Slow Cooker Corned Beef: Foolproof, Tender & Easy!

Slow cooker corned beef, the ultimate comfort food, is finally happening on RecipesOfDay! There’s just something so magical about that salty, savory flavor melding with tender, melt in your mouth texture. Ever since I was a little girl, the aroma of corned beef simmering in the kitchen has filled my heart with warmth and anticipation. This recipe is a tribute to those cherished memories. Today, I’m sharing my most beloved method for achieving perfection with this classic dish, all thanks to the convenience of your crockpot.

Why settle for anything less than the most delicious, easy corned beef dinner? I’ve spent years perfecting this recipe, adapting my grandmother’s traditional stovetop version into a fuss free, slow cooker masterpiece. The result? A tender slow cooked corned beef that is guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Trust me, this recipe is a game changer.

Why You Will Love This slow cooker corned beef Recipe

There’s so much to love about this recipe! First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming an often intimidating cut of meat into a fork tender delight. Who doesn’t love a hands off meal?

Plus, the flavor is simply unbeatable. The long, slow cooking process allows the spices to fully infuse the beef, creating a depth of flavor that is truly satisfying. Picture this: tender pieces of corned beef, infused with savory spices, nestled amongst carrots, potatoes and cabbage. Is your mouth watering yet?

The aroma alone is worth making this recipe. Imagine coming home after a long day to the enticing scent of slow cooked corned beef wafting through the air. It’s comfort food at its finest, and it’s the perfect centerpiece for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients Needed for This slow cooker corned beef Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish:

• Corned Beef Brisket: 3 to 4 pounds, with the spice packet
• Yellow Onion: 1 large, roughly chopped
• Carrots: 4 medium, peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces
• Potatoes: 3 medium, Yukon Gold or red potatoes, quartered
• Cabbage: 1 medium head, cut into wedges
• Beef Broth: 4 cups
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Bay Leaves: 2
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon
• Black Peppercorns: 1 teaspoon

How to Make This slow cooker corned beef Recipe

Ready to transform a simple brisket into a showstopping meal? Here’s how:

1. 1. Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps remove any excess salt.
2. 2. Place the chopped onion, carrots, and potatoes in the bottom of your slow cooker. These vegetables create a flavorful base for the corned beef.
3. 3. Place the corned beef brisket on top of the vegetables, fat side up.
4. 4. In a small bowl, combine the beef broth, minced garlic, bay leaves, dried thyme, and black peppercorns. Pour this mixture over the corned beef.
5. 5. Sprinkle the spice packet that came with the corned beef evenly over the meat.
6. 6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the corned beef is fork tender.
7. 7. About 2 hours before the end of the cooking time, add the cabbage wedges to the slow cooker. This ensures they are perfectly cooked but not mushy.
8. 8. Once the corned beef is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing against the grain. This helps retain the juices and ensures a more tender result.

How to Serve This slow cooker corned beef Recipe

Serving this tender slow cooked corned beef is just as important as the cooking process itself!

Serve the sliced corned beef alongside the cooked vegetables from the slow cooker. Spoon some of the flavorful cooking liquid over the meat and vegetables for added moisture.

For a traditional Irish feast, serve with some horseradish sauce or a dollop of creamy mustard. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. To complete the meal, consider pairing it with a side of crusty bread or Irish soda bread for soaking up all those delicious juices.

How to Store This slow cooker corned beef Recipe

Proper storage ensures that you can enjoy leftovers of this easy corned beef dinner for days to come.

Refrigeration: Allow the corned beef and vegetables to cool completely before storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3 to 4 days. Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked corned beef. Slice it before freezing, and store it in freezer safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen corned beef will keep for up to 2 to 3 months. Vegetables can also be frozen, but their texture may change slightly. Reheating: To reheat corned beef, you can either microwave it in short intervals, or reheat it gently in a saucepan with a little broth. You can also reheat it in the slow cooker on low heat.

Tips to Make This slow cooker corned beef Recipe

Want to elevate your slow cooker corned beef game? Here are a few tips:

• Don’t skip the rinsing step! This is crucial for removing excess salt from the brisket.
• Use low sodium beef broth to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
• Don’t overcook the cabbage. Adding it towards the end ensures it stays crisp tender.
• Slice the corned beef against the grain for the most tender and flavorful results.
• Sear the corned beef before slow cooking. adds another level of flavor.

Helpful Notes for This slow cooker corned beef Recipe

A few extra clarifications to ensure success.

• If you can’t find corned beef brisket with a spice packet, you can easily make your own spice blend using mustard seeds, coriander seeds, peppercorns, and bay leaves.
• Adjust the amount of vegetables to your liking. Feel free to add more carrots, potatoes, or even parsnips.
• Consider adding turnips for a different flavor.
• For a richer flavor, add a splash of red wine or Guinness to the broth.

Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration! You might also enjoy this Slow Cooker Corned Beef And Cabbage recipe if you’re looking for a complete meal. This Crispy Corned Beef Slow Cooker is another great option to try. And if you’re looking for another version check out this popular recipe Slow Cooker Corned Beef And Cabbage 2.

Variation of This slow cooker corned beef Recipe

Want to mix it up? Here are some fun variations:

• Spicy Corned Beef: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broth for a spicy kick.
• Honey Glazed Corned Beef: Brush the corned beef with a mixture of honey, mustard, and brown sugar during the last hour of cooking for a sweet and savory glaze.
• Corned Beef and Sauerkraut: Add sauerkraut to the slow cooker along with the cabbage for a tangy twist.

Conclusion

This slow cooker corned beef recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a tradition, a memory, and a celebration of simple, delicious flavors. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it and make it your own. Gather your ingredients, fire up that slow cooker, and prepare to be amazed by the tender, flavorful results. Don’t forget to share your experiences and any variations you try in the comments below. Happy cooking! And remember, tender slow cooked corned beef is always just a crockpot away.

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