How to Cook Corned Beef Brisket in a Crock Pot

Cooking corned beef brisket in a crock pot is hands down one of the easiest ways to create a flavorful and tender meal with little effort. From my personal experience, the slow cooking process really makes the meat absorb all those rich seasonings, resulting in a fall-apart texture that’s perfect for any occasion.

 I’ve used this method for everything from St. Patrick’s Day meals to a cozy weekend dinner when I’m craving something hearty and comforting. Let me walk you through it!

Why Cook Corned Beef in a Crock Pot?

 I love using the crock pot for corned beef for a few simple reasons:

• The slow cooking process makes the meat incredibly tender, almost like it melts in your mouth.
• It requires minimal effort—once you have it set up, just leave it to work its magic.
• The beef absorbs all the seasonings, making it flavorful and juicy.
• It’s great for meal prepping or serving a crowd. Plus, I always have leftovers that taste even better the next day!

 

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3 lbs Corned Beef Brisket
• 1/2 cup Paprika
• 1/4 cup Garlic Powder
• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
• 1 tbsp Onion Powder
• 1 tbsp Black Pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Marinade:

 

In a bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, onion powder, and black pepper.

 

Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

 

Note: Do not add salt, as corned beef brisket is already cured and salty.

 

Marinate the Brisket:

 

Cover the entire surface of the corned beef brisket with the seasoning mixture.

Ensure all surface area is covered as much as possible, dabbing the sides to coat them well.

 

Slow Cook:

 

Place the marinated brisket into the slow cooker with the fat side up.

Cook on low for around 10 hours.

Finishing:

 

After 10 hours, remove the corned beef brisket from the slow cooker.

 

Turn it over and cut against the grain to serve.

 

The brisket should be very tender and soft.

 

Serving Suggestions

Corned beef is such a versatile dish, and here are a few classic side dishes that I love pairing with it:

• Slow-cooked corned beef and cabbage – the traditional way to go, and the cabbage soaks up all those delicious juices!
• Mashed potatoes or colcannon – I like them creamy and buttery, perfect for soaking up the flavors.
• Roasted or boiled carrots and potatoes – these vegetables add a nice balance to the salty richness of the corned beef.
• Horseradish sauce or mustard – I’m a big fan of mustard with my corned beef for a little extra zing.
• Rye bread or Irish soda bread – You can never go wrong with bread to soak up those tasty juices.

Leftover Ideas

Corned beef is great for leftovers! I’ve made some pretty delicious meals from the extra beef:

• Reuben Sandwiches – This is a go-to for me. Just pile up the corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing on rye bread.
• Corned Beef Hash – A hearty breakfast for the next day. Dice up the leftovers and fry them with potatoes and onions.
• Corned Beef Tacos – A fun twist, especially when paired with cabbage slaw and a tangy mustard aioli.

Final Thoughts

From my experience, cooking corned beef brisket in a crock pot is an incredibly easy way to get a flavorful, tender meal. I’ve made this countless times for different occasions, and I can honestly say it’s a go-to recipe when I want something comforting. The best part is that the crock pot does most of the work, so you can enjoy the flavors without worrying about constantly checking on it. It’s versatile too—you can enjoy it fresh, or turn it into amazing leftovers.

I’ve even made this dish ahead of time, and it tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Give it a try the next time you’re craving a delicious, stress-free meal! What’s your favorite way to enjoy corned beef? Let me know in the comments below—I’d love to hear your ideas!