Cooking Corn Beef In The Slow Cooker

Corned beef is a flavorful and satisfying meal year-round, and one of the best ways to cook it is by using a slow cooker. Not only does this cooking method make it easy to prepare, but it also locks in the flavors and juices, resulting in a tender and delicious corned beef that everyone will love. In this article, we’ll show you how to cook corn beef in the slow cooker so that you can enjoy this delicious dish any time of the year.

What is Corned Beef?

Corned Beef And Spices In The Slow Cooker

Corned beef is a cut of beef that has been cured in a brine solution made of water, salt, and various spices such as peppercorns, bay leaves, and cloves. The corned beef is typically made from the brisket cut of the cow and is commonly associated with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. However, corned beef can be enjoyed any time of the year, and it’s a great meal for large gatherings or busy weeknights.

Why Use a Slow Cooker to Cook Corned Beef?

Corned Beef And Cabbage In A Slow Cooker

A slow cooker is an excellent way to cook corned beef for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy - simply add the ingredients to the slow cooker, set the temperature and let it cook. Second, because the slow cooker cooks the meat low and slow, it tenderizes the meat and allows it to absorb all the flavors of the spices and vegetables. Finally, using a slow cooker frees up your oven and stove space, making it perfect for busy times like holidays or dinner parties.

Ingredients

Corned Beef, Potatoes, Carrots, And Cabbage In A Slow Cooker

In order to make slow-cooked corned beef, you’ll need the following ingredients:

3-4 lb corned beef brisket (with spice packet)
6-8 small red potatoes (halved)
4-5 carrots (peeled and cut into chunks)
1 onion (cut into wedges)
1 head of cabbage (cut into wedges)
4 cups of water

You can customize this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables or spices. Some popular additions include garlic, parsnips, and turnips.

Related Corn

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make slow-cooked corned beef:

Place the corned beef brisket (fat side up) in the slow cooker.
Add the spice packet that comes with the corned beef on top of the corned beef.
Add the potatoes, carrots, and onion around the corned beef.
Pour 4 cups of water into the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling apart.
Remove the meat from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing it against the grain.
Add the cabbage wedges to the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
Plate the corned beef and vegetables, and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Best Slow-Cooked Corned Beef

While slow-cooked corned beef is relatively easy to make, there are some tips and tricks you can follow to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:

Make sure you’re using the right cut of meat: corned beef brisket is the best cut for this recipe.
Trim off any excess fat before cooking to avoid a greasy finished product.
Cut your vegetables into large chunks to avoid overcooking them.
Don’t lift the lid of the slow cooker while cooking - this will release heat and can extend the cooking time.
Let the meat rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
Add the cabbage at the end of the cooking time to avoid overcooking it - it only needs about 30-45 minutes to cook in the slow cooker.

Conclusion

Slow-cooked corned beef is a delicious, hearty meal that’s perfect for any time of the year. By using a slow cooker, you can easily prepare this dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Remember to follow our tips and tricks for the best results, and adjust the ingredients to your liking. With this recipe, you’ll have a mouth-watering corned beef that’s sure to please everyone at your dinner table. Enjoy!