Slow Cooker Corned Beef

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When you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal with minimal effort, this Slow Cooker Corned Beef delivers every time. With tender slices of beef that practically fall apart, infused with savory spices and a subtle tang, it’s a dinner that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Perfect for holidays like St. Patrick’s Day or simply when you want to treat yourself to something satisfying, this recipe makes your home smell incredible as it cooks low and slow all day.

The beauty of this dish is how hands-off it is. You simply set it and forget it, letting the slow cooker do all the work while you get on with your day. The result is melt-in-your-mouth beef paired with just the right amount of seasoning, and it’s just as good for feeding a crowd as it is for a cozy family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Corned Beef

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or festive occasions when you want an impressive centerpiece without stress. You’ll love how juicy and flavorful the beef turns out with so little effort. The slow cooking process tenderizes even the toughest cuts, and the aromatic blend of pickling spices seeps into every bite. Plus, it’s versatile — you can serve it with cabbage, potatoes, carrots, or even make sandwiches the next day.

What Cut of Beef Should I Use for Corned Beef?

For this recipe, the classic choice is a brisket cut that has been cured (or “corned”) with salt and spices. Both flat cut and point cut brisket work well, but the flat cut tends to cook more evenly and slice more neatly, making it ideal for presentation. If you prefer a fattier, more flavorful result, the point cut is a great option. Either way, the slow cooker will transform it into a fork-tender delight.

Ingredients for the Slow Cooker Corned Beef

This recipe keeps it simple with a few key ingredients that pack in plenty of flavor. The corned beef itself comes pre-seasoned with its own spice packet, but we’ll add a couple of fresh ingredients to enhance the taste even more. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Corned beef brisket – The star of the dish, this cured cut of beef turns beautifully tender after hours in the slow cooker.
• Pickling spice packet – Usually included with the corned beef, this mixture of peppercorns, mustard seeds, and bay leaves seasons the meat perfectly.
• Carrots – They add sweetness and soak up the flavorful cooking liquid.
• Potatoes – Creamy and hearty, they make this dish a complete meal.
• Cabbage – A classic pairing with corned beef, it becomes tender and slightly sweet when slow cooked.
• Water or beef broth – Keeps everything moist and adds depth to the cooking liquid.

How To Make the Slow Cooker Corned Beef

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Peel and cut the carrots into chunks, quarter the potatoes, and slice the cabbage into wedges. Place the carrots and potatoes on the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 2: Add the Corned Beef

Rinse the corned beef under cold water to remove excess brine. Place it on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker, fat side up. Sprinkle the pickling spice packet over the beef.

Step 3: Pour in the Liquid

Add enough water or beef broth to just cover the vegetables and about half of the beef. This will keep everything moist while cooking.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours, or on high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender. Add the cabbage wedges during the last 2 hours of cooking to prevent overcooking.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Remove the corned beef from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing against the grain. Arrange with the vegetables and spoon some of the cooking liquid over the top before serving.

Serving and Storing Slow Cooker Corned Beef

This recipe makes enough to comfortably feed 6 to 8 people, making it perfect for gatherings or family dinners. Serve the sliced corned beef on a platter with the tender vegetables alongside. Drizzle a little of the flavorful cooking liquid over everything for extra moisture and taste. If you have leftovers, they keep beautifully — simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep the meat tender.

What to Serve With Slow Cooker Corned Beef?

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

The richness of creamy mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the salty, savory beef.

Irish Soda Bread

A slice of warm, crusty soda bread is ideal for soaking up the delicious juices.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their slightly bitter flavor complements the sweetness of the carrots and cabbage.

Grainy Mustard

A dollop of mustard adds a tangy kick that cuts through the richness of the meat.

Pickled Beets

These bring a sweet-and-sour element that works beautifully with the corned beef.

Horseradish Cream Sauce

Spicy and creamy, this sauce elevates every bite of beef.

A Simple Green Salad

A light salad with vinaigrette helps balance out the hearty meal with a refreshing touch.

Want More Beef Dinner Ideas?

If you enjoyed this Slow Cooker Corned Beef, you might love these other delicious beef recipes on Janet Dishes:

• Crockpot Steak Bites for a tender and flavorful bite-sized option.
• Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Shells when you’re craving something creamy and decadent.
• French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole for a comforting, cheesy bake.
• Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef Melt when you want a classic, hearty sandwich.
• Chipotle Steak Recipe (Copycat) to bring restaurant flavors home.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with a flat cut or point cut? Did you try any unique sides?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food recipes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to dinner favorites!

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Corned Beef is proof that the simplest meals can also be the most memorable. With just a few minutes of prep and a handful of ingredients, you can serve up a hearty, flavorful dish that everyone will rave about. Whether it’s for a special holiday or just a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

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