This 3-ingredient slow cooker bacon and cabbage is my nod to how many Irish families actually stretched their budgets long before corned beef became the star of American St. Patrick’s Day tables. In Ireland, cured pork—bacon or rashers—was far more common than beef, and it simmered away with cabbage for a simple, hearty meal that didn’t cost much. Here we’re keeping that spirit: thick-cut bacon, a big head of green cabbage, and water go into the slow cooker and quietly transform into something deeply savory and comforting. It’s an easy, set-it-and-forget-it option when you want the feel of the holiday without the price tag of a corned beef brisket.
Serve the bacon and cabbage in warm shallow bowls, making sure to ladle some of the flavorful cooking broth over the top. I like to pair it with boiled or mashed potatoes to soak up the juices, but crusty bread or soda bread works just as well. A sharp mustard or a spoonful of prepared horseradish on the side adds a nice counterpoint to the rich pork. If you’d like a drink pairing, a pint of beer or a simple, dry cider keeps things in the same rustic, Irish-inspired lane.
3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Bacon and Cabbage
Servings: 4
Ingredients
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