Best corned beef recipe? You came to the right place! Is there anything more comforting than the savory aroma of a perfectly cooked corned beef, slowly simmering with tender vegetables? For me, the smell instantly transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, filled with warmth, laughter, and the promise of a delicious meal. This best corned beef recipe is a celebration of those memories, a classic dish made with love and simple ingredients.
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This recipe isn’t just about cooking; it’s about creating a hearty, soul satisfying meal that brings people together. Whether you’re using a slow cooker or your oven, this foolproof method will give you the most tender and flavorful corned beef you’ve ever tasted. So, gather your ingredients and let’s get started on this amazing best corned beef recipe together!
Why You Will Love This best corned beef recipe Recipe
This isn’t just any corned beef recipe; it’s *the* recipe. It’s incredibly easy to make, whether you opt for the crockpot corned beef method or prefer oven baked corned beef. The slow cooking process ensures that the corned beef becomes incredibly tender and juicy, practically melting in your mouth. Plus, the combination of spices and vegetables creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and satisfying.
What makes this recipe special is its versatility and simplicity. It’s perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner, a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. And the leftovers? Oh, the possibilities are endless! Corned beef hash, sandwiches, even corned beef tacos! This classic corned beef recipe is a true winner. Be sure to check out Crispy Corned Beef Slow Cooker for another delicious slow cooker option!
Ingredients Needed for This best corned beef recipe Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delectable homemade corned beef:
- For the Corned Beef:
* 1 (3-4 pound) corned beef brisket, with spice packet
* 1 large yellow onion, quartered
* 4 carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
* 4 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 bay leaves
* 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
* Water (enough to cover the corned beef)
- Optional Vegetables (for the last hour of cooking):
* 1 pound small red potatoes, halved or quartered if large
* 1 head of cabbage, cut into wedges
How to Make This best corned beef recipe Recipe
- 1. Rinse the Corned Beef: Remove the corned beef from its packaging and rinse it under cold water. This helps to remove excess salt. Discard the liquid from the packaging.
- 2. Place Ingredients in the Slow Cooker (or Dutch Oven): In a crockpot (slow cooker), place the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Place the corned beef on top of the vegetables. Add the spice packet that came with the corned beef.
- 3. Add Water: Pour enough water into the slow cooker to completely cover the corned beef.
- 4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the corned beef is fork tender. Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker.
- 5. Add Optional Vegetables (last hour): If you’re adding potatoes and cabbage, add them during the last hour of cooking. Place the potatoes around the corned beef and tuck the cabbage wedges in around the sides.
- 6. Rest: Once the corned beef is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful slice.
- 7. Slice and Serve: Slice the corned beef against the grain into thin slices. Serve warm with the cooked vegetables and a dollop of horseradish sauce or mustard, if desired.
How to Serve This best corned beef recipe Recipe
Serving this best corned beef recipe is just as important as the cooking process! The aromas alone create a sense of warmth and anticipation. Once you have the tender, sliced corned beef and vegetables ready, presentation can elevate the experience even further.
Serve your corned beef on a large platter surrounded by the cooked carrots, celery, potatoes, and cabbage. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color. Offer a variety of condiments, such as spicy brown mustard, horseradish sauce, or even a creamy horseradish aioli. Don’t forget some crusty bread or Irish soda bread for soaking up all those delicious juices.
How to Store This best corned beef recipe Recipe
Storing your leftover corned beef properly will ensure it stays fresh and flavorful for days.
- Refrigeration: Allow the corned beef to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-4 days. The vegetables can also be stored separately in an airtight container.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the corned beef. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen corned beef can be stored for up to 2-3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat sliced corned beef in a skillet with a little bit of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it gently in the microwave. Avoid overcooking, as it can become tough. You can also check Best Corned Beef Recipe for more tips on cooking.
Tips to Make This best corned beef recipe Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Rinse: Rinsing the corned beef before cooking removes excess salt, resulting in a more balanced flavor.
- Low and Slow: Cooking the corned beef at a low temperature for a long time is key to achieving maximum tenderness.
- Don’t Overcook: Corned beef is best when it’s fork tender but not falling apart. Check for doneness periodically during the last few hours of cooking.
- Slice Against the Grain: This ensures that the slices are tender and easy to chew.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to add additional spices to the slow cooker, such as juniper berries, mustard seeds, or allspice berries, for even more flavor.
Helpful Notes for This best corned beef recipe Recipe
- Corned Beef Brisket: Corned beef brisket is typically sold in two cuts: point cut and flat cut. The flat cut is leaner and more uniform in shape, while the point cut is fattier and more flavorful. Either cut will work well for this recipe.
- Spice Packet: The spice packet that comes with corned beef usually contains a blend of spices such as peppercorns, coriander seeds, mustard seeds, and bay leaves. If you don’t have a spice packet, you can create your own blend using these spices.
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Variation of This best corned beef recipe Recipe
- Irish Stout Corned Beef: Replace some of the water with Irish stout beer for a richer, more complex flavor.
- Spicy Corned Beef: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeno pepper to the slow cooker for a kick of heat.
- Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup: Use leftover corned beef and vegetables to make a hearty and flavorful soup.
What is the best way to cook corned beef?
The best way to cook corned beef is low and slow, either simmered in water on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or braised in the oven. This helps to tenderize the meat and ensure a flavorful result.
How long should I cook corned beef?
Corned beef typically needs to cook for about 3-4 hours in a slow cooker or 2.5-3 hours when simmered on the stovetop. The internal temperature should reach 203°F (95°C) for the most tender result.
What vegetables go well with corned beef?
Classic vegetables to serve with corned beef include cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. They are often cooked together with the corned beef during the last hour of cooking to absorb the flavorful broth.
How do I prevent my corned beef from being too salty?
Rinsing the corned beef with water before cooking can help remove excess salt. You can also simmer it in a low-sodium broth or water, changing the water once during cooking to reduce the saltiness further.
Conclusion
Ready to experience the best corned beef recipe ever? This method gives you a tender and flavorful dish that will become a family favorite. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your serving suggestions and enjoy the comfort and deliciousness this recipe provides. We’d love to hear your thoughts and see your creations, so leave a comment below and share your experiences with this version of the best corned beef recipe!
Best Corned Beef Recipe: Easy, Tender & Foolproof!
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Description
Tender, flavorful corned beef cooked low and slow with vegetables. A classic recipe perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any cozy Sunday dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 (3-4 pound) corned beef brisket, with spice packet
- 1 large yellow onion, quartered
- 4 carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 4 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- Water (enough to cover the corned beef)
- 1 pound small red potatoes, halved or quartered if large (optional)
- 1 head of cabbage, cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the corned beef under cold water.
- Place onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns in a slow cooker.
- Place the corned beef on top of the vegetables. Add the spice packet.
- Pour water into the slow cooker to cover the corned beef.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until fork tender.
- If adding potatoes and cabbage, add them during the last hour of cooking.
- Remove the corned beef from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Slice the corned beef against the grain and serve with cooked vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Irish-American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
