Corned Beef Slow Cooker Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 04, 2025

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Corned Beef Slow Cooker Recipe: Fall-Apart Tenderness, Effortless Flavor

Are you ready for a melt-in-your-mouth corned beef experience that requires minimal effort? Look no further! This slow cooker corned beef recipe delivers unbelievably tender and flavorful results with practically no hands-on time. Perfect for busy weeknights or a special occasion, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You'll Need:

• 3-4 pound corned beef brisket: Choose a good quality brisket for optimal results. Look for one that's already brined.
• 1 large onion: Roughly chopped for maximum flavor infusion.
• 2 carrots: Peeled and roughly chopped. Adds sweetness and color to the cooking liquid.
• 2 celery stalks: Roughly chopped. Provides a subtle, earthy counterpoint.
• 4 cups beef broth: Adds depth of flavor and keeps the meat moist.
• 1 cup water: Helps create enough liquid for slow cooking.
• 2 bay leaves: Provides a lovely aromatic touch.
• 6 peppercorns: Enhances the savory profile of the dish.
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional): Adds a little zing.
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional): Balances the saltiness beautifully.

Instructions for Slow Cooker Perfection:

Getting Started:

1. Prep the Ingredients: Rinse the corned beef briefly under cold water. Chop the onion, carrots, and celery.
2. Layer in the Slow Cooker: Place the chopped vegetables at the bottom of your slow cooker.

Cooking the Corned Beef:

1. Add the Beef and Liquid: Place the corned beef brisket on top of the vegetables. Pour in the beef broth and water. Add the bay leaves, peppercorns, mustard seeds (if using), and brown sugar (if using).
2. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, until the corned beef is fork-tender. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your brisket.
3. Check for Tenderness: To check for doneness, use a fork to gently pierce the thickest part of the brisket. It should be very tender and easily shreddable.

Serving Suggestions & Tips:

1. Shred and Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the corned beef from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before shredding.
2. Strain and Save: Strain the cooking liquid and save it! This liquid is full of flavor and can be used as a delicious base for soup, or gravy.
3. Classic Pairing: Serve your shredded corned beef on rye bread with mustard for a classic Reuben sandwich.
4. Get Creative: Use the corned beef in salads, hash, or tacos for a unique twist!

Tips for Extra Flavorful Corned Beef:

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Garlic Lovers: Incorporate a few cloves of minced garlic for a savory punch.
• Citrus Twist: Add a slice or two of orange or lemon for a bright, refreshing note.
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic boost.

This slow cooker corned beef recipe is incredibly versatile and forgiving. Feel free to experiment with different spices and seasonings to find your perfect flavor combination. Enjoy your delicious, melt-in-your-mouth corned beef! Remember to share your creations and tag us in your culinary adventures!