Are you craving a melt-in-your-mouth corned beef brisket that practically falls apart at the touch of a fork? Look no further! This crock pot recipe delivers unbelievably tender, flavorful corned beef, perfect for St. Patrick's Day or any occasion when you want a truly satisfying and delicious meal. It's an easy recipe, ideal for busy weeknights, and requires minimal hands-on time – letting your slow cooker work its magic! This is one of the best recipes for healthy, homemade cooking that the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pound corned beef brisket (brine-cured, typically found near other meats in the grocery store)
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 12 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried mustard seeds (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Crock Pot: Place the onion quarters, carrots, celery, and garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker.
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Add the Brisket: Place the corned beef brisket on top of the vegetables.
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Add the Broth and Spices: Pour the beef broth and water over the brisket. Add the peppercorns, bay leaves, thyme, and mustard seeds (if using).
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Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the brisket is fork-tender. Cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your brisket.
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Shred the Brisket (Optional): Once cooked, remove the brisket from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. You can then shred it with two forks for easier serving, or slice it if you prefer.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the corned beef brisket with the cooking liquid (reduced for a richer flavor), alongside your favorite sides like boiled potatoes, cabbage, and crusty bread. It also makes amazing sandwiches!
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't rinse the brisket: The brine on the corned beef adds flavor. Simply pat it dry before placing it in the slow cooker.
- Skim the fat: After cooking, skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid before serving.
- Make it a complete meal: Add other vegetables like potatoes and cabbage to the slow cooker during the last hour or two of cooking for a complete one-pot meal.
- Use leftover liquid: The flavorful cooking liquid makes an excellent base for soup or gravy.
Delicious Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier corned beef.
- Add some sweetness: Include a couple of tablespoons of brown sugar or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
- Citrus Burst: Add orange or lemon slices along with the other vegetables for a brighter flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 350-400 (depending on serving size and added sides)
- Protein: High
- Fat: Moderate
This crock pot corned beef brisket recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are also easy recipes for quick dinner ideas. Enjoy this simple yet impressive meal, perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe will help you create a truly memorable culinary experience!