Corned Beef: Why You’ll Love This
First things first, corned beef is a wonderfully versatile dish. Whether you’re looking to impress at a Sunday roast, or want an easy dinner that’ll leave enough leftovers for killer sandwiches, this recipe has got you covered.
1. It’s Easy!
With just a handful of ingredients like vinegar, bay leaves, brown sugar, and peppercorns, you can create an incredibly flavourful meal. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting — simply add your corned beef, cover with water, and let it simmer away.
2. It’s Foolproof!
One of the great things about slow-cooked corned beef is that it’s virtually impossible to mess up. As long as you cook it on low and let it sit for the recommended time, you’ll end up with tender, juicy beef every time. There’s no need to worry about it drying out or overcooking.
3. Packed With Flavour!
The mix of vinegar, brown sugar, and spices creates a balance of savoury, tangy, and slightly sweet flavours. The slow cooking process means the beef really absorbs all those spices, making it super tender and flavourful. You’ll be licking your lips by the end of it! 😋
Tips and Tricks
When making this recipe, it’s all about getting the best results with minimal effort. Here are some tips to ensure you nail it every single time.
1. Use the Right Cut
When shopping for your corned beef, look for a nice 1.5 kg piece. The brisket cut is ideal because it has enough fat to keep the beef tender as it cooks, but not too much that it turns greasy.
2. Low and Slow
While you can cook your corned beef on high for 4 hours, I highly recommend cooking it on low for 8 hours if you have the time. The longer, slower cooking process will make the beef even more tender, almost falling apart as you slice it. Trust me, the wait is worth it! ⏳
3. Spice It Up
Feel free to customise the spices to suit your taste. Add a couple of garlic cloves or a pinch of mustard seeds for extra flavour. The key is making sure the seasoning penetrates the meat deeply, so don’t be shy with those spices.
4. Don’t Skip the Rest
Once it is done cooking, let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, keeping it moist and tender.
Serving Suggestions for Your Corned Beef
Now that you’ve got the perfect corned beef, it’s time to think about how to serve it. Here are some of my favourite ways to enjoy this delicious, slow-cooked beauty.
Classic Veggie Combo: You can’t go wrong with a simple plate of corned beef, potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. I like to steam or roast the veggies while the beef is cooking, so everything is ready to go when the meat is done. Serve with a bit of mustard on the side, and you’ve got yourself a classic meal. 🥔🥕
Sandwiches: Got leftovers? Corned beef sandwiches are the ultimate next-day treat. Pile thin slices of beef onto crusty bread, add some sauerkraut, pickles, and a slathering of mustard or horseradish, and you’re in for a serious sandwich. Great for a quick lunch or a hearty snack! 🥪
Corned Beef Hash: One of my all-time favourites is turning leftover corned beef into a delicious breakfast hash. Dice up some potatoes and fry them until crispy, then toss in chunks of corned beef and top with a fried egg. It’s a winning way to start the day! 🍳
Other Recipes You Might Like
If you enjoyed this recipe you’ll love these:
Ready to give this corned beef recipe a go? I’d love to see your creations! Snap a pic and tag me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff. Let’s see your delicious results! 📸
Corned Beef
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Tender corned beef slow-cooked to perfection
Who doesn’t love a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth corned beef? Let’s make this old-school classic even easier by using your slow cooker. Just pop everything in, let it simmer away, and come back to the most flavourful, tender beef you’ve ever had. Perfect for a no-fuss family dinner!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place your beef in your slow cooker.
- Pour in enough water to cover the beef and add the rest of your ingredients – bay leaves, brown sugar, vinegar, cloves, and peppercorns.
- Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours, depending on how much time you’ve got.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 4hrs
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Slow cooker
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can! If you don’t have a slow cooker, simply place the beef in a large, oven-safe pot with all the ingredients, cover it with water, and bake at 150°C for about 4 hours. It won’t be as hands-off as the slow cooker, but it’s still a great option.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently to avoid drying out the meat.
Absolutely! You can add carrots, potatoes, and cabbage into the slow cooker during the last 2 hours of cooking. This way, they’ll soak up all that delicious flavour without getting too mushy. 🥬