Corned beef is a classic comfort dish, especially popular around St. Patrick’s Day, but it’s delicious any time of the year. Cooking corned beef in a crock pot is one of the easiest ways to get tender, juicy meat infused with rich flavors – and the best part? It basically cooks itself! If you’ve ever wondered, how do I cook corned beef in the crock pot? – this friendly guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Why Choose the Crock Pot for Corned Beef?
The slow cooker is a game-changer for corned beef because:
– Hands-off cooking: Just set it and forget it for hours.
– Perfect tenderness: Slow, low heat breaks down tough fibers, making the meat melt-in-your-mouth tender.
– One-pot meal: You can cook your corned beef along with potatoes, carrots, and cabbage all together.
– Flavor infusion: The spices and broth mingle beautifully during the long cooking time.
What You’ll Need
– Corned beef brisket (3-4 pounds is a good size for most crock pots)
– Pickling spice packet (usually comes with the corned beef)
– Vegetables: potatoes (baby or cut), carrots, onions, and cabbage
– Liquid: water, beef broth, or beer (Guinness works great for added depth)
– Optional: garlic cloves, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Corned Beef in the Crock Pot
1. Prepare Your Crock Pot
Start by layering the bottom of the crock pot with sliced onions. This not only adds flavor but also prevents the meat from sticking.
2. Rinse and Place the Corned Beef
Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water to remove excess salt (optional but recommended). Place it fat side up on top of the onions.
3. Season the Meat
Sprinkle the seasoning packet evenly over the corned beef. For extra flavor, you can add a drizzle of honey or a tablespoon of brown sugar.
4. Add Liquid and Garlic
Pour about 1 to 2 cups of your chosen liquid (water, broth, or beer) around the sides of the meat. Toss in a few garlic cloves if you like.
5. Start Cooking
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 8 to 9 hours. This slow cooking ensures the meat becomes tender without drying out.
6. Add Vegetables
About 3 to 4 hours before the cooking time ends, add your carrots and potatoes around the meat. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Add Cabbage Last
In the final hour of cooking, add cabbage wedges on top. This timing keeps the cabbage tender but not mushy.
8. Check for Doneness and Rest
The corned beef is done when it’s fork-tender and an internal temperature of about 145°F is reached. Remove the meat and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Corned Beef
– Choose your cut wisely: The flat cut has more beef and less fat, while the point cut has more fat, which adds flavor. Either works well.
– Don’t overcook: Cooking too long can cause the meat to fall apart if you want sliceable corned beef, keep it around 8-9 hours.
– Use an instant-read thermometer: This helps ensure perfect doneness.
– Add veggies at the right time: Adding them too early can make them mushy.
– Rest before slicing: This helps retain juices and makes slicing easier.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your crock pot corned beef with the cooked vegetables, along with mustard, horseradish sauce, or a creamy horseradish dip. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or Irish soda bread for a full meal.
Corned beef cooked in the crock pot is a flavorful, tender, and fuss-free meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Just toss everything in, let the slow cooker work its magic, and enjoy a delicious, hearty dinner with minimal effort.