Whipping up Corned Beef in a slow cooker is a breeze! It always comes out tender and absolutely delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Slow Cooker Corned Beef
Ingredients
- 1 flat cut corned beef brisket 3-4 lbs with spice packet
- 4 carrots chopped into chunks
- 8 small red potatoes either halved or quartered based on their size
- 1 onion peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 cups of beef broth
- Half a head of cabbage roughly chopped
Instructions
- Give the corned beef a thorough rinse
- Position the brisket inside the slow cooker.
- Pour in the beef broth
- Coat the meat with the seasoning packet.
- Set the slow cooker to low and let it cook for 8 to 9 hours.
- way through the cooking process, incorporate the vegetables.
- Add the cabbage one hour before serving.
Notes
- Calories: 410
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Sodium: 1320mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 35g
Preparing corned beef in your slow cooker is a breeze, and you’ll be rewarded with perfectly tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat. Plus it’s incredibly simple to make!
It’s a great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day without resorting to artificially green foods! While I do enjoy naturally green foods, I draw the line at green items that shouldn’t be, like eggs, potatoes, and pancakes.
What is Corned Beef?
Corned beef is a delightful salt-cured meat that likely gained popularity back in the 17th century when salt curing became a common method for preserving meat. Personally, I find corned beef is more similar to ham in both its salty flavor and texture than traditional beef. It’s also referred to as corned beef brisket.
Flat Cut Vs. Point Cut
Corned beef typically comes in two cuts: flat cut and point cut. Which one is best for your dish?
Following a bit of research, I found that a flat cut corned beef is the ideal choice. It’s more readily available, lean, and when cooked correctly, turns out tender and flavorful. When sliced against the grain, the pieces are perfect for making sandwiches the next day or can be diced to create a delicious beef hash. On the other hand, a point cut has a triangular shape, aptly named for its pointed end.
Ingredients Needed
- Corned Beef: I opted for a flat cut. You’ll also want to use the pickling spice packet included with it.
- Vegetables: Carrots and red potatoes are essential, while onions and cabbage are optional.
- Rich Beef Stock.
How to Make Slow Cooker Corned Beef
- Place the corned beef into the slow cooker and generously sprinkle it with the included seasoning packet. Pour in four cups of beef broth.
- Set your slow cooker to low heat and let it cook for 8-9 hours.
- corporate the potatoes and carrots midway through the cooking process to ensure they stay tender without becoming overly mushy. For a more traditional flavor, consider adding cabbage as well. Personally, I’m not a fan of cabbage, particularly due to its cooking aroma, which reminds me of those unforgettable days in the school cafeteria. If you decide to include cabbage, add it only during the last hour of cooking to minimize its strong scent.
- Remove the corned beef from the slow cooker and slice it just like a brisket. It will be wonderfully tender and practically fall apart.
FOR MORE BEEF RECIPE :
Oh no! It looks like your beef didn’t include a spice packet!
You can use pickling spice in place of the spice packet which is available in the spice aisle or make your own spice mixture using the following:
TEXT: 2 tablespoons coriander seeds, 1 tablespoon mustard seeds, 2 teaspoons peppercorns, 1 teaspoon anise seeds, and 4 large bay leaves. Also, 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. In a hot skillet, preferably cast iron, toast the coriander, mustard, peppercorns, and anise seeds over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant. Add the bay leaves and red pepper flakes, stirring for about 30 seconds. Transfer the mixture to a blender or small food processor and pulse briefly to release the flavors. Use approximately tablespoons of this blend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook corned beef on high in the slow cooker to save time?
While you can cook corned beef on high, it is recommended to cook it on low for the best results. Cooking on low heat allows the connective tissues to break down slowly, resulting in tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef. If you’re short on time, cooking on high for about 4-5 hours can work, but it may not be as tender.
How do you know when the corned beef is done?
Corned beef is typically done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). However, it will be more tender if it cooks longer at a slightly higher temperature (around 190-210°F). The best indicator is when a fork easily penetrates the meat without resistance, indicating it is soft and tender.
Should I rinse the corned beef before placing it in the slow cooker?
Rinsing the corned beef before cooking is optional but recommended to remove excess salt from the brining process. Gently rinse under cold, running water and pat dry with paper towels.
Can I add more vegetables or different spices?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables like turnips or parsnips. You can also experiment with herbs and spices like thyme or rosemary for additional flavor depth.
What should I do with leftovers?
Leftover corned beef is incredibly versatile. You can make sandwiches, use it in corned beef hash, or add it to soups. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
-The favorite thing to do is make a delicious Corned Beef Reuben Sandwich. You can also add it in with eggs and make a hash out of it.
You can also make your Corned Beef in the Instant Pot with these directions. It works great!
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