Slow Cooker Corned Beef Recipe

Get ready to savor a hearty dish that is both a culinary delight and comfort food classic with this slow cooker corned beef recipe. This dish, featuring tender meat infused with aromatic herbs and spices, effortlessly blends flavors during its low-and-slow cooking process, making it a must-have for any home chef looking for an easy, flavorful meal.

Growing up, my grandmother’s kitchen was filled with mouthwatering aromas, especially on cold winter weekends. Her take on this classic dish was legendary in our family. Every time we enjoyed it, it brought us together, warming our hearts with its rich flavors and heartiness. Sharing this recipe feels like I’m passing down a family legacy, ensuring that rich tradition meets delicious practicality.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker corned beef recipe is a revelation in simplicity and flavor. The beauty of using a slow cooker lies in its ease, and this dish requires minimal preparation while offering maximum taste. It allows you to focus on other things while the slow cooker does the work. The end result is a meal that’s wonderfully tender and infused with the herbal goodness of bay leaves and mustard seeds, making it an irresistible choice for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients Notes

To guarantee the best results, use fresh, high-quality corned beef brisket. If you prefer less sodium, soak the meat in cold water for a few hours before cooking. The spices can be adjusted according to your taste—add more chili for a kick or coriander seeds for an earthy flavor. Fresh vegetables like carrots, onions, and potatoes complement the beef beautifully, absorbing the flavorful broth. Don’t skip the mustard seed; it adds a delightful tang to the dish.

Recipe Steps

Step 1

Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold running water to remove excess brine. Pat dry with paper towels and place into the slow cooker.

Step 2

Add quartered onions, whole peeled carrots, and halved potatoes around the brisket. Sprinkle mustard seeds, bay leaves, and your choice of other spices over the top.

Step 3

Pour enough water to cover the ingredients halfway, and set the slow cooker to low heat. Let it cook for 8-10 hours or until the beef is tender.

Step 4

As the cooking time ends, remove the beef and vegetables from the slow cooker. Allow the meat to rest for a few minutes before slicing it across the grain.

Step 5

Serve the corned beef slices with the cooked vegetables on the side, drizzling some of the broth for extra flavor. Enjoy the aroma and delicious taste of this home-cooked classic.

Storage Options

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap the beef tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven or microwave. For best results, reheat with some broth to maintain moisture.

Variations & Substitutions

To accommodate dietary preferences, replace corned beef with a plant-based protein for a vegetarian twist. For more intense flavor, add a splash of stout or hard cider to the cooking liquid. Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the amount of chili peppers. Try adding shredded cabbage towards the end of cooking for a more traditional take.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the corned beef is done? The corned beef is fully cooked when it is tender enough to pull apart with a fork. This typically takes 8-10 hours on low in the slow cooker. You can also test with a meat thermometer; a temperature of 145°F (63°C) is an indication of doneness.

Can I cook corned beef on high instead of low? Yes, you can cook it on high, but it may result in less tender meat due to faster cooking. On high, the corned beef should be done in approximately 4-5 hours. However, to achieve the best texture, it’s recommended to use the low setting and longer cooking time.

What sides go well with this dish? Traditional sides include boiled potatoes, carrots, and cabbage, which absorb the flavorful juices. Roasted root vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a fresh garden salad work well to balance the richness of the beef.

Slow Cooker Corned Beef Recipe

This slow cooker corned beef recipe is tender, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy dinner. With a mix of spices and a long cooking time, it produces melt-in-your-mouth results.

No ratings yet

Rate This Yum Pin This Recipe For Later! Share The Yum On Facebook Print

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours hours

Total Time: 8 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• ▢ 3.5 pounds corned beef brisket including spice packet
• ▢ 5 cups water enough to cover the beef
• ▢ 1 pound small potatoes halved or quartered
• ▢ 1 pound carrots cut into 2-inch pieces
• ▢ 1 head cabbage cut into wedges

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Place the corned beef brisket into the slow cooker. Add the spice packet, water, potatoes, and carrots.
• Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until tender.
• During the last hour of cooking, add the cabbage wedges.
• Remove the beef and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice and serve with vegetables and cooking liquid.

Notes

For best results, let the beef rest before slicing. Serve with mustard or horseradish if desired.