Crock Pot Corned Beef

4.64 from 30 votes

Mar 09, 2020, Updated Jan 15, 2024

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This Crock Pot Corned Beef is cooked in Guinness beer, making it crispy, juicy, and simply mouthwatering. Throw in potatoes and carrots for an easy, hearty, and complete meal.

slow cooked corned beef sliced and served with potatoes and carrots

My Favorite Crock Pot Corned Beef Recipe

Now, I may not be Irish or Jewish – corned beef is common in both Jewish and Irish traditions – but I sure love to eat like I am! When I think of big family dinners, especially around St. Paddy’s Day, I automatically think of corned beef and cabbage! Corned Beef is a family favorite in my house, and I try to make it often. I especially like to prepare it in the Crock Pot because it’s easier, simple, and hands-off.

This also makes it great for serving at large celebrations because I can pop it in the slow cooker earlier in the day and ensure my house is tidy and the table is set when family and friends arrive. It also frees me up to host and enjoy the time with everyone and drink some Guinness!

overhead shot of slow cooked and sliced corned beef, and served with small potatoes and long carrots.

What is Corned Beef?

Corned beef is a way to describe a cooking technique typically used on the brisket cut of beef. With this technique, the beef is preserved through salt-curing. In this method, the beef cut undergoes curing in a brine solution infused with various spices, and it is gently simmered on low heat until the meat becomes exceptionally flavorful and tender.

When you purchase corned beef, it will likely come with a spice pack that includes bay leaves, peppercorns, and allspice. Some spice packs might include ginger or cinnamon. All of these spices are, of course, accompanied by lots of salt, FYI.

Why Make Corned Beef in a Crock Pot?

I am a huge fan of the ease of slow cooker meals like beef machaca and crock pot rump roast. While cooking corned beef in a traditional fashion on the stovetop is quite delicious and cozy, the crock pot is just so much easier. Since corned beef is meant to be simmered on low for a long time, it is perfect for cooking in the slow cooker. Once it is set in there, you can walk away for hours – or until it’s time to add the potatoes and carrots. And, when it’s done, you have a complete meal with a super simple cleanup.

Corned beef, carrots, and potatoes ready to cook in the crock pot.

Recipe Ingredients

Corned beef brisket with spice packet – These come in a bag and are usually kept in refrigerators at your local grocery store.
Light brown sugar – The sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors in the dish and enhances caramelization.
Garlic – Fresh garlic is used for extra flavor. If you only have garlic powder, that’s also okay to use.
Guinness beer – This Irish beer is used for that deep, rich flavor it adds to the dish and helps tenderize the meat.
Carrots – A classic vegetable that complements the corned beef and potatoes.
Baby potatoes – These will absorb the flavorful juices from the corned beef and beer.
Parsley – I use fresh parsley as a garnish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Corned Beef

Now, let’s look at the step-by-step process of making succulent crock pot corned beef, from preparing the meat to achieving that perfect tenderness. It’s a complete meal featuring meat, potatoes, and veggies all in one!

Prep: Place the corned beef, fat side up, into the slow cooker and season it with the spice packet. Then, sprinkle with brown sugar, and add the garlic and beer.
Cook: Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours.
Add: Remove the lid and add the carrots and potatoes. Cover and continue to cook for 2 to 3 more hours or until the corned beef is tender.
Rest: Take the corned beef out of the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it stand for 15 minutes before cutting. Then, thinly slice the corned beef against the grain.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve the beef with the carrots and potatoes.

cooked Corned beef in the crock pot with potatoes and carrots

Recipe Tips

If your corned beef is not browned on top, or if you like a bit more browning, put the beef under the oven broiler for a few minutes or until browned to your liking.
To add an extra layer of flavor and texture to the corned beef, consider searing it in a hot skillet before placing it in the slow cooker.
For a more traditional recipe, add freshly chopped cabbage 1 hour before the meat is done cooking.
Let the corned beef rest for about 15 minutes after cooking and before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.
Be sure to slice the beef against the grain for the most tender results.

Serving Suggestions

I enjoy my corned beef served with potatoes and carrots, but I also love corned beef with fried cabbage or a side of classic coleslaw.

You can always opt to mash the potatoes. The juices from the crock pot would be so yummy spooned over mashed potatoes!

If you are avoiding carbs, you can serve it alongside roasted vegetables instead.

Ideas For Using Corned Beef Leftovers

I look forward to reusing my corned beef leftovers, especially in a tasty Reuben sandwich! Another knock-your-socks-off idea is making a corned beef hash with your leftovers or this amazing Reuben casserole.

With leftover corned beef, you could also make a modified Cuban sandwich, try out a cool Irish taco recipe, or top your Irish nachos with leftover shredded corned beef.

Crock Pot corned beef sliced and served with potatoes and carrots.

Corned Beef FAQs

What is the best cut of meat to use?

The cut of beef used for corned beef is the brisket. The brisket is located in the front of the cow, toward the bottom, near the cow’s front legs. For corned beef, you can use a point cut or a flat cut. Point cut is typically cheaper and harder to find. It’s considered less attractive and often used if the meat will be shredded. The flat cut is much leaner than the point cut. This cut is easy to find in supermarkets and best for slicing. You could also choose the whole brisket, which will include both cuts.

How do I know when corned beef is done?

Corned beef is cooked through when the internal temperature registers at 145˚F. To ensure accurate results, I suggest using an instant read meat thermometer.

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4.64 from 30 votes