Guinness beer is used to cook the corned beef in this slow cooker, giving it a crispy, juicy, and mouthwatering result. Add potatoes and carrots for a quick, filling, and comprehensive meal.
What We Love About Cooking Corned Beef in Crock Pot
Growing up, I had no idea that making corned beef could be so simple, but today I’m sharing the simplest recipe for it, which you can prepare in your crock pot. It doesn’t have to be saved for March though.
- This recipe is so simple that you can just throw everything in and let the crock pot work its magic. In fact, I’m willing to bet you can make this even if you’ve never cooked before!
- Delicious rich flavorful meat. Utilizing this recipe, you can enjoy tender corned beef with the ideal texture. I was hesitant to try corned beef because I’ve previously had it that was completely dried out (boo). However, using this method guarantees moist, flavorful meat every time!
- Reliable cooking. This turns out perfect every single time. No guesswork.
- This makes the best leftovers. To ensure that everyone can take some home, we like to make plenty.
- You can prepare the corned beef and cabbage with the potatoes all at once or just the corned beef.
Although you can cook the potatoes and cabbage alongside it if you’d like, I prefer to prepare those separately.
I’ll explain how I achieve the blended flavor at the end because I prefer to have more control over the doneness and seasoning of the sides.
Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe Ingredients
Do you need to rinse your corned beef? Nope. I do not. I know other people who do. If you want a more mild flavor you certainly can.
- One package of corned beef from the grocery store comes in a brine with seasoning.
- Water – I just use tap water
I almost always cook my corned beef by itself. There isn’t much room for potatoes or cabbage in the slow cooker because I usually overfill it, but you can cook everything at once.
There’s a great trick for getting that slow simmered flavor even if your crock pot is overflowing with beef if you decide to cook them separately.
Having said that, feel free to eat corned beef with other foods, like Mac and cheese. However, I’m also including instructions for preparing potatoes and cabbage because I get so many inquiries about them.
- Potatoes – I like to use small red potatoes
- Cabbage – Whole head, cut into wedges
How to Make Corned Beef in the Slow Cooker
- Put the corned beef in your slow cooker (this one is my favorite).
- Add the seasoning packet that is included with the corned beef on top.
- To remove any remaining flavor that may have stuck, pour 1.5 cups of water into the corned beef’s packaging. Then, pour that liquid on top of the beef.
- Cook for 4-5 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low.
It really depends on you and the amount of time you have whether you want to cook the corned beef on high or low. I can honestly say that after doing both, I have no preference. Observe how much time you have available.
How to Cook Corned Beef Cabbage and Potatoes in the Crock Pot
So simple, right? If you want cabbage, you can either add it during the final few hours of cooking, as I prefer to do, or you can boil the cabbage in the cooking juices from the corned beef.
I sometimes think that adding cabbage to corned beef makes it very easy for it to become overly salty. I love salt too so that’s saying something.
When you have four hours until dinner, add the potatoes to the crock pot to cook. Then, when you have two hours until serving, add the cabbage.
How to Make Corned Beef and Cabbage in the Instant Pot
You can certainly use your pressure cooker to prepare corned beef.
Put the corned beef, water, and seasoning packet in the insert. Cook for 90 minutes on manual or high pressure, then let the pressure naturally release for at least 12 minutes.
After removing the meat, cook the potatoes and cabbage for 5 minutes on high before performing a quick release.
How to Make Mustard Glazed Corned Beef
Even though I am firmly in the camp that believes mustard is not edible, my family loves their corn beef with a sweet mustard glaze, so I’ll share my mom’s recipe with you anyway.
Mix 2-3 TBS yellow mustard with 1 cup brown sugar. Mix it together and adjust to your taste. In an oven-safe dish, spread over the top of your cooked corned beef roast. And then broil until it’s nice and pretty.
What to do with Corned Beef Leftovers!
Consuming the leftovers after eating corned beef is our favorite part of the meal. We will prepare extra simply so that we have a sufficient supply to eat for the remainder of the week.
It will keep for about a week in the refrigerator in a sealed container, or if you have a lot extra, freeze it. It tastes great when I use it to top nachos or baked potatoes.
- Open face Corned beef cheese and avocado melts
- Corned Beef Egg Scramble (or omelette)
- Corned Beef Pastry Squares
- Corned Beef Mac and Cheese
- Reuben Sandwiches
- Homemade Pizza
The Best Crock Pot Corned Beef Recipe
- 1 package corned beef
- 1 1/2 C Water
- Place the corned beef in your crock pot.
- Add the seasoning packet that is included with the corned beef on top.
- To remove any remaining flavor that may have stuck, pour 1.5 cups of water into the corned beef’s packaging. Then, pour that liquid on top of the beef.
- Cook for 4-5 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low.
How to Cook Cabbage and Potatoes
You also may like:
Check out this mouthwatering recipe for fancy beef in a slow cooker.
Don’t forget to try my incredibly simple and delicious crock pot lasagna soup recipe, too.
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Spinach artichoke dip in just a few minutes. SOOOOO good.
How to Cook the Best Tender Corned Beef in the Slow Cooker~Easy Cooking
FAQ
Does corned beef have to be covered in water in slow cooker?
Your hopes of a tender corned beef dish may be dashed if there is not enough liquid to completely cover the meat. Instead: Begin by completely submerging the corned beef in a large pot of water.
Does corned beef go in crockpot fat side up or down?
Put the corned beef brisket in a slow cooker with the fat side facing up and season with pickling spice. Place whole cloves throughout the brisket. Add 2 cups of water, or more if necessary, to cover the brisket by at least 1 inch, along with the garlic, bay leaves, and salt. Cover and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours.
Can you overcook corned beef in a crock pot?
Yes, you can over cook anything really. But using a crockpot, it would take a long time to overcook corned beef. Corned beef can easily be cooked for 10–12 hours on low without any problems. Longer cooking will eventually cause it to fall apart.
How to cook 3lb corned beef in crock pot?
Place the celery, carrots, onion, potatoes, and thyme in a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Put the vegetables on a plate, top with the corned beef, fat side up, and sprinkle with pickling spice. Add enough water to almost cover the meat (4 to 6 cups). Corned beef should be covered and cooked on high for 4 1/4 hours (or 8 1/2 hours on low).