Old Fashion Boiled Dinner

Prep: 30 min Cook: 255 min Serves: 10 Cuisine: American

A hearty, traditional boiled dinner featuring tender corned beef and seasoned vegetables, perfect for family gatherings and comfort food lovers seeking rich flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 6 lb. corned beef brisket
  • 3 white turnips
  • 1 cabbage
  • 6 potatoes
  • 6 beets
  • 6 onions
  • 4 carrots

Instructions

  1. Cover the corned beef brisket with cold water in a large pot and heat rapidly to boiling. Remove any scum that forms on the surface.
  2. Reduce heat and simmer the brisket until tender, approximately 3 to 4 hours.
  3. Prepare the vegetables: cut turnips into quarters and cabbage into eighths. Cook beets in boiling water until tender.
  4. About 45 minutes before serving, skim off any fat from the cooking liquid.
  5. Add the prepared vegetables (excluding beets) to the simmering liquid and cook until tender, about 30 minutes.
  6. Drain the vegetables and add the cooked beets to the pot to heat through.
  7. Serve the sliced corned beef with the cooked vegetables.

Tips & Substitutions

For a more flavorful broth, consider adding spices like bay leaves, peppercorns, and mustard seeds to the pot while boiling the brisket. If you prefer a different source of protein, a pork shoulder can be a delicious alternative. Make sure to cut the vegetables uniformly for even cooking, and feel free to substitute with your favorite root vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the sliced corned beef on a large platter surrounded by the colorful vegetables. This dish pairs beautifully with a tangy mustard or horseradish sauce on the side. For a more complete meal, consider serving with crusty bread or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the brisket and the earthiness of the veggies.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, place the sliced corned beef and vegetables in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep them moist, ensuring they don’t dry out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Old Fashion Boiled Dinner contains roughly 595 calories, with 27g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (138% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (66% of the Daily Value), and protein (54% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1863mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).

595 kcal 30% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 27.1g 54% DV
Total Fat 31.6g 40% DV
Carbs 52.9g 19% DV
Fiber 9.9g 35% DV
Sugar 14.9g 30% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1862.9mg 81% DV
Potassium 1768.1mg 38% DV
Cholesterol 100mg 33% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1245.6mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 59.5mg 66% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 269.1mg 21% DV
Iron 6.1mg 34% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the corned beef is done cooking?

The corned beef is done when it is fork-tender and you can easily slice it. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of at least 190°F for optimal texture. It's worth checking periodically after the 3-hour mark to avoid overcooking.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply place the corned beef and enough water to cover it in the slow cooker, then cook on low for 8-10 hours. Add the vegetables in the last 1-2 hours of cooking for the best texture.

What is the best way to reheat leftover corned beef?

The best way to reheat leftover corned beef is slowly on the stove. Slice the beef and warm it in a skillet over low heat with a bit of broth or water to prevent it from drying out. This method helps retain the meat's moisture and flavor.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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