Crispy corned beef slow cooker dreams begin right here! Are you craving tender, flavorful corned beef with that irresistible, slightly crispy exterior? You’ve landed in the perfect spot. This recipe transforms a classic into something truly special, bringing together the comfort of slow cooking and the delightful texture of a crispy finish.
Table of Contents
This crispy corned beef slow cooker recipe is inspired by my love for simple, satisfying meals that bring people together. My family always looked forward to St. Patrick’s Day corned beef, but I wanted to elevate it. That’s how this recipe came about: tender, slow cooked beef with a flavorful crust that makes every bite unforgettable. Let’s get cooking!
Why You Will Love This crispy corned beef slow cooker Recipe
This dreamy tender slow cooked beef recipe is a game changer, I promise you that, and transforms the traditional dish into a new favorite. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, ensuring a melt in your mouth texture that simply cannot be beat. Imagine coming home to the savory aroma of perfectly cooked corned beef!
But the real star is that delectable crispy crust. A quick broil at the end adds a delightful textural contrast that takes this corned beef to the next level. And because this slow cooker corned beef recipe is largely hands off, its great for entertaining, or a simple weeknight meal!
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- Comforting: Nothing beats the feeling of a warm, hearty meal.
- Easy: Minimal prep time, let the slow cooker do the work.
- Flavorful: Dijon mustard and black pepper create a bold, savory crust.
- Versatile: Pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes.
- Crowd Pleasing: This innovative way of preparing corned beef is sure to wow your family and friends at the table.
Ingredients Needed for This crispy corned beef slow cooker Recipe
- 1 (3-4 pound) corned beef brisket, with spice packet
- 1 large onion, coarsely chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped
- 3 celery stalks, coarsely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or other cooking oil)
How to Make This crispy corned beef slow cooker Recipe
- 1. Prep the vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a flavorful base for the corned beef. Layering the flavors will help create a richer aroma.
- 2. Prepare the corned beef: Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps to remove excess salt. Now, generously rub the corned beef with minced garlic.
- 3. Add the corned beef to the slow cooker: Place the corned beef on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. Pour the beef broth over the corned beef. Sprinkle the spices from the spice packet that came with your corned beef over the meat.
- 4. Slow cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, is ideal. The beef should be fork tender when it’s done.
- 5. Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard and coarsely ground black pepper. This mixture is key to achieving that flavorful, crispy crust.
- 6. Crisp the corned beef: Carefully remove the corned beef from the slow cooker and place it on a baking sheet lined with foil. Brush the Dijon mustard mixture evenly over the top of the corned beef.
- 7. Broil: Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the top is nicely browned and crispy. Watch closely to prevent burning! For a great side dish try our Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup for a complete meal!
- 8. Rest and slice: Remove the corned beef from the broiler and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain. This helps retain the juices.
How to Serve This crispy corned beef slow cooker Recipe
This crispy corned beef is incredibly versatile! Serve it alongside traditional boiled cabbage, potatoes, and carrots.
For a modern twist, try serving it with roasted Brussels sprouts or a creamy mashed cauliflower. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
You can also use the leftover corned beef to make delicious Reuben sandwiches, corned beef hash, or even tacos with a flavorful slaw! If you are looking for simple and flavorful look no further than our Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos Crispy Loaded!
How to Store This crispy corned beef slow cooker Recipe
Refrigeration: Store leftover corned beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to store it separately from the cooking liquid to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the corned beef. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil or a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: Reheat refrigerated corned beef in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through. You can also reheat it in a skillet with a little broth or in the microwave. Frozen corned beef should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make This crispy corned beef slow cooker Recipe
- Choose the right cut: Look for a corned beef brisket with good marbling for the best flavor and tenderness. If you can’t find corned beef, our recipe for Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos could be just what you are looking for!
- Don’t skip the rinsing: Rinsing the corned beef helps to remove excess salt, resulting in a more balanced flavor.
- Use quality Dijon mustard: The Dijon mustard is essential for creating the crispy crust and adding depth of flavor. Opt for a high quality brand for the best results.
- Watch the broiling time: Broiling times can vary depending on your broiler, so keep a close eye on the corned beef to prevent burning.
Helpful Notes for This crispy corned beef slow cooker Recipe
- Corned beef cut: There are generally two kinds of corned beef cut: point cut and flat cut. The flat cut is leaner and slices more uniformly, while the point cut is more flavorful due to its higher fat content. Either cut will work well.
- Spice packet: The spice packet that comes with your corned beef typically contains peppercorns, bay leaves, and sometimes mustard seeds. These spices add a subtle complexity to the flavor.
- Broth alternatives: If you don’t have beef broth on hand, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute.
Variation of This crispy corned beef slow cooker Recipe
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the Dijon mustard mixture for a spicy kick.
- Sweet and Tangy: Mix a tablespoon of brown sugar or maple syrup into the Dijon mustard for a touch of sweetness.
- Beer Braised: Substitute half of the beef broth with a dark beer, such as Guinness, for a richer, more complex flavor.
How do you get corned beef crispy in a slow cooker?
To achieve a crispy exterior on your corned beef after slow cooking, broil it in the oven on high for a few minutes, or sear it in a hot skillet with a little butter. Keep a close watch to prevent burning!
What is the best way to slow cook corned beef?
For perfect slow-cooked corned beef, place the brisket in the slow cooker with pickling spices and enough liquid (water or broth) to almost cover it. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, until fork-tender.
Can you overcook corned beef in a slow cooker?
Yes, corned beef can become dry and stringy if overcooked in a slow cooker. Check for doneness periodically by inserting a fork; it should be very tender and easily pull apart. Reduce cooking time if needed.
Should I rinse corned beef before slow cooking?
Rinsing corned beef before cooking can help remove excess saltiness. However, this also diminishes some of the brined flavor. It is a matter of personal preference whether or not you rinse.
Conclusion
I hope you’re inspired to try this tender slow cooked beef recipe! The combination of tender meat, flavorful spices, and that incredible crispy corned beef slow cooker crust makes it a truly special meal. Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below with your questions or share your own variations. Happy cooking!
Crispy Corned Beef Slow Cooker: The Easiest Recipe Ever!
- Total Time: 8 hours
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Description
Tender, flavorful corned beef with a crispy Dijon mustard and black pepper crust! This slow cooker recipe is easy to make and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 (3-4 pound) corned beef brisket, with spice packet
- 1 large onion, coarsely chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped
- 3 celery stalks, coarsely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or other cooking oil)
Instructions
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels, then rub with minced garlic.
- Place the corned beef on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. Pour the beef broth over the corned beef and sprinkle with the spices from the spice packet.
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is fork tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard and coarsely ground black pepper.
- Carefully remove the corned beef from the slow cooker and place it on a baking sheet lined with foil. Brush evenly with the Dijon mustard mixture.
- Place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the top is nicely browned and crispy. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from the broiler and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
