Crock Pot Corned Beef

This post was originally published in March 2019 and has been updated.

Corned Beef is a delicious St. Patrick's Day tradition. This crock pot version is fuss-free and yields perfectly tender and flavorful corned beef every time.

corned beef on a platter with potatoes and carrots

Corned Beef is always on the menu in our house at this time of year. It's a St. Patrick's Day staple that my family craves.

Table of Contents show

Why you will love this

This recipe is so easy and fuss-free. A crockpot or slow cooker is the easiest way to cook corned beef. A simple seasoning and several hours on low will give you perfectly tender results every time.
Cook once, eat twice! I often cook two corned beef briskets - one to enjoy sliced with my favorite sides, and the other one to enjoy another day in other recipes.
Leftovers are so versatile and even more delicious! Use the corned beef in Corned Beef Hash, Corned Beef Hash Frittata, Reuben sliders, Reuben Quesadillas, or Reuben nachos.

Is beef brisket the same as corned beef?

No, beef brisket is sold raw, while corned beef is a brisket that has been cured in a brined. The salty brine preserves the corned beef's signature pink/reddish color. Beef brisket that has NOT been brined will be sold as "brisket", not as "corned beef".

Buying corned beef

Corned beef is most commonly sold in two cuts - point cut and flat cut. The point cut is fattier and more uneven in thickness. This cut is good for shredding. The flat cut is more uniform in thickness so it is ideal for slicing. The flat cut is also leaner. Both cuts are delicious and I have cooked both many times. I tend to prefer the flat cut for the uniform slices that I can get from it.

ingredients - corned beef brisket, spices, and onion

Seasonings

Packages of corned beef often include a spice packet which adds great flavor in a pinch. I love to use a homemade spice blend of minced garlic and onion, coriander, thyme, cloves, ground mustard, and black pepper. Layering the meat on a bed of onions infuses more flavor.

Instructions

In the bottom of the crock pot or slow cooker, add a large, sliced onion.
Rub the spice mixture over all sides of the corned beef brisket. Lay the brisket on top of the onions.
Set the crock pot to low and cook for approx. 6-8 hours until the meat is fork-tender. The actual cooking time will vary depending on the slow cooker and the size of the corned beef brisket.
Remove the brisket to a cutting board and allow it to cool slightly before slicing. Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container.

Serving

Corned beef is typically served with cabbage and often potatoes or carrots. I prefer to serve it with roasted potatoes and carrots - try Maple Ginger Carrots or Honey Thyme Carrots.

Tips

Be sure to use corned beef brisket. Brisket that has been brined will be labeled "corned beef brisket".
Rinse the corned beef before adding it to the crock pot. Since the beef is cured in a brine, rinsing it will help to control the amount of salt. (This is optional.)
Corned beef will still have a pink hue when fully cooked. The best test of doneness is fork-tenderness.
Cook on low (not high) to ensure tender results.
Slice the meat against the grain for the most tender bite.

Faq's

Does corned beef need to be covered with water in a slow cooker?

No, the brisket has plenty of fatty moisture that will slowly baste itself while it cooks. You can add ½-3/4 cup water or beef broth if desired, but it isn't necessary.

How do you know when corned beef is done in the slow cooker?

When fully cooked, the corned beef should be fork-tender. If you can pull off a corner easily without a knife, it's done. The cooking time is just a guide, not a hard and fast rule. If the meat is tough, it needs to cook longer. Corned beef should reach a temperature of 160 degrees.