Growing up my mom made corn beef and cabbsge, but the corned beef came from a can, not a slab of meat. We still make it this way. Cut up cabbage in wedges, quarter potatoes, crumble the canned corn beef, and add just enough water to cover potatoes. Salt, pepper and a big hunk butter, simmer until potaotes are done. I've made it in the crock pot, stove and microwave. Main thing is to not have too much water, but enough!