are tender.
To Make Corned Spare Ribs
1. Follow directions for corned beef but cook 1½-2 hours.
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New England Boiled Dinner ~ Corned Beef & Cabbage Recipe
FAQ
How long to boil corned beef dinner?
Bring to a boil; cook for about 30 minutes at a rolling boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, so water is at a gentle boil. Cover and cook for 3 ½ hours. Remove onions and cut them into wedges.Feb 17, 2025
What do you add to the water when boiling corned beef?
Put corned beef in a large pot. Add bay leaf and enough water to cover beef by 1-2 inches. Cook over high heat until water boils. Reduce heat, simmer for 3 hours or until meat is tender when pierced with a fork.
What cooking method is best for corned beef?
Slow cooking with a crock pot or using an instant pot is a fantastic way to cook corned beef, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth, tender meat throughout.Mar 8, 2023
Does corned beef get more tender the longer you boil it?
When cooked at a boil for too long, corned beef is likely to turn out tough and chewy, rather than soft and tender. Do this instead: Regardless of the cooking method, corned beef is best cooked over low heat.
Can You boil corned beef?
Reheat on the stovetop on medium until hot and the beef reaches 165°F. Corned beef can be pretty salty. So, if you are making boiled dinner with corned beef, you may want to put it in a pot, cover with cold water, bring to a boil, and then discard the water before starting the recipe.
How do you cook corned beef on a stovetop?
To cook corned beef on a stovetop, place a piece of parchment paper over the corned beef, then cover with the lid. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 hours and 30 minutes. About halfway through cooking, you may need to add more water if it’s no longer covering the corned beef.
What is a corned beef boiled dinner?
A Corned Beef Boiled Dinner is a New England staple for St. Patrick’s Day. Swing by Butcher Boy, grab some of our corned beef, and get to boiling!
Can you cook corned beef without broth?
So, if you are making boiled dinner with corned beef, you may want to put it in a pot, cover with cold water, bring to a boil, and then discard the water before starting the recipe. If the broth ends up being too salty, you can serve just the meat and vegetables without the broth, or add water to the broth to dilute it.
Can you cook corned beef in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook corned beef in a slow cooker. Here’s how: Place the corned beef in the cooker, add water to cover, and add onions, potatoes, carrots, and cabbage wedges. Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours. During the last hour, remove the meat, slice it, and then return it to the pot.
How do you cook corned beef brisket?
Place the corned beef brisket and the contents of its spice packet in a Dutch oven. Add the peppercorns and bay leaves, and enough water to cover the beef. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover the pot and simmer the beef for about two hours or until it’s almost tender. Diana Rattray for Taste of Home