Imagine walking into your home after a long day, greeted by the irresistible aroma of tender, perfectly seasoned corned beef that's been slow-cooking to absolute perfection. This isn't just another recipe – it's a flavor-packed adventure that transforms a humble brisket into a show-stopping meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're celebrating St. Patrick's Day or simply craving a hearty, comforting dish, this slow cooker corned beef brisket is about to become your new culinary obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Irish
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs corned beef brisket
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 head cabbage, cut into wedges
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 4 potatoes, quartered
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water to remove excess salt and seasoning. Pat it dry with paper towels.
- In your slow cooker, place the quartered onion at the bottom. This will serve as a flavorful base for the brisket.
- Next, add the minced garlic on top of the onion. This will infuse the dish with a rich garlic flavor as it cooks.
- Place the rinsed corned beef brisket on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker. Make sure it fits comfortably without being squished.
- Pour the beef broth over the brisket, ensuring it is mostly covered. This will keep the meat moist and tender during the long cooking process.
- Add the black peppercorns and bay leaves to the slow cooker for added flavor. Do not worry about removing them later; they will add depth to the broth.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Allow the brisket to cook for approximately 8 hours, or until it is fork-tender.
- About 1 hour before the brisket is done, prepare the vegetables. Chop the carrots into bite-sized pieces and quarter the potatoes. Cut the cabbage into wedges.
- After the brisket has cooked for 7 hours, carefully add the chopped carrots, quartered potatoes, and cabbage wedges to the slow cooker around the brisket.
- Cover the slow cooker again and let it continue to cook for the final hour, allowing the vegetables to become tender and absorb the flavors of the broth.
- Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the brisket from the slow cooker and let it rest on a cutting board for about 10 minutes. This will help retain its juices when slicing.
- Slice the corned beef against the grain into thin pieces for optimal tenderness. Serve with the cooked vegetables on the side, ladling some of the flavorful broth over the top.
- Enjoy your delicious slow cooker corned beef brisket, perfect for a hearty meal or a festive Irish celebration!
Tips
- Rinsing the brisket is crucial – it helps remove excess salt and ensures a perfectly balanced flavor.
- Always cook the brisket against the grain when slicing to guarantee maximum tenderness.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of Guinness or dark beer to the beef broth for a rich, complex taste.
- Don't rush the cooking process. Low and slow is the key to achieving melt-in-your-mouth corned beef.
- If you want a crispy exterior, you can briefly broil the brisket for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking.
- Leftovers can be transformed into delicious corned beef hash or sandwiches, so don't worry about making too much!
- For a more intense flavor, you can add a tablespoon of whole grain mustard to the broth before cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F for food safety.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
