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If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that practically cooks itself, you have to try this Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes Recipe. The magic of slow cooking melds the savory, tender corned beef with sweet baby carrots and creamy potatoes, all infused with rich broth and a hint of tangy apple cider vinegar. It’s the kind of dish that fills your home with irresistible aromas and your table with warmth, perfect for sharing with family or friends on a relaxed day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes Recipe lies in its simplicity — every ingredient plays a crucial role in building deep flavor and comforting textures without any fuss.
- Corned beef brisket (3-4 lb): The star of the dish, chosen for its perfect marbling that becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after slow cooking.
- Seasoning packet: Often included with corned beef, it adds the signature spices that make this dish unmistakably delicious.
- Baby carrots (1 lb): Sweet and tender, they complement the salty meat with a natural pop of color and flavor.
- Large onion, quartered: Adds subtle sweetness and depth as it cooks down alongside the meat and vegetables.
- Baby potatoes (2 lbs), halved: Creamy and hearty, these soak up the savory broth for a perfect bite every time.
- Beef broth (4 cups): Creates a rich cooking liquid that infuses the entire dish with savory goodness.
- Apple cider vinegar (1/4 cup): Adds a bright, tangy balance that lifts the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Enriches the cooking liquid for a silky finish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For a fresh, herbal garnish that adds a lovely color contrast when serving.
How to Make Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker and Meat
Start by placing your corned beef brisket in the slow cooker, fat side facing up to let the fat render down and keep the meat tender. This layer of fat helps baste the beef as it cooks, ensuring rich flavor and moistness.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Vegetables
Sprinkle the seasoning packet evenly over the brisket, then scatter baby carrots, quartered onion, and halved potatoes around and on top of the meat. These ingredients soak up the delicious meaty juices, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures by the end of cooking.
Step 3: Pour in Cooking Liquids
Pour beef broth and apple cider vinegar over everything in the slow cooker. The broth provides a savory base, while the vinegar brings a subtle brightness that cuts through the richness of the corned beef and butter.
Step 4: Slow Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker and let everything cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. Patience is key here—the long cooking time gently breaks down the corned beef to tender perfection while infusing the vegetables with flavor, so be ready for a truly satisfying meal.
Step 5: Rest and Slice the Corned Beef
When done, carefully remove the corned beef from the cooker and let it rest a few minutes; this helps the juices redistribute. Then, slice the meat against the grain for maximum tenderness and the best eating experience.
Step 6: Serve it Up
Bring everything to the table—the sliced corned beef, tender potatoes, carrots, and onions—and drizzle some of the rich cooking liquid over the top. This simple step ties the whole dish together with extra moisture and flavor.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds not only a pop of cheerful green but also a fresh, herbal note that balances the hearty, savory flavors beautifully. You can also add a few cracked black pepper flakes for a subtle kick if you like.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes Recipe is filling on its own but pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides. Think a simple green salad with vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or even crusty bread to soak up all the glorious juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the corned beef sliced thick on a platter surrounded by the cooked vegetables and drizzle with some mustard or horseradish sauce on the side. You could also transform leftovers into sandwiches or hash, making your efforts stretch beyond just one meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from the Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to deepen, making for delicious next-day meals.
Freezing
If you want to save even longer, place the cooked corned beef and vegetables in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag. Frozen, it will maintain quality for up to 3 months—perfect for meal prep or hurried nights.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to prevent drying out. Slow and steady reheating helps keep the meat tender and vegetables moist without losing that cozy, home-cooked feel.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely! Just chop regular potatoes into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly alongside the meat and carrots. Yukon gold or red potatoes work especially well for their creamy texture.
Do I need to add the seasoning packet included with the corned beef?
Using the seasoning packet is recommended for authentic flavor, but if you’d prefer, you can substitute with your own blend of pickling spices such as mustard seeds, bay leaves, and peppercorns for a personalized touch.
What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar? Can I leave it out?
You can use white vinegar or skip the vinegar altogether, but it does add a nice bright note that balances the richness. Without it, the dish will still be tasty but slightly less tangy.
How do I know when the corned beef is done?
The best way is to check if it’s fork-tender and easily shredded. The long slow cook time usually ensures this, but if it resists, give it another hour or so until perfectly tender.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Yes, you can scale up ingredients, but make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased volume for even cooking. If not, consider cooking in batches or using two slow cookers.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser — simple to make yet bursting with irresistible flavor and comfort. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for any day when you want to impress with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become one of your treasured go-to dinners.
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Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours 0 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Irish-American
Description
A classic Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes recipe that combines tender, flavorful corned beef brisket with baby carrots, onions, and potatoes. Cooked low and slow with beef broth and apple cider vinegar, this comforting meal is perfect for an easy, hands-off dinner with minimal prep.
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 with the fat side facing up, ensuring even cooking and flavor.
- Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Sprinkle the seasoning packet that came with the corned beef over the brisket. Then add baby carrots, quartered onion, and halved baby potatoes evenly around the meat.
- Add Liquids: Pour 4 cups of beef broth and 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar over the corned beef and vegetables to provide moisture and enhance flavor during cooking.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours until the corned beef is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
- Rest and Slice the Beef: Remove the corned beef from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes. Then slice against the grain to retain tenderness.
- Serve: Plate the sliced corned beef alongside the cooked potatoes, carrots, and onions. Drizzle with some of the flavorful cooking liquid and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Cooking times may vary depending on slow cooker model; start checking at 8 hours for tenderness.
- For a richer flavor, consider searing the brisket before placing it in the slow cooker (optional).
- Use baby potatoes for even cooking and easy serving; halving helps speed their cooking time.
- Adjust seasoning of salt and pepper at the end if desired, as the seasoning packet can be salty.
- Leftover corned beef can be used in sandwiches or hash the next day.
