Crockpot Corned Beef Recipe: Tender, Flavorful, & Easy!

Hey everyone! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any day you’re craving something hearty and delicious—Crockpot Corned Beef. This dish is incredibly easy to make, thanks to the slow cooker doing all the work for you.

The result is tender, flavorful corned beef that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you’re serving it with cabbage, potatoes, or on a sandwich, this recipe is a winner. Let’s dive in!

What’s in This Crockpot Corned Beef?

Corned beef is a classic dish made from brisket that’s been cured in a brine solution with spices. It’s traditionally associated with Irish cuisine and is a staple for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

This slow cooker version is super simple—just toss everything into the crockpot, set it, and forget it! The long, slow cooking process ensures the beef becomes incredibly tender and absorbs all the delicious flavors from the spices and vegetables.

It’s a no-fuss recipe that delivers big on taste.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Crockpot Corned Beef:

For the Corned Beef:

• 3-4 pounds corned beef brisket (with the spice packet included)
• 4 cups water (or enough to cover the beef)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (helps tenderize the meat)
• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf

For the Vegetables (Optional):

• 4-6 small red potatoes (halved or quartered)
• 4-6 carrots (peeled and cut into chunks)
• 1 small head of cabbage (cut into wedges)

How to Make Crockpot Corned Beef

Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to make the most tender and flavorful corned beef:

Step 1: Prepare the Corned Beef

Remove the corned beef brisket from its packaging and rinse it under cold water to remove any excess brine. Pat it dry with paper towels. If your brisket came with a spice packet, set it aside for now.

Step 2: Add the Ingredients to the Crockpot

Place the corned beef brisket in the slow cooker, fat side up. Add the minced garlic, brown sugar (if using), apple cider vinegar, black peppercorns, bay leaf, and the spice packet that came with the brisket. Pour in enough water to just cover the beef (about 4 cups).

Step 3: Cook the Corned Beef

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. The longer you cook it, the more tender it will become. If you’re adding vegetables, you can add them during the last 2-3 hours of cooking so they don’t get too mushy.

Step 4: Add the Vegetables (Optional)

About 2-3 hours before the cooking time is up, add the potatoes, carrots, and cabbage wedges to the slow cooker. Push them down into the liquid so they can soak up all the delicious flavors.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Once the corned beef is done, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Slice the beef against the grain for the most tender pieces. Serve it with the cooked vegetables and a ladle of the cooking liquid for extra flavor.

Cooking Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 4-10 hours (depending on high or low setting)
• Total time: About 4 hours 10 minutes to 10 hours 10 minutes

Serving

This recipe serves 6-8 people, depending on the size of the brisket and how much everyone eats. It’s perfect as a main dish and pairs well with sides like mustard, horseradish sauce, or even a slice of rye bread for a classic corned beef sandwich.

Calories

Here’s a rough estimate of the calories per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: About 350-400 calories per serving
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 10g (if serving with vegetables)

This dish is hearty and satisfying, making it a great option for a filling meal.

Tips and Tricks

• Don’t skip rinsing the brisket: Rinsing helps remove excess salt from the brine, so your corned beef isn’t too salty.
• Add beer for extra flavor: Swap out 1-2 cups of water for your favorite beer (like a stout or lager) to add depth to the flavor.
• Make it ahead: Corned beef tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it a day in advance and reheat it before serving.
• Use leftovers creatively: Leftover corned beef is perfect for sandwiches, hash, or even breakfast scrambles.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Crockpot Corned Beef recipe because it’s so easy and hands-off. The slow cooker does all the work, and the result is tender, flavorful beef that’s perfect for a cozy meal. It’s a great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or just enjoy a comforting dinner with family and friends. Plus, the leftovers are amazing—so you can enjoy it all week long!

Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out! It’s a dish that’s sure to impress and become a regular in your meal rotation. Enjoy!