Pioneer Woman's Easy Crockpot Corned Beef Recipe

Slow Cooker Corned Beef is a classic, comforting dish, and making it in your crockpot is the easiest way to achieve perfectly tender and flavorful results every single time. Embrace the simplicity of this recipe, inspired by the home-style cooking of the Pioneer Woman, and enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort.

corned beef on a plate

Why This Crockpot Corned Beef Recipe is a Winner

This crockpot corned beef recipe isn’t just easy; it’s designed to give you incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat with almost no hands-on time. If you’re looking for a fuss-free way to cook corned beef, especially for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration or a hearty family dinner, look no further. And while St. Patrick’s Day might traditionally be associated with green foods, this recipe focuses on delicious flavors rather than artificial colors – perfect for those who prefer their food naturally delicious.

Understanding Corned Beef: More Than Just Beef

Corned beef is essentially beef that has been salt-cured. This method of preservation became popular centuries ago and results in a unique flavor and texture. Interestingly, corned beef often tastes and feels more like ham than traditional beef due to its salty curing process. It’s commonly made from brisket, a cut of beef that becomes wonderfully tender when slow-cooked.

overhead shot of slow cooker corned beef

Flat Cut vs. Point Cut Corned Beef: Which to Choose?

When buying corned beef, you’ll typically find two main cuts: flat cut and point cut. For this Pioneer Woman inspired crockpot recipe, we recommend using a flat cut. The flat cut is generally leaner and more readily available. When cooked in the slow cooker, it becomes beautifully tender and slices perfectly across the grain. This makes it ideal for serving with vegetables or for making amazing leftover sandwiches like Reubens. The point cut, as the name suggests, is thicker and has more fat, coming to a point at one end. While flavorful, the flat cut is often preferred for its ease of slicing and leaner profile.

Simple Ingredients for Flavorful Crockpot Corned Beef

To make this mouthwatering crockpot corned beef, you’ll only need a handful of ingredients:

Corned Beef Brisket (Flat Cut): A 3-4 lb flat-cut corned beef brisket, and don’t forget to use the pickling spice packet that usually comes with it!
Fresh Vegetables: Carrots, red potatoes, and an onion are essential. Cabbage is optional, depending on your preference.
Beef Broth: This adds moisture and depth of flavor during the slow cooking process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crockpot Corned Beef

Making corned beef in the crockpot is incredibly simple. Just follow these easy steps:

Prepare the Crockpot: Place your corned beef brisket in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the pickling spice packet that came with the beef evenly over the top.
Add Broth: Pour 4 cups of beef broth into the slow cooker, ensuring the beef is partially submerged.
Slow Cook: Cover and turn your slow cooker to the low setting. Let it cook for 8-9 hours.

corned beef in slow cooker

Add Vegetables: About halfway through the cooking time (around 4-4.5 hours), add your carrots and red potatoes to the crockpot. Adding them later prevents them from becoming overly soft. If you choose to add cabbage, wait until the last hour of cooking.
Shred or Slice and Serve: Once the corned beef is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker. It should be incredibly tender and easily pull apart or slice like a brisket. Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.

crock pot corned beef

What If Your Corned Beef Doesn’t Include a Spice Packet?

Sometimes, corned beef briskets are sold without a spice packet. Don’t worry! You can easily create your own pickling spice blend. You can find pre-made pickling spice in the spice aisle of most grocery stores, or you can make a homemade version using these spices:

2 tablespoons coriander seeds
1 tablespoon mustard seeds
2 teaspoons peppercorns
1 teaspoon anise seeds
4 large bay leaves
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

To release their flavors, lightly toast the coriander seeds, mustard seeds, peppercorns, and anise seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Then, add the bay leaves and red pepper flakes, stirring for another 30 seconds. Lightly crush the spice mixture using a blender or food processor to release even more flavor. Use approximately 2 tablespoons of this homemade pickling spice blend for your corned beef.

Serving Suggestions and Delicious Leftover Ideas

This crockpot corned beef is fantastic served immediately with the cooked carrots, potatoes, and (if used) cabbage. For a classic pairing, consider serving it with a dollop of creamy horseradish sauce or mustard.

Leftovers are just as delicious! Corned beef is excellent for:

Reuben Sandwiches: Transform leftover corned beef into mouthwatering Reuben sandwiches.
Corned Beef Hash: Dice the corned beef and combine it with potatoes and onions for a hearty corned beef hash.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Corned Beef

What’s the best way to store leftover corned beef?

Store leftover corned beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can I use water instead of beef broth?

While beef broth enhances the flavor, you can use water if needed. Consider adding a beef bouillon cube or base to boost the savory flavor.

Can I overcook corned beef in a slow cooker?

Yes, although it’s forgiving, corned beef can become dry if overcooked. Stick to the recommended cooking time and check for tenderness around 8 hours. It should be easily shredded with a fork.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes! For a faster cooking method, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot. Refer to Instant Pot corned beef recipes for specific times and instructions.

Slow Cooker Corned Beef Recipe Card

Recipe From: Leigh Anne Wilkes

Enjoy tender and flavorful corned beef effortlessly made in your crockpot with this Pioneer Woman inspired recipe.

Serves: 8 people
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes

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Ingredients

1 (3-4 lb) corned beef brisket, flat cut, with spice packet
4 carrots, cut into pieces
8 small red potatoes, halved or quartered
1 onion, peeled and cut into chunks
4 cups beef broth
½ head cabbage, coarsely chopped (optional)

Instructions

Rinse corned beef brisket.
Place brisket in the slow cooker.
Add beef broth.
Sprinkle the meat with the seasoning packet.
Cook on low for 8-9 hours.
Add carrots and potatoes halfway through cooking.
If using cabbage, add it in the last hour of cooking.

Tips & Notes

For delicious leftovers, make Reuben sandwiches or corned beef hash.
You can also cook corned beef in an Instant Pot for a faster meal.

Recommended Products

Crock Pot Liner
Crock Pot Liner
Measuring Cups

Nutrition Facts:

*Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate only. Read full disclosure here.

Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Irish