Crispy corned beef slow cooker dreams are made in kitchens just like yours! I remember the first time I attempted corned beef; it was for a St. Patrick’s Day feast, and let’s just say it wasn’t the most tender experience. After lots of trial and error, I’ve perfected a crispy corned beef slow cooker recipe that’s not only incredibly easy but also packed with flavor. Get ready to enjoy the most tender slow cooked beef you’ve ever tasted, with a delicious, crispy finish!
Table of Contents
This recipe is a game changer, trust me. It embodies the comfort of a slow cooked meal with a craveable texture that will make your taste buds sing.
Why You Will Love This crispy corned beef slow cooker Recipe
This crispy corned beef slow cooker recipe is a winner for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly convenient. Pop everything into your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you focus on other things or simply relax! The slow cooking process ensures that the corned beef becomes fall apart tender. The addition of a simple Dijon and black pepper crust, applied just before a quick broil, elevates the flavor profile to something truly special. Plus, it’s a total crowd pleaser, perfect for family dinners or St. Patrick’s Day gatherings.
Growing up, St. Patrick’s Day was always a huge deal. My mom would always make some sort of corned beef creation, but sometimes it was hit or miss on the tenderness. This recipe eliminates that uncertainty completely! Want something equally delicious that really highlights the flavor of beef? You should see my Slow Cooked Beef Brisket recipe!
Another thing that makes this crispy corned beef slow cooker recipe special is the balance of flavors. The tangy Dijon mustard and the pungent black pepper create a beautiful contrast to the rich, savory corned beef. These ingredients work together to form a delicious crust that is both crispy and flavorful.
Ingredients Needed for This crispy corned beef slow cooker Recipe
- 1 (3-4 pound) corned beef brisket, with spice packet
- 1 large yellow onion, quartered
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons black pepper, freshly cracked
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)
How to Make This crispy corned beef slow cooker Recipe
- 1. Prepare the Corned Beef: Rinse the corned beef under cold water. This helps to remove excess salt. If you want to, you can sear your corned beef prior to putting it into a slow cooker, for that you need to heat olive oil and add 3- 4 minutes on each side of you beef for better taste.
- 2. Layer the Vegetables: Place the quartered onion, chopped carrots, and chopped celery stalks in the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a flavorful bed for the corned beef and prevents it from sticking to the bottom.
- 3. Add the Corned Beef: Place the corned beef brisket on top of the vegetables, fat side up. Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the corned beef and add the spice packet that came with the brisket.
- 4. Pour in the Broth: Pour the beef broth over the corned beef. This helps to keep the meat moist and adds another layer of richness to the flavor.
- 5. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, or until the corned beef is fall apart tender. Your tender slow cooked beef is almost ready.
- 6. Prepare the Dijon Crust: Once the corned beef is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and save some cooking juices. In a small bowl, mix together the Dijon mustard and freshly cracked black pepper.
- 7. Broil: Preheat your broiler. Place the corned beef on a baking sheet lined with foil. Spread the Dijon mixture evenly over the top of the corned beef. Broil it for 3-5 minutes, or until the top is crispy and browned.
- 8. Rest and Slice: Let the corned beef rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
How to Serve This crispy corned beef slow cooker Recipe
Serve sliced crispy corned beef hot with the cooking juices poured over. It pairs perfectly with boiled potatoes, cabbage, and carrots. For an extra touch, add a dollop of horseradish sauce or a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This recipe would also be great as part of my Best Corned Beef Recipe where leftovers are transformed into something new!
How to Store This crispy corned beef slow cooker Recipe
- Refrigeration: Store leftover crispy corned beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap the cooked corned beef tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat sliced corned beef in the microwave, in a skillet with a little bit of the cooking liquid, or in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.
Tips to Make This crispy corned beef slow cooker Recipe
- Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have beef broth, you can use vegetable broth or even water. You can also add other vegetables to the slow cooker, such as parsnips or turnips.
- Success Tips: Don’t skip rinsing the corned beef before cooking; this helps reduce the saltiness. Also, make sure to slice the corned beef against the grain for the most tender results.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid: Overcooking the corned beef can make it dry, so keep an eye on it and cook it until it’s just tender.
- Pro Tips for Best Results: For an even crispier crust, you can pat the top of the corned beef dry with paper towels before applying the Dijon mixture.
Helpful Notes for This crispy corned beef slow cooker Recipe
The corned beef spice packet typically contains spices like mustard seeds, coriander, peppercorns, and bay leaves. This adds depth of flavor to the dish. When slicing, use a sharp knife to ensure clean, even slices. You can also use the cooking juices as a base for a delicious gravy. As the chef and founder of RecipesOfDay, I always like to remind everyone it’s okay to ask questions or need some help.
Variation of This crispy corned beef slow cooker Recipe
- Seasonal Twists: In the spring, add fresh green beans or asparagus to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking. In the fall, add butternut squash or sweet potatoes for a heartier meal.
- Optional Versions: For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Dijon mixture. You can also experiment with different types of mustard, such as whole grain mustard or spicy brown mustard.
- Creative Modifications: To make a Reuben sandwich filling, shred the cooked corned beef and mix it with sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing.
How do you get corned beef crispy after slow cooking?
After slow cooking, transfer the corned beef to a baking sheet. Broil it for a few minutes, watching carefully, until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Can you overcook corned beef in a slow cooker?
Yes, corned beef can become tough if overcooked in a slow cooker. Check for tenderness after the recommended cooking time, and remove it once it’s easily shredded.
What liquids are best for cooking corned beef in a slow cooker?
Beef broth, beer, or a combination of water and pickling spices work well. Ensure the liquid covers most of the corned beef to keep it moist during cooking.
Should I rinse corned beef before putting it in the slow cooker?
Rinsing corned beef before cooking can reduce some of the saltiness. Whether you rinse it is a matter of personal preference, based on how salty you prefer the final dish.
Crispy Corned Beef Slow Cooker: The Easiest, Most Tender Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Tender, flavorful corned beef cooked low and slow in your slow cooker, then broiled to crispy perfection with a tangy Dijon mustard crust. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 (3-4 pound) corned beef brisket, with spice packet
- 1 large yellow onion, quartered
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons black pepper, freshly cracked
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)
Instructions
- Rinse the corned beef under cold water.
- Place the quartered onion, chopped carrots, and chopped celery stalks in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Place the corned beef brisket on top of the vegetables, fat side up. Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the corned beef and add the spice packet that came with the brisket.
- Pour the beef broth over the corned beef.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, or until the corned beef is fall apart tender.
- Once the corned beef is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and save some cooking juices. In a small bowl, mix together the Dijon mustard and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Preheat your broiler. Place the corned beef on a baking sheet lined with foil. Spread the Dijon mixture evenly over the top of the corned beef. Broil it for 3-5 minutes, or until the top is crispy and browned.
- Let the corned beef rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Irish-American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1500mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
