Description
This Slow Cooker Corned Beef recipe offers a simple, hands-off way to prepare tender, flavorful corned beef infused with aromatic spices. Perfect for a hearty meal, the slow cooker gently cooks the beef to juicy perfection while allowing the distinctive pickling spices to enhance the flavor over several hours.
Ingredients
Scale
Corned Beef and Spices
- 5 pound corned beef (with pickling spice)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 6 whole cloves
- 6 cloves garlic (peeled)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Liquid
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Prepare the brisket: Rinse the beef brisket thoroughly under cold water to remove excess brine, then pat it completely dry with paper towels to ensure better texture during cooking.
- Cook the brisket: Place the corned beef in the slow cooker fat side up to keep the meat moist and tender. Add the bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cloves, peeled garlic, red pepper flakes, and pour 2 cups of water over the beef. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, allowing the beef to slowly absorb the spices and become tender.
- Finish and serve: Carefully remove the cooked beef from the slow cooker using tongs or a large fork. Wrap it tightly in foil and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes to redistribute the juices. Slice thinly against the grain and serve as desired.
Notes
- For a traditional St. Patrick’s Day meal, serve corned beef with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots cooked separately.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and can be used in sandwiches or hash.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level according to your taste.
- Rinsing the corned beef reduces saltiness but can also remove some seasoning; adjust cooking liquid seasoning accordingly if desired.
- If preferred, add vegetables like potatoes or carrots into the slow cooker during the last 2-3 hours of cooking for an all-in-one meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 4 oz)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
