Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this delicious corned beef recipe, slow-cooked to perfection in a Dutch oven. This method yields incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth corned beef, brimming with rich savory goodness. Forget complicated recipes and long cooking times; this is your ticket to a fantastic, homemade meal that's perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner. It's a true testament to the magic of simple ingredients and slow cooking.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pound corned beef brisket (brine-packed, with seasoning packet)
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 cups beef broth or water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh thyme sprigs, or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Remove the corned beef from its packaging. Rinse it gently under cold water, patting it dry with paper towels. This removes any excess salt and helps achieve even cooking. Save the spice packet included with most corned beef – we’ll use that later!
Slow Cooking in the Dutch Oven:
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Place the quartered onion, chopped carrots, and celery in the bottom of your Dutch oven. Add the smashed garlic cloves, peppercorns, mustard seeds, and bay leaf on top of the vegetables. This creates a flavorful base for your corned beef.
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Place the corned beef brisket on top of the vegetable mixture. Now it's time to add some extra flavor! Sprinkle the contents of the seasoning packet over the corned beef and add the brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce.
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Pour the beef broth (or water) into the Dutch oven, ensuring the liquid comes about halfway up the sides of the brisket. If using fresh thyme, add the sprigs now.
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Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, reduce heat to low, cover the Dutch oven, and transfer to a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C).
Cooking Time and Checking for Doneness:
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Cook for approximately 3-4 hours, or until the corned beef is fork-tender. The cooking time depends on the thickness of your brisket. To check for doneness, use a fork to gently pierce the thickest part of the meat. It should be very tender and easily pull apart.
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Once cooked, remove the corned beef from the Dutch oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your delicious corned beef with your favorite sides! Classic pairings include boiled potatoes, steamed cabbage, and crusty bread. The cooking liquid can also be strained and used as a flavorful base for a delicious soup or gravy.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a splash of Guinness or other dark beer to the cooking liquid.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it a complete meal: Add potatoes and carrots directly to the Dutch oven during the last hour of cooking.
- Leftovers: Store leftover corned beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It's even better the next day!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: High
- Fat: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Low
This corned beef recipe is a delicious and easy way to create a satisfying meal that your family will love. The slow cooking method in a Dutch oven ensures a wonderfully tender and flavorful result, making this a truly satisfying meal for any occasion. Enjoy!