Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef Recipe
Introduction
This Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef recipe turns a classic dish into a tender, flavorful meal with a sweet and tangy twist. Perfectly cooked in a slow cooker, it’s an easy and comforting option for any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. flat cut corned beef roast (ditch the spice packet)
- 2 tsp. cooking oil
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup yellow mustard
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse the corned beef and pat it dry thoroughly with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the cooking oil, coating the bottom of the pan. When the oil is hot, brown the corned beef on all sides to seal in the flavors.
- Step 3: Transfer the browned corned beef to your slow cooker.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup, yellow mustard, black pepper, and minced garlic cloves. Pour this sauce evenly over the corned beef in the slow cooker.
- Step 5: Cover and cook on LOW for 7 hours, resisting the urge to lift the lid during cooking to keep the heat steady.
- Step 6: Once cooked, serve the corned beef sliced with your favorite sides, such as mashed red potatoes, steamed carrots, and cabbage for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations
- For extra depth, add a few whole peppercorns or a bay leaf to the slow cooker along with the sauce.
- Swap yellow mustard for Dijon mustard if you prefer a sharper tang.
- Try adding chopped onions or carrots into the slow cooker for added flavor and texture.
- Using the flat cut corned beef ensures even cooking and tenderness throughout.
Storage
Store leftover corned beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm slices gently in a covered skillet or microwave to keep the meat moist. Leftover corned beef is also excellent in sandwiches or hash the next day.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use the spice packet that comes with corned beef?
This recipe skips the typical spice packet to avoid overpowering the maple mustard sauce. However, you can add some pickling spices if you prefer a traditional flavor.
What sides go best with slow cooker corned beef?
Classic sides include mashed potatoes, steamed cabbage, and carrots. Roasted vegetables or creamy coleslaw also pair well to balance the sweet and tangy flavors of the dish.
PrintSlow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef Recipe
This Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef recipe offers a tender and flavorful twist on the classic corned beef by combining sweet maple syrup and tangy mustard. The beef is first browned for added depth, then slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, garlicky sauce for a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth meal perfect for a cozy dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Corned Beef
- 3 lb. flat cut corned beef roast (ditch the spice packet)
- 2 tsp. cooking oil
Maple Mustard Sauce
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup yellow mustard
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
Instructions
- Prepare the Corned Beef: Rinse the corned beef under cold water to remove any excess brine, then pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure proper browning.
- Brown the Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the cooking oil, coating the bottom of the pan evenly. Once hot, sear the corned beef on all sides until it develops a deep brown crust, which helps enhance flavor and texture.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the browned corned beef roast into the slow cooker, setting the stage for a slow, tender cooking process.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, yellow mustard, black pepper, and minced garlic cloves until well combined. Pour this sauce evenly over the corned beef in the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the LOW setting for 7 hours. Avoid opening the lid during this time to maintain consistent heat and moisture, ensuring the meat becomes tender and infused with the sauce flavors.
- Serve: Once cooked, slice the corned beef against the grain and serve it with your choice of sides. Suggested sides include mashed red potatoes, steamed carrots, and cabbage for a classic and hearty meal.
Notes
- Remember to brown the corned beef first to lock in flavor and create a delicious crust.
- Do not use the spice packet that typically comes with corned beef, as the maple mustard sauce provides all necessary seasoning.
- Slow cooking on LOW heat is crucial for tender results; do not rush by cooking on HIGH.
- Let the meat rest a few minutes before slicing to retain juices.
- Pair with traditional sides like mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Keywords: slow cooker corned beef, maple mustard sauce, slow cooked meat, easy corned beef recipe, comfort food, slow cooker dinner
