Craving a melt-in-your-mouth corned beef brisket but dreading a day-long kitchen ordeal? Fear not! This crock pot recipe delivers all the tender, flavorful goodness of traditional corned beef, but with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness. Get ready for a truly satisfying and easy recipe perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight dinner. This healthy meal is also a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pound corned beef brisket (brine-cured, usually found near the deli section of your grocery store)
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (12 ounce) bottle of beer (dark beer recommended, but any will work!)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Remove the corned beef brisket from its packaging. Rinse it under cold water to remove any excess salt. Pat it dry with paper towels.
Building Flavor in the Crock Pot:
- Place the chopped onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Place the corned beef brisket on top of the vegetables.
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, mustard, beer, beef broth, bay leaves, peppercorns, and thyme. Pour this mixture over the brisket.
Slow Cooking Perfection:
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your brisket and your slow cooker. You should be able to easily shred the beef with a fork when it's done.
Serving Suggestions:
- Once cooked, remove the brisket from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
- Skim off excess fat from the cooking liquid. You can use this flavorful liquid as a delicious base for a cabbage dish or mashed potatoes, creating a truly complete and satisfying meal.
- Slice the brisket against the grain and serve it on your favorite bread with a side of your preferred vegetable and gravy made from the cooking juices. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a few sprigs of fresh dill or rosemary to the slow cooker along with the other seasonings.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cooking liquid for a touch of heat.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve the corned beef with boiled potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. This is a classic combination that enhances the rich, savory flavors of the corned beef. This is a perfect example of quick dinner ideas prepared at home.
- Leftovers? Corned beef brisket makes fantastic sandwiches! It also freezes well, so you can enjoy this delicious meal again later.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information will vary depending on the size of your brisket and the specific ingredients used. It is best to use a nutritional calculator for precise information after plugging in your particular measurements. However, generally, you can expect a serving to be relatively high in protein and sodium (due to the brining process) with moderate fat content. This makes it a filling meal but should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
This recipe for crock pot corned beef brisket is a testament to the power of simple, delicious food. It's a fantastic example of a healthy meal, achievable with easy recipes and homemade cooking, creating a truly delightful and satisfying dinner. Enjoy!