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If you’re craving a meal that’s as comforting as a warm hug, look no further than this Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes Recipe. Packed with tender, juicy corned beef, sweet baby carrots, and buttery potatoes all slow-cooked to perfection, this dish brings together simple ingredients that create incredible depth of flavor. It’s low effort but delivers a hearty, satisfying meal that never fails to impress around the dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its beautifully basic ingredients, each carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture that make every bite memorable. These staples work together to create a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s straightforward yet indulgent.
- Corned beef brisket (3-4 lbs) with seasoning packet: The star of the dish, offering rich, tender meat full of savory spices.
- Baby carrots (1 lb): Adds a natural sweetness and firmness that holds up well in the slow cooker.
- Large onion (quartered): Brings a gentle sweetness and depth when slow cooked alongside the beef.
- Baby potatoes (2 lbs, halved): These tender, buttery bites perfectly soak up the flavorful cooking liquid.
- Beef broth (4 cups): Acts as the cooking base, infusing the meat and vegetables with savory richness.
- Apple cider vinegar (1/4 cup): Adds a subtle tang that brightens the dish and balances the richness of the beef.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Gently enriches the broth and adds silkiness to the vegetables.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A pop of green freshness to lift and decorate the final dish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Lay the Corned Beef in the Slow Cooker
Start by placing your corned beef brisket in the bottom of the slow cooker with the fat side facing up. This positioning allows the fat to slowly baste the meat as it cooks, keeping it incredibly moist and flavorful from start to finish.
Step 2: Add the Seasonings and Vegetables
Next, sprinkle the seasoning packet that comes with the brisket right over the meat. Then tuck in the baby carrots, quartered onion, and halved baby potatoes around and on top of the beef. These vegetables will slowly absorb the flavors from the meat and spices, becoming wonderfully tender and delicious.
Step 3: Pour in the Cooking Liquids
Gently pour the beef broth and apple cider vinegar over everything in the slow cooker. The broth creates the base for a savory cooking liquid while the vinegar adds a hint of acidity that perfectly balances the richness of the corned beef.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. This slow, gentle heat breaks down the tough fibers in the corned beef, transforming it into tender, juicy slices that practically melt in your mouth — pure comfort food magic!
Step 5: Rest and Slice the Corned Beef
When cooking is complete, carefully remove the corned beef and let it rest for a few minutes. Resting helps retain the succulent juices before you slice against the grain, ensuring each piece is tender and easy to enjoy.
Step 6: Serve with Vegetables and Broth
Arrange the sliced corned beef alongside the beautifully cooked baby potatoes, carrots, and onions. Spoon some of the flavorful cooking liquid over the top and add a pat of butter for richness. A sprinkle of fresh parsley brings a lovely finishing touch of color and freshness.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or a few whole sprigs add a burst of green and freshness, elevating the rustic appeal of this hearty dish. A pat of butter melting over the hot vegetables also adds a velvety finish that crowds will love.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to add some freshness and crunch. For something heartier, serve with crusty bread or a soft dinner roll to soak up all the delicious cooking juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family dinner, serve everything on a large platter to share and encourage everyone to pile their plates high. For a special occasion, plate slices of corned beef on a bed of mashed potatoes topped with the cooked vegetables and a drizzle of the cooking broth for an elegant touch that still captures all the homey goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover corned beef and vegetables store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for tasty next-day meals or sandwiches.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, place cooled corned beef and veggies in freezer-safe containers or bags. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Be sure to label and date for easy identification.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep everything moist and tender. Slow, gentle reheating preserves the integrity of the meat and vegetables without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Yes, you can substitute regular potatoes cut into chunks. Just keep in mind they may take slightly longer to cook through in the slow cooker, so adjust cooking times as needed.
How do I know when the corned beef is done?
The corned beef is perfectly cooked when it is fork-tender and shreds easily. This usually takes 8 to 10 hours on low, but you can check by inserting a fork to see if it pulls apart without resistance.
Can I prepare this recipe without the seasoning packet?
Absolutely! If you don’t have the packet, you can create your own blend with salt, peppercorns, bay leaves, mustard seeds, and coriander to replicate classic corned beef flavors.
Is it possible to cook this recipe on high heat?
You can cook on high for about 4 to 5 hours, but low and slow is the best way to ensure tender meat and fully cooked vegetables without drying out the brisket.
What can I do with leftover cooking liquid?
The cooking liquid is packed with flavor and can be used as a base for soups, gravies, or sauces. Strain the liquid and bring it to a simmer to reduce and concentrate the flavors for versatile use.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes Recipe is truly a labor-saving treasure that brings warmth and joy to your table with minimal fuss. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a cozy meal for yourself, its tender meat and perfectly cooked vegetables create a dish that’s impossible not to love. Give it a try and watch it become one of your go-to comfort foods!
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