Corned Beef Crock Pot Magic: Pint-Friendly Feast!

Ingredients

• 1 (3-4 pound) corned beef brisket, with spice packet
• 2 cups water or beef broth
• 1 (12 ounce) bottle or can of beer (optional)
• 1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 medium head of green cabbage, cored and cut into wedges
• 2 bay leaves (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)