If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, this Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes Recipe is just what you need. Imagine tender, juicy corned beef that practically melts in your mouth, paired with perfectly cooked baby potatoes and carrots all simmered together in rich, flavorful broth. This dish transforms simple ingredients into a feast that’s both nostalgic and satisfying, with minimal effort thanks to your trusty slow cooker. Whether it’s for a festive family dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe brings warmth and deliciousness to your table every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this dish shine. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the earthy potatoes to the tangy apple cider vinegar, these simple staples come together for a timeless meal that’s incredibly easy to prepare.
- 3-4 lb corned beef brisket with seasoning packet: The star of the show, this brings a rich, salty, spiced flavor, essential for that classic taste.
- 1 lb baby carrots: Add sweetness and vibrant color while absorbing all those savory juices.
- 1 large onion, quartered: Provides a natural sweetness and depth of flavor as it softens during cooking.
- 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved: Creamy and tender, these soak up the broth and make every bite satisfying.
- 4 cups beef broth: Creates a rich, savory base that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that brightens and balances the dish perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Enhances richness and gives the vegetables a silky finish once served.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning to highlight all the natural flavors.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A pop of green freshness that adds visual appeal and a hint of herbal brightness.
How to Make Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Set up the Slow Cooker
Begin by placing your corned beef brisket in the slow cooker, fat side facing up. This ensures the fat slowly melts over the meat, keeping it juicy and tender throughout the long cooking process. Adding the seasoning packet that comes with the brisket right on top infuses the broth and meat with that traditional spiced flavor everyone loves.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Next, layer the baby carrots, quartered onion, and halved baby potatoes around and on top of the meat. These vegetables not only provide texture and color but also soak up the delicious cooking juices, turning them into tender bites brimming with flavor.
Step 3: Pour in Broth and Vinegar
Pour the beef broth and apple cider vinegar evenly over the meat and vegetables. The broth acts as the cooking liquid, keeping everything moist, while the vinegar introduces a subtle tang that brightens the whole dish without overpowering it. This balance is key to the classic Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes Recipe taste.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 8 to 10 hours. The patience pays off here—during this time, the corned beef becomes incredibly tender and the vegetables soften beautifully as they soak in the flavorful liquid. You’ll know it’s ready when the meat can be easily shredded with a fork.
Step 5: Rest and Slice
Once cooked, carefully remove the corned beef from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute so the meat stays moist when sliced. Cut the brisket against the grain for the most tender and flavorful slices.
Step 6: Serve with Love
Return the vegetables to the slow cooker if needed, give them a stir with the butter for extra richness, and place the sliced corned beef on a serving platter. Drizzle some of the cooking liquid over the top, garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering meal.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled over the dish adds a burst of color and a light, herbal contrast that lifts the savory flavors beautifully. You can also sprinkle a little freshly cracked black pepper for an extra touch of warmth and aroma.
Side Dishes
This hearty meal pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed greens like cabbage or kale. A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover juices and making sure no bite is wasted. If you want to keep things classic, creamy horseradish sauce alongside the meat adds a peppery kick that guests will adore.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes Recipe as a filling for sandwiches on rye bread with mustard and Swiss cheese. Alternatively, chop leftovers and layer them in a hash with eggs for a delicious brunch option. There’s something magical about this versatile recipe—that it tastes great on day one and beyond.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your meal, let the corned beef and vegetables cool to room temperature before transferring them into airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, leftovers will stay delicious for up to 3 to 4 days, giving you plenty of chances to enjoy this comforting dish again.
Freezing
If you want to keep the Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes Recipe longer, freezing is a great option. Portion the meat and vegetables into freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave out any fresh parsley garnish before freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator if possible. Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth to keep everything moist. Stir occasionally so the vegetables and meat heat evenly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Corned beef brisket is the ideal choice because it has the perfect fat content and texture to become tender with slow, moist cooking. Using other cuts might not yield the same melt-in-your-mouth result.
Do I need to add the seasoning packet?
The seasoning packet that comes with the corned beef is specially formulated with spices like mustard seeds, coriander, and bay leaves, which enhance the flavor of this Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes Recipe. You can add extra spices if you prefer a bolder taste.
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Yes! Just cut regular potatoes into even chunks to ensure they cook evenly and finish at the same time as the other ingredients. Yukon Gold or red potatoes work especially well here.
Is it necessary to add apple cider vinegar?
The apple cider vinegar adds a subtle acidity that balances the rich and salty flavors beautifully. If you don’t have any on hand, a squeeze of lemon juice or another mild vinegar can work as a substitute.
Can I cook this recipe on high in the slow cooker?
It’s best to cook the Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes Recipe on low heat to ensure the meat becomes tender and flavorful. Cooking on high might result in tougher meat and less evenly cooked vegetables.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes Recipe is pure comfort in a dish. It’s wonderfully simple to prepare, and the slow cooking process turns everyday ingredients into something truly special. If you’re looking to fill your home with mouthwatering aromas and your family’s plates with rich, tender goodness, give this recipe a try. It’s the kind of meal that invites smiles and seconds, every single time.
Print
Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Irish-American
Description
This classic Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes recipe delivers tender, flavorful corned beef paired perfectly with baby carrots, onions, and potatoes. Cooked low and slow in a savory broth with apple cider vinegar, this hearty dish is ideal for an effortless, comforting meal with minimal prep and maximum taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3–4 lb corned beef brisket with seasoning packet
- 1 lb baby carrots
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the corned beef brisket in the bottom of the slow cooker, fat side up, to allow the fat to baste the meat as it cooks.
- Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Sprinkle the seasoning packet over the brisket, then add the baby carrots, quartered onions, and halved baby potatoes evenly around the meat.
- Pour Cooking Liquid: Pour in the beef broth and apple cider vinegar evenly over the ingredients to infuse flavor throughout the cooking process.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, allowing the corned beef to become tender and easy to shred with a fork.
- Rest and Slice Meat: Once cooked, carefully remove the corned beef from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly against the grain for the most tender bites.
- Serve: Arrange slices of corned beef with the cooked potatoes, carrots, and onions on a serving platter. Drizzle some of the flavorful cooking liquid over the top, add butter if desired, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
- For best results, avoid removing the lid during cooking to maintain steady temperature and moisture.
- You can add cabbage wedges during the last 1-2 hours if desired for a traditional twist.
- If preferred, use regular potatoes chopped into chunks instead of baby potatoes.
- To reduce salt, rinse the corned beef brisket before cooking and omit or reduce added salt.
