Crispy Slow Cooker Corned Beef with perfectly juicy slices of beef and crispy crust! So easy and delicious, the only recipe you’ll ever use!
I’m creating my St. Patrick’s Day menu and of course it starts with a flavorful, tender corned beef. Using my slow cooker saves room in the oven for classic sides like Roasted Cabbage Steaks, Roasted Carrots, and Scalloped Potatoes.
Sabrina’s Crispy Slow Cooker Corned Beef
The magic of this Slow Cooker Corned Beef recipe is in the liquids. I normally say I don’t add any liquid when cooking meat in the crockpot, but in this case, the vinegar and the bay leaf need a helping hand. The little bit of water you’re using is a vehicle for your bay leaf and vinegar to help flavor the meat.
Recipe Card
Ingredients
- 3 pounds corned beef , with seasoning packet
- 1 cups water (maybe less depending on size of slow cooker)
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add corned beef, fat side up, to the slow cooker.
- Add the minced garlic, spice packet, sugar, and pepper to the top of the meat and rub on.
- Add the vinegar and bay leaf to the side of the corned beef and add just enough water to come up about 25% of the way to the top of the meat.
- Cook on low for 8-9 hours.
- If for some reason the corned beef is not browned on top, or enough to your liking, put under a broiler (6-7 inches away) for 1-2 minutes.
- Leave the oven door open a bit so you can look in, this isn't something you can leave unattended.
Nutrition
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Chef’s Note
Crispy Corned Beef has been a dish I have made year-round since I bought my deep freezer. Why, you ask? The large freezer lets me stock up during the “seasonu0022 when the beef is on sale so that I can enjoy the classic roast and leftover sandwiches all year long.
Table of Contents
Can this be made ahead of time?
Absolutely, cook the corned beef as usual in the slow cooker. Let it cool, transfer the corned beef to an airtight container with some of the liquid, and refrigerate up to 3 or 4 days.
How to Store
- Store: Store leftover beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 or 4 days.
- Reheat: Reheat gently over low heat, stirring often
- Freeze: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
- You can fill the cooker with water for a more traditional corned beef, but the texture will not become crispy if covered in liquid.
- Add cabbage, sliced carrots, onions, and potatoes to the cooker when there are about 2 hours left in the cooking time. The liquid from the beef will add a ton of flavor to the vegetables.
- For this recipe, you’ll want to buy beef with a seasoning packet. This may look like a lot of extra seasonings, but this beef gets its signature brined flavor from all the spices and vinegar, so use it up!
- If your corned beef or beef brisket is too fatty, cut some off before placing it in the crock pot. Leave a little bit, as this adds a lot of flavor to the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is possible to overcook beef in the crock pot, but usually when you cook on high versus low heat. Cooking low and slow for 9-10 hours gives the brisket plenty of time to cook, making it tender and juicy.
You can rinse corned beef, but it’s not a requirement. Rinsing the brisket removes excess salt from the meat, resulting in a milder flavor.
You can buy pre-brined corned beef or get a brisket and add the seasoning yourself. I like to go with a flat cut of brisket in the slow cooker, because it holds its shape better than a point cut and shrinks less in the pot. Due to the point cut having more fat, it can turn out more tender than a round cut. It’s a personal choice because, in the end, both are used for this dish.
Related Recipes
More Delicious Corned Beef Recipes
Photos used in previous versions of the post:
The texture was melt-in-your-mouth perfect but it was so salty it was almost inedible. The instructions say “You can rinse corned beef, but it’s not a requirement. Rinsing the brisket removes any excess salt from the meat, resulting in a more mild flavor. Or you can put the beef in the crock pot without rinsing at all.” I rinsed it, and can’t imagine the salt level if I hadn’t! I’m surprised no one else has complained about the saltiness of this recipe. I’ve since looked around for a “not to salty” slow cooker corned beef recipe and they recommend covering the meat all the way and then switching out the liquids part of the way into it, to help leach out the salt. Next time I’ll try that, and maybe not cover it all the way with the second batch of liquid to get it to a little crispy, but something needs to be done about the saltiness.
Oh no, it sounds like your was pumped full of salt. Glad everyone still enjoyed it.
Seven hours in (to a total nine hour cook time) I lifted the beef out and added potatoes and carrots to the crockpot. Put the beef back on top and added more liquid. Fifteen minutes before serving I threw in the coarse chopped cabbage.
Man, oh man, I will never cook my home-cured corned beef any other way!
Thanks for sharing your tasty recipe!
I’m so glad you loved it! I really appreciate the 5 stars.
Super! First time without my pressure cooker and it is delicious. I’m about to turn 83 years old and just learning to use my slo-cooker!
I’m so glad you decided to give it a try, Jean. 🙂
Delicious! Delicious! Delicious! I just took my first bite and had to come on here and say thank you for this recipe. I’m not usually the best in the kitchen but you made this recipe so easy for me to follow. I know my family is going to love it! 🙂
How awesome! I’m so glad you decided to give it a try. Thanks for the 5 stars.
I forgot to add that I tucked carrots around the sides of the corned beef. When the meat and carrots were done I set the crockpot on warm and added some of the water from the crockpot to water in a saucepan and cooked some potatoes and cabbage. Everything was wonderful.
I made this yesterday for St. Patrick’s Day. It was delicious! My husband just said that if corned beef is still on sale we should get more and freeze it so that we can have this again soon.
Thank you for sharing this easiest but the BESTEST slow cooker Corned Beef recipe!!!! It was SOOOOO GOOOOOD!!!!! We are having such a happy debating; Ruben sandwich OR Corned beef hash tonight with left over 🙂 Sabrina, your recipes NEVER disappoint me and you really teach me how to use crock pot, foodie way!!!
You really can’t go wrong either way! I’m so glad you’re loving all of the recipes.
WAY TOO SALTY!!!!!!!! I WILL NEVER MAKE THI RECIPE GAIN. HOWEVER, I MADE THE CABBAGE STEAK REIOE AND THAT WAS FANTASTIC!!!
Oh no! Next time you can rinse your corned beef to remove any excess salt from it. I’m glad you enjoyed the cabbage steaks though.
This was my first time making this recipe and I will make it again. It is easy and delicious. So good. I was out of fresh garlic, so I used garlic powder I added a bit because when I’m not using fresh the flavor doesn’t have as much kick. We tossed in cabbage and onions at the two hours left point and they were delicious. I served with mashed potatoes and herb glazed carrots.
So glad you enjoyed it, Sarah!
My family loves this recipe, but we find the cook time inaccurate. I just made a 3.5 lb brisket that got to 135 in under 3 hours. We always crisp under the broiler.
Are you supposed to keep the lid off the cooker?
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Sounds like your slow cooker runs warmer than mine but so glad you checked it. The lid is supposed to be left on while in the slow cooker.
Made this yesterday for St Patrick’s Day. It was amazing. Guests kept coming back for more. This recipe is a keeper!
Thanks for dropping by to let me know! I’m so glad you guys enjoyed it!
Sabrina – banging! This was simply the best corned beef I have ever made. And what could be better than a day of letting the crock pot do the work. This is a keeper!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for coming back to let me know!
I made this for st.patricks and it was the best I’ve ever made. I wanted a recipe that just didnt dump meat and veggies in the crock pot. The roasted potatoes and roasted cabbage steaks went beautifully with the beef. I did add carrots to the last 2 hours of cooking. Mmmm will make this recipe again & again.
I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Linda! Thanks so much for the 5 stars.
Really easy recipe and I think it’s the best/tastiest corned beef I ever made. I used Guinness instead of water. I also served a mustard sauce that everyone liked.
1 cup Greek yogurt
4 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Sounds amazing! So glad you enjoyed it.
If adding the veggies for final two hours, do you just toss them all on top/around the meat?
Yep 🙂 Enjoy!
Adding Water
Edit * I found your response in comments thanks!
“You want the liquid to cover the corned beef about a quarter of the way up from the bottom. For me, that was about a cup of water but you may need more or less depending on the size of your slow cooker.”
Can you clarify this statement, “…add just enough water to come up about 25% of the way to the top of the meat” , for me?
For example, a 2 inch thick corn beef brisket, is 25% of the meat submerged or 75% of the meat submerged?
This was the best corned beef we’ve ever had. I followed the recipe and directions exactly. It was so hard to stop nibbling at! Thank you for this keeper recipe.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Becky! Thanks for the 5 stars.
Good but did not turn out as tender as i wanted it. cooked for 9 hours on 1 1/2 slow cooker setting. Added the baby carrots at the 6 hour mark. Also made your oven roasted red potatoes recipe to go with it. Do you suggest “tenting” the corned beef before slicing
I’m so sorry but your question got caught in my spam filter. I’m glad yu enjoyed it but for next time, I probably would wait to add the carrots until around the 7 hour mark. Sounds like the beef just needed more time to cook by itself. I didn’t tent mine after coming out of the slow cooker but you can if you want it to stay warm if not serving right away.
This looks amazing! About how long should I cook a 4.5 lb corned beef flat brisket on low in slow cooker? Thank you!
Probably need about 9-10 hours on low. I hope you enjoy it!
I have a 5.5 lb corned beef. I want to cook it my slow cooker on low. When should I put it in and how long should I cook it.
I would recommend cooking it on low 9-10 hours.
Any suggestion on converting this recipe to an instant pot?
I’ve never tested it before so I’m not comfortable giving a recommendation. I’m sure you could find an instant pot online recipe using similar ingredients to follow as a guideline. Sorry.
Did you use brown sugar or white sugar?
White 🙂
Made this crispy corned beef with a 3.5 lb flat cut, and followed recipe to the letter with exception of cooking an hour longer. It was fantastic, and the best I’ve ever had. The topping on the corned beef made the dish exceptional. Thanks for the recipe!
So glad you enjoyed it!
This looks amazing as I love the idea of a crispy crust and want to make. The size of my brisket is just over 7 lbs. Can I just double the ingredients? Assume cooking time would be longer? I need to cut meat in half?
I would recommend cutting it in half as it would probably be too big for your slow cooker and not cook thoroughly. Enjoy!
Hello Sabrina,
I’m French and i’m sorry for my english !
I would like to do your corned beef recipe, it looks so DELICIOUS !!!
I have all the ingredients but I don’t see if i can add salt ?
Thank you very much for your help.
No need to add any salt. The brisket already has salt in it. I hope you enjoy it!
This was the best corned beef I have ever had ` tender and tasty.
So glad you loved it!
Made the slow cooker corned beef and it was out-of-this-world delicious!!!!! It’s a keeper!!!!
So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the review!
Are you using brisket or corned beef in this recipe? If brisket, does it need to be brined before? If so what brining method do you use?
I used corned beef for this recipe.
I have always used a recipe that calls for apple cider, or apple juice, rather than water. Can I still do that in this recipe? Also, may I use light brown sugar, rather than white sugar?
Sure 🙂
Excellent corned beef! Had to take away and refrigerate a portion in order to have enough to make Reuben sandwiches for tomorrow or my husband would have eaten it all! Will definitely make again. Thanks for sharing!
Haha, it’s hard to pull me away from it too!
Looks delicious! I am trying this recipe today! Is there a substitute for the bay leaf? Will it be okay without?
You can use dried thyme or oregano as a substitute. Enjoy!
This looks so good! I am a meat eater & it needs to be very tender. Can you rub on the seasoning & let the corned beef or brisket marinate in the refridgerator for a few hours or overnight? Thanks!
Yes 🙂 Enjoy!
I made this last year and I will never go back to boiling! Fantastic! I had always wondered how some of the famous New York delis got such juicy, tender, flavorful corned beef. Thank you for sharing!
You’re so welcome, Nancy!
Have you tried this method with regular (un-corned) beef brisket? I’d love to hear your seasoning recommendations. Would you still use vinegar?
You can use this recipe for beef brisket:https://dinnerthendessert.com/easy-beef-brisket-recipe/
Enjoy!
This is the best corn beef that I have EVER ate! I sauteed Thailand cabbage with white onion and had that on the side with white rice. It tasted so good that my daughter and son-in-law called me back later that night and asked for corn beef and cabbage next week. I will be preparing this corn beef again and yes, I slow cooked it for 9 hours. What a tender and succulent piece of meat! Yum!
Yay!! So glad you all enjoyed it!
Looks tasty. One question; does “just enough water to come up about 25% of the way to the top of the meat” mean the liquid level is 25% above the bottom of the crock pot or 25% below the top of the meat?
In other words, should about 75% of the side of the beef be above the liquid? Or only the upper 25% is above the liquid. Thanks.
75% of the meat will be above the liquid. Hope this helps to clarify. Enjoy!
Hi! I have made my corned beef in the slow cooker for several years now. However, instead of water, I have used apple cider or apple juice. Could I still do that in this recipe? I’m also wondering if that would omit adding the vinegar. I’ve honestly never heard of crispy corned beef! I am dying to try it!
Of course but just know that it will produce a sweeter taste. I hope you enjoy it!
+Why can we not print this recipe?
I just tested the print button on the recipe card and it works fine on my end. Maybe it was a glitch. Sorry about that.
Been looking for a really good corned beef slow cooked recipe.. BAM. I found it. The best corned beef ever. Made sandwiches. THEN I made a Shepard’s pie with some corned beef. Amazing. Topped with garlic mashed potatoes. To die for. Took your advice, bought a few (4) extra. Thanks for the ultimate corned beef slow cooked recipe.
Wow, that’s a huge compliment! Thank you so much!
I just want to let you know I love this recipe. Although, we use beer instead of water.
NEVER thought I could get a crispy corned beef out of a crock pot but I did w/this recipe. I cooked on low for just over 10 hours and didn’t need to broil it. I substituted honey for sugar and all was good (as I suspected it would be). Would DEFINITELY make again!
So glad you took a chance and decided to try!
Delicious! This so the best corned beef I ever made. My family loved it. So easy too.
Sounds a winner to me, Tara! Thanks for the 5 stars.
What just happened in my kitchen? WOW. This recipe was great, to say the least. Thank you! What an awesome way to ring in the New Year with my kitchen smelling so good. I think a tradition has just begun. Today, leftovers made yummy sandwiches!
Yay!! Happy new year!
This is the best I’ve had. The fat was crisp and the meat was juicy. I will never make it another way. Oh and the crispy cabbage was bomb!! Made it tonight and not a bit was leftover.
Sounds like a winner to me! So glad you enjoyed it!
Is this done with thawed corned beef? Or could I do it frozen?
Needs to be 100% thawed.
What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar? Can I substitute something else?
I haven’t tested them using this recipe but most of the time you can substitute with lemon or lime juice. You can also try white wine but you’ll want to double it. Let me know if you decide to try something different and how it turned out. Good luck!
Looks yummy! I want to try this but it’s my first time. So I would be buying ready to cook corned beef that’s vacummed sealed with brine?
Yes, you can use that. 🙂
Love this dish. Made it multiple times and its been amazing each time!
Quick question tho… can you trim off some of the fat before adding the brisket to the slow cooker? Or will it become to dry?
I would leave it as it adds to the flavor while cooking down.
I’m so glad to hear you loved it!!
Some of the best corned beef I’ve had. And so easy. Thank you. I used white wine vinegar when didnt have apple cider variety
So glad you enjoyed it Dawn! Thanks for the 5 stars!