The Easiest Way to Cook Perfect Corned Beef – Oven Bag Method

As an Irish-American, corned beef and cabbage is one of my favorite meals to make for St. Patrick’s Day. However cooking corned beef can be intimidating for beginner cooks. It often ends up dry tough, and overcooked.

That’s why I love using the oven bag method! It keeps the corned beef incredibly moist and tender. The meat just falls apart after cooking in the sealed bag. I’m sharing my simple foolproof oven bag technique for you to make perfect corned beef and cabbage this St. Patty’s Day!

Why Cook Corned Beef in an Oven Bag?

Cooking the corned beef in a Reynolds oven bag has several advantages

• Moist and tender meat – The sealed bag locks in steam and moisture.

• Infuses flavors – Seasonings permeate the meat fully.

• Easy cleanup – Less splatter than roasting in a pan.

• Prevents drying out – The bag prevents the meat drying out.

• Cooks veggies too – Potatoes, cabbage, and carrots cook right in the bag.

• Hands-off method – Just assemble and bake. No checking or basting.

The oven bag creates a mini steam cooker right in your oven. This foolproof technique guarantees tender corned beef every time!

Step-by-Step Guide for Oven Bag Corned Beef

Cooking corned beef in an oven bag is incredibly easy. Follow these simple steps:

Ingredients:

• 3-5 lb corned beef brisket
• 1 packet seasoning from corned beef
• 5-6 potatoes, halved
• 1 small head cabbage, cut into wedges
• 4-5 carrots, peeled and halved
• 1 onion, peeled and quartered
• 1 cup water or beer

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.

2. Place the oven bag in a baking pan or on a sheet tray.

3. Sprinkle 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp pepper on the corned beef. Place inside the oven bag.

4. Add the vegetables around the corned beef.

5. Pour 1 cup water or beer in the oven bag.

6. Close the bag tightly with provided ties. Cut about 6 small slits in top.

7. Bake for 3-4 hours until fork tender.

8. Carefully open oven bag, slice beef, and serve immediately. Enjoy!

It’s that easy! The sealed oven bag does all the work for you. Just let the oven work its magic!

![Corned beef and veggies cooking in oven bag][]

Corned beef, potatoes, carrots, and cabbage cook perfectly together in the oven bag.

Tips for the Best Oven Bag Corned Beef

Use these tips for absolutely foolproof, delicious corned beef:

• Choose a well-marbled brisket for most flavor and tenderness.
• Don’t peek during cooking! Keep it sealed for tender meat.
• Add aromatic veggies like onion, garlic, celery, and carrot.
• Pour in 1 cup liquid like water, beer, broth, or juice.
• Use a meat thermometer and cook until 205°F internal temperature.
• Let the cooked corned beef rest 10-15 minutes before slicing for juicier meat.
• Save the nutritious broth from the bag for making soup or gravy.
• Slice against the grain into thin pieces for most tender bites.

Follow these oven bag tips and you’ll have the ultimate tender, flavorful corned beef!

Oven Bag Cooking Times for Corned Beef

The cooking time can vary based on the size and thickness of your corned beef brisket. Use these general oven bag cooking guidelines:

• 3 lb corned beef – Cook for 2 1⁄2 – 3 hours
• 4 lb corned beef – Cook for 3 – 3 1⁄2 hours
• 5 lb corned beef – Cook for 3 1⁄2 – 4 hours

Check for fork tender meat and 205°F internal temperature. If not yet tender, bake for 30 minutes more. Cabbage and veggies added the last hour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have some questions about cooking corned beef in an oven bag? Here are some common FAQs:

Should you rinse corned beef before cooking?

Rinsing is optional – some people prefer removing excess salt, others skip rinsing to retain seasoning. It’s fine either way when oven bag cooking.

What size oven bag do you need?

The large size Reynolds oven bags work perfectly for a 3-5 lb corned beef brisket plus veggies.

Can you use a slow cooker instead?

Yes, you can cook it in a slow cooker on low for 7-8 hours. But the oven bag method gives the best texture.

Do you need to add liquid to the oven bag?

Adding 1 cup of liquid like water, beer, or broth keeps the meat moist and helps create steam.

What temperature should the oven be for corned beef?

Cook at a low 325°F to prevent overcooking. The sealed bag and steam keep the meat tender.

What vegetables work best with corned beef?

Potatoes, cabbage, carrots, onion, and celery are traditional. Parsnips, turnips, and rutabaga also pair well.

Can you freeze leftover corned beef?

Yes, slice corned beef and freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 4 months.

Now you’re ready to make the corned beef and cabbage of your dreams this St. Patrick’s Day! Ditch the guesswork and let the oven bag do the work for tender, flavorful results every time. Sláinte!