Slow cookers are a kitchen marvel, offering the promise of melt-in-your-mouth meals with minimal effort. Among the many dishes that benefit from this long, low-temperature cooking technique, corned beef stands out, transforming tough cuts into succulent, flavorful delights. Here, we present seven slow cooker corned beef recipes that you'll absolutely adore for their simplicity and deliciousness.
1. Traditional Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage
The classic corned beef and cabbage is a staple in many households, especially around St. Patrick's Day, but it's delicious year-round.
- Ingredients:
- 4 lbs corned beef brisket
- 1 small onion, quartered
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 5 black peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 head cabbage, cut into wedges
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 6 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 cup water
- Directions:
- Place the corned beef in the slow cooker with the onion, garlic, peppercorns, bay leaf, and water. Cover and cook on low for 7-9 hours.
- Two hours before serving, add the cabbage, potatoes, and carrots. Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender.
- Remove the beef, let it rest, then slice against the grain. Serve with vegetables and mustard or horseradish.
💡 Note: Slice the beef against the grain to ensure it's as tender as possible.
2. Guinness Corned Beef
For those who appreciate the deep flavors imparted by stout beers, this recipe will become a favorite.
- Ingredients:
- 4 lbs corned beef brisket
- 1 (12 oz) bottle Guinness
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Directions:
- Layer the onions and garlic in the slow cooker, then place the brisket on top. Add Guinness, sugar, allspice, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
3. Dijon and Honey Glazed Corned Beef
If you're looking for something with a sweet twist, this recipe won't disappoint.
- Ingredients:
- 4 lbs corned beef
- 1 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Directions:
- Place corned beef in the cooker, fat side up. Mix mustard, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then brush over the meat. Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- Glaze with additional mustard and honey mix before serving. Sprinkle with parsley for garnish.
4. Spicy Chipotle Corned Beef
Want some heat? This smoky, spicy twist on corned beef is the way to go.
- Ingredients:
- 4 lbs corned beef
- 2 cans chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Directions:
- Combine chipotle, vinegar, sugar, cumin, and paprika. Rub mixture over corned beef. Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- Shred or slice the beef. Serve with tortillas or on toasted bread with a creamy coleslaw for a delicious contrast.
5. Slow Cooker Reuben Casserole
Turn your corned beef into a classic deli sandwich-inspired casserole.
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb cooked corned beef, shredded
- 8 slices rye bread, cubed
- 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 can (14.5 oz) sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
- Directions:
- Mix bread cubes with dressing. Layer in slow cooker: half the bread mixture, corned beef, sauerkraut, cheese, then repeat layers.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours. Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
6. Asian-Style Slow Cooker Corned Beef
A fusion of flavors with an Asian touch can surprise and delight your palate.
- Ingredients:
- 4 lbs corned beef
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp five-spice powder
- 1 inch ginger, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Directions:
- Mix soy sauce, hoisin, five-spice, ginger, and garlic. Place corned beef in the cooker, pour sauce over it, and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- Serve with rice or noodles, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
7. Slow Cooker Corned Beef Hash
Transform your leftover corned beef into a hearty hash for breakfast or dinner.
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked corned beef, chopped
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Directions:
- Layer potatoes, onion, and bell pepper in the cooker, season with spices. Drizzle with oil.
- Cook on high for 3 hours or until potatoes are tender. Stir in corned beef and cook for an additional 30 minutes on low.
In this array of slow cooker corned beef recipes, we’ve explored a range of flavors from the classic to the innovative. Whether you’re preparing for a traditional holiday feast or seeking comfort food on a lazy day, these recipes showcase the versatility and simplicity of using a slow cooker. From the rich, tender corned beef with Guinness to the spicy kick of chipotle or the unique fusion with Asian flavors, each dish offers something special.
Why is my corned beef tough even after slow cooking?
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Overcooking can make corned beef tough; ensure you cook it just until fork-tender. Also, slicing against the grain helps with tenderness.
Can I use frozen corned beef in a slow cooker?
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Yes, but increase cooking time by about an hour to ensure it’s thoroughly cooked.
How can I make my corned beef less salty?
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Soak the corned beef in cold water for a few hours or overnight before cooking to remove excess salt.
