Corned Beef & Cabbage with Creamy Horseradish: The BEST Recipe

Corned Beef and Cabbage with Horseradish Sauce is more than just a St. Patrick’s Day tradition in our homes. It’s a taste of warmth, a shared family experience, and a reminder of cozy Sundays spent together. This hearty Irish meal is a staple that has evolved through generations, and we’re thrilled to share our version, complete with a creamy horseradish sauce that will knock your socks off! Corned Beef and Cabbage with Horseradish Sauce is truly a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings and celebrations alike. 

For us, this recipe isn’t just about the food. It’s about the memories we’ve created while preparing it. From the kids sneaking tastes of the salty brine to the laughter echoing through the kitchen as we argued over the perfect potato size, every step is steeped in love and tradition. We hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it has to ours.

Why You Will Love This Corned Beef and Cabbage with Horseradish Sauce Recipe

This Corned Beef and Cabbage with Horseradish Sauce recipe is comfort food elevated. It’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a festive St. Patrick’s Day gathering. The slow cooked corned beef becomes incredibly tender and flavorful, while the cabbage and potatoes soak up all those savory juices.

What truly sets this recipe apart is our creamy horseradish sauce. It adds a tangy, slightly spicy kick that perfectly complements the richness of the meat and vegetables. Try pairing this hearty Irish meal with a slice of Irish soda bread for sopping up every last drop of sauce!

Our version is special because it’s been refined over years of family gatherings. We’ve tweaked and perfected it until it’s just the right balance of savory, tangy, and comforting. Plus, the aromas that fill your kitchen while it cooks will transport you straight to our Nonna’s kitchen in Queens!

Ingredients Needed for This Corned Beef and Cabbage with Horseradish Sauce Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare a truly unforgettable Corned Beef and Cabbage with Horseradish Sauce dinner.

For the Corned Beef and Cabbage:

• 1 (3-4 pound) corned beef brisket, with spice packet
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 4 carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 4 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 head of cabbage, cored and cut into wedges
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
• Water, enough to cover the corned beef

For the Creamy Horseradish Sauce:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish, or more to taste
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make This Corned Beef and Cabbage with Horseradish Sauce Recipe

Get ready to bring the taste of Nonna’s kitchen to your table with this simple, step by step corned beef recipe.

1. 1. Rinse the Corned Beef: Remove the corned beef from its packaging and rinse it under cold water. This helps remove excess salt.

1. 2. Start the Simmer: Place the corned beef in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and the spice packet that came with the brisket. Then, cover the corned beef with enough water to submerge it completely.

1. 3. Simmer, Simmer: Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 3 to 3 1/2 hours, or until the corned beef is fork tender. A general rule of thumb is about 50 minutes per pound.

1. 4. Add the Potatoes: After the corned beef has cooked for the specified time, add the potatoes to the pot. Cook for about 20 minutes.

1. 5. Add the Cabbage: Add the cabbage wedges to the pot. Cook for another 15 minutes, or until the cabbage and potatoes are tender.

1. 6. Make the Sauce: While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the horseradish sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, horseradish, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the amount of horseradish to your liking.

1. 7. Rest the Meat: Once the corned beef is cooked through, remove it from the pot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices and makes it easier to slice.

1. 8. Slice and Serve: Slice the corned beef against the grain into thin slices. Serve hot with the cabbage, potatoes, and a generous dollop of creamy horseradish sauce. And for added flavor consider adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

How to Serve This Corned Beef and Cabbage with Horseradish Sauce Recipe

Serve this hearty Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner immediately. It’s fantastic on its own, but a side of Irish soda bread is a must for soaking up all that delicious broth. You can also offer a sprinkle of fresh parsley over the top for a touch of freshness.

Consider serving the horseradish sauce on the side or drizzling it lightly over everything. For plating, arrange the sliced corned beef on a platter surrounded by the cabbage wedges and potatoes. A simple presentation allows the delicious colors and textures to shine through.

If you’re looking for other flavorful condiments to offer your guests, consider a homemade mustard or even a simple apple chutney for a touch of sweetness.

How to Store This Corned Beef and Cabbage with Horseradish Sauce Recipe

Leftover corned beef and cabbage can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 4 days. Place the corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes in separate airtight containers to prevent them from becoming soggy.

The creamy horseradish sauce should also be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

To reheat, you can microwave the corned beef and vegetables until warmed through or gently reheat them in a pot on the stovetop with a little bit of broth to keep them moist. We don’t recommend freezing as the texture can suffer.

Tips to Make This Corned Beef and Cabbage with Horseradish Sauce Recipe

For a richer flavor, try searing the corned beef in a hot pan before simmering it. This will caramelize the outside and add depth to the dish.

Feel free to substitute other root vegetables, like parsnips or turnips, for the potatoes. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Don’t overcook the cabbage! It should be tender but still have a slight bite. Overcooked cabbage can become mushy and unappetizing. If you enjoy unique flavor pairings, you might also like to try our Salmon Balls With Creamy Avocado Sauce.

A common mistake is adding too much salt. Remember that corned beef is already quite salty, so taste the broth before adding any additional salt.

Helpful Notes for This Corned Beef and Cabbage with Horseradish Sauce Recipe

Corned beef is typically made from brisket that has been cured in a salty brine. It’s important to rinse the corned beef before cooking to remove excess salt.

For the best flavor, use a good quality mayonnaise for the horseradish sauce. You can also substitute sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor.

If you’re looking for an excellent vegetarian dish, try our Spicy Tofu With Creamy Coconut Sauce

A Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot is ideal for making Corned Beef and Cabbage, as it distributes heat evenly and helps prevent scorching.

For a delicious side dish that pairs well, consider adding our Vegetable Spring Rolls With Peanut Sauce too!

Variation of This Corned Beef and Cabbage with Horseradish Sauce Recipe

For a bolder flavor, try adding a bottle of dark beer, like Guinness, to the pot while the corned beef simmers. This will add depth and complexity to the broth.

In the spring, you can add fresh spring peas to the pot along with the cabbage for a burst of sweetness and color.

Consider adding turnips, parsnips or rutabaga for a twist on traditional corned beef.

If you prefer a sweeter horseradish sauce, add a touch more sugar or a drizzle of honey to balance the flavors. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice, or tablespoon of heavy cream. Try adding caramelized onions for a flavorful spin on things.

Conclusion

Corned Beef and Cabbage with Horseradish Sauce is a truly comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or any cozy occasion. We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as our family does, passed down with love from our Nonnas’ kitchens to yours. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the flavorings and ingredients to make Corned Beef and Cabbage with Horseradish Sauce to your taste!

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