The Best Tender & Easy Corned Beef Slow Cooker Recipe

Do you want to make a delicious, fork-tender corned beef without standing over the stove all day? This corned beef slow cooker recipe offers an incredibly easy way to achieve flavorful results. It’s perfect for a festive St. Patrick’s Day celebration or a cozy family dinner any night. Enjoy succulent meat and perfectly cooked vegetables with minimal effort, letting your slow cooker do all the hard work.

Why You’ll Love This Corned Beef Slow Cooker Recipe

This easy recipe for corned beef in a slow cooker will quickly become a favorite.

• It is incredibly easy and truly hands-off, freeing up your time.
• You get consistently tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef every time.
• The meat and vegetables are infused with rich, savory flavors from slow cooking.
• This dish is ideal for holiday gatherings or simple weeknight meals.
• The recipe creates delicious leftovers, perfect for sandwiches or hash.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Corned Beef

Gather these simple ingredients to create your savory corned beef slow cooker meal. Always look for a good quality corned beef brisket.

• 1 (3-4 lb.) corned beef brisket with spice packet (flat cut recommended)
• 4 carrots, cut into pieces
• 8 small red potatoes, halved or quartered depending on size
• 1 onion, peeled, cut into chunks
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1/2 head cabbage, coarsely chopped (optional)

Notes & Substitutions

• Flat vs. Point Cut: Corned beef briskets come in two cuts: flat and point. The flat cut is leaner and has a uniform shape, making it easier to slice evenly. The point cut is fattier and has more marbling, which can result in a richer flavor, but it shreds more easily than slices. We recommend the flat cut for neat slices.
• Homemade Pickling Spice: If your corned beef does not include a spice packet, you can make your own. Combine 1 tablespoon coriander seeds, 1 tablespoon mustard seeds, 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, 1 teaspoon anise seeds, 2 bay leaves (crushed), and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Briefly toast the spices in a dry pan until fragrant, then pulse gently in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
• Liquid Options: While beef broth adds great depth, you can also use water for a milder flavor. For a traditional Irish twist, try replacing half the beef broth with a dark stout beer or hard cider for a sweet and tangy note.
• Vegetable Choices: Feel free to swap out or add other root vegetables. Parsnips, celery, or sweet potatoes are wonderful additions that cook beautifully alongside the corned beef.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools for this set-it-and-forget-it meal.

• Large slow cooker (6-quart or larger is ideal)
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups
• Optional: A slow cooker liner for effortless cleanup.

How to Make Corned Beef in the Slow Cooker

Cooking corned beef in a slow cooker is straightforward and yields incredibly tender results. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal.

Prep Steps

First, prepare your ingredients for cooking. This ensures everything is ready before you start your slow cooker.

• Rinse the corned beef thoroughly under cold water. To ensure a more balanced flavor, culinary experts recommend rinsing corned beef to reduce its high sodium content from the curing process. This helps remove excess salt from the brine and improves the final flavor.
• Prepare your vegetables. Peel and chop the carrots into 1-2 inch pieces. Halve or quarter the small red potatoes, depending on their size, so they cook evenly. Peel the onion and cut it into large chunks. If using cabbage, coarsely chop half a head into wedges.

Slow Cooking Instructions

Now it’s time to set up your slow cooker and let it work its magic.

• Place the rinsed corned beef brisket into your large slow cooker.
• Pour the beef broth around the beef, ensuring it covers most of the meat.
• Sprinkle the contents of the pickling spice packet evenly over the meat. If using homemade spices, distribute them across the brisket.
• Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 8-9 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours.
• Add the potatoes, carrots, and onion to the slow cooker about halfway through the cooking time. This timing prevents them from becoming too mushy.
• If you are including cabbage, add the coarsely chopped cabbage during the last hour of cooking. This way, it cooks until tender but still holds some texture.

Finishing Touches

Once the cooking time is complete, a few final steps will prepare your delicious meal for serving.

• Carefully remove the corned beef from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
• Let the meat rest for 10-15 minutes before you slice it. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the beef more tender and moist.
• Slice the corned beef against the grain. Understanding the technique of slicing against the grain is essential for achieving optimal tenderness in cooked meats. This is a crucial step for maximum tenderness, as it shortens the muscle fibers.
• Serve the sliced corned beef immediately with the cooked potatoes, carrots, onion, and cabbage from the slow cooker. Spoon some of the flavorful broth over the meat and vegetables.

Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Corned Beef

Achieve truly restaurant-worthy slow cooker corned beef with these simple pro tips.

• Don’t Skip Rinsing: Always rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water. This step significantly reduces the excess salt from the curing process, resulting in a more balanced flavor.
• Slice Against the Grain: When you remove the cooked corned beef, slice it across the visible muscle fibers. This ensures each piece is as tender as possible.
• Monitor Veggies: Add heartier vegetables like potatoes and carrots halfway through cooking. Add softer vegetables like cabbage only during the last hour to prevent them from becoming overcooked and mushy.
• Boost Flavor: Use a high-quality beef broth for a richer taste. A splash of dark beer or hard cider can also add fantastic depth to your cooking liquid.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure your ingredients fit comfortably in your slow cooker. Overfilling can lead to uneven cooking.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the broth after the corned beef cooks. You can add a pinch of salt or pepper if needed, but the brisket often seasons the liquid well.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations

Make the most of your delicious corned beef slow cooker meal with these ideas.

Serving Ideas

• Serve your corned beef with the perfectly cooked potatoes, carrots, and cabbage from the slow cooker.
• Offer classic accompaniments like grainy dijon mustard, tangy horseradish sauce, or a drizzle of the flavorful cooking broth.
• Pair this hearty meal with warm, crusty bread such as traditional Irish soda bread for soaking up the juices.
• A crisp green salad provides a fresh contrast, or try additional roasted root vegetables on the side.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover corned beef and vegetables in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Slice your cooked corned beef before freezing. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheat: Gently warm individual servings in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth or water to keep the meat moist.

Recipe Variations

• Corned Beef Reuben: Create classic sandwiches using leftover sliced corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on toasted rye bread.
• Corned Beef Hash: Dice any leftover meat and potatoes. Fry them in a pan with chopped onions until crispy, then serve with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the slow cooker along with the pickling spice for a subtle warmth.
• Sweet Glaze: For a slightly different flavor, brush the corned beef with a mixture of brown sugar and a little mustard during the last hour of cooking.

Nutrition Information

This slow cooker corned beef recipe provides a hearty and filling meal.

Disclaimer: All nutrition information is an estimate only.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to common questions about making corned beef in a slow cooker.

• Can I use a different cut of corned beef? Yes, you can use a point cut. It has more fat and often shreds easily, while the flat cut is leaner and slices nicely.
• How long does corned beef last in the fridge? Cooked corned beef stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
• Can I cook corned beef in an Instant Pot instead? Absolutely! An Instant Pot offers a faster cooking time, typically around 90 minutes on high pressure, plus natural release.
• How can I make the corned beef less salty? Rinsing the brisket thoroughly helps. You can also soak the corned beef in cold water for a few hours before cooking, changing the water once.
• What if my corned beef didn’t come with a spice packet? No worries! Refer to our “Homemade Pickling Spice” section under Ingredients for a quick and easy blend you can make yourself.

Conclusion

This corned beef slow cooker recipe truly simplifies a classic dish, bringing tender, flavorful results to your table with minimal effort. It is the perfect choice for a St. Patrick’s Day feast or any time you crave a comforting, hearty meal. You will love how easy it is to achieve such deliciousness. Go ahead, give this foolproof recipe a try! We encourage you to share your experience or leave a rating once you do.

The Best Tender & Easy Corned Beef Slow Cooker Recipe

This easy slow cooker recipe delivers tender, flavorful corned beef with vegetables, perfect for a hearty meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 9 hours hrs

Total Time 9 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 400

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 corned beef 3-4 lb. with spice packet flat cut
• 4 carrots cut into pieces
• 8 red potatoes small, halved or quartered depending on size
• 1 onion peeled, cut into chunks
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cabbage head, coarsely chopped

Equipment

• Slow cooker

Method

 

Cooking Steps

1. Rinse the corned beef thoroughly.
2. Place the brisket into the slow cooker and add beef broth.
3. Sprinkle the meat with the seasoning packet.
4. Cook on low for 8-9 hours, adding the carrots, potatoes, and onion halfway through.
5. If using cabbage, add it one hour before the cooking process is complete.

Notes

For best results, ensure the corned beef is fully submerged in broth during cooking. Adjust vegetable cooking times if you prefer them softer.