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:
This was the most tender corned beef I’ve ever made. Thanks for sharing.
It came out great! It was done in 8 hours, actually. I put it in the slow cooker at 10. We had a concert to go to at 5pm, and it only lasted an hour. When we got home, the slow cooker was blinking at me to let me know it was warming the food. I guess it can sense when it’s done? I dunno. Anyway, it was delicious. I put in some carrots and potatoes with it. It was all very yummy.
I’m glad you all enjoyed it, Suzanne.
Your recipe first says to cook it for 9-10 hours, but then in the actual recipe instructions it says 8-9 hours. I put mine in at 10, and I hope it’s done by 7:30. We have a concert to go to at 5, and I don’t know how long it will take, but we should be home by then. I’ll let you know how it goes! I had to make a few adjustments because we’re still going to grocery stores and the InstaCart person did not come at 11 as instructed, so I couldn’t put in garlic or bay leaf. I used a lot of garlic powder and some other seasonings, so I hope it’s OK.
This was exceptional – great flavor and texture! Reminded us of classic and legendary deli back home. My only substitute was “sugar in the raw” for regular sugar and added a couple extra bay leaves. Made corned beef hash with leftovers! Will definitely be our go to!
Made it per the recipe and it was awesome. Making again this week with cabbage. Used today’s for Rubens’. So tender and tasty…
The leftovers to make Rubens are always a perk to this recipe. Glad you enjoyed it, Randy.
In our home when it’s your birthday you get to choose your special dinner menu. Our youngest daughter’s birthday is March 15th so naturally she has picked corned beef as her special meal for every birthday that I remember. She just turned thirty. That’s a lot of corned beef! I have made it MANY different ways but by far your recipe is hands down THE best! Thank you! I won’t be hunting for a recipe for corned beef ever again- yours is it:)
You just made my day, Heidi! Glad the birthday girl had a great dinner.
This turned out amazing. Mine didn’t get crispy on top but it was fall apart delicious! My first corned beef!
This was absolutely delicious, thank you so much for this recipe!!! So flavorful! I won’t cook corned beef any other way now:)
This was delicious. I don’t have much experience cooking corned beef and followed the directions exactly except for the crisping up part because my broiler is not working. It was a huge hit! My husband said it was the best he had ever tasted. He seemed genuinely shocked that I made it! The leftovers warmed up very well a d were delicious on the second night too. Thank you!
I’m glad you decided to give this a try and it was such a hit, Susan. Thanks for the 5 stars.
Easy to follow recipe. My corned beef turned out beautifully cooked at eight hours. Added cabbage at six hours and was amazed at how wonderfully it cooked/steamed – probably the best cabbage I’ve ever had. I fact, I will be using the combo of spices to cook/steam cabbage in the future.
My first time making corned beef, my 90 year old grandmother was craving it for St Patrick’s Day and I gave this recipe a try. It turned out perfectly, she said it was the best she ever tasted. I rinsed the brisket before cooking and added some mustard and Worcestershire to the seasoning, it was moist, and delicious. Thanks for the recipe!
I have been making the same corned beef recipe for almost 25 years. It always turned out really good but i never loved it. I made this version yesterday and it turned out absolutely delicious! The best I’ve ever had by far. Plus everyone in my house scarfed it down! The old recipe is going in the trash. Thank you!
Wow!! Thanks so much for the rave review, Danny. I’m honored!
Absolutely delicious!!!
This was delicious! Thank you. The family loved it and it was super easy. I didnt have a spice packet..so just looked up what was in it and made my own. Will absolutely make this again!
OMG! Excellent! Made it exactly as written, and it’s the best corned beef I have ever had. Got an excellent from my husband as well. We saved a small portion of the brisket which was actually difficult to do so we could make Rueben sandwiches this weekend. Corned beef will not just be for St. Patricks Day anymore….Delicious! Thank You:)
Too good to keep it for just the holiday! So glad you enjoyed it, Cindy.
WOW! This was absolutely perfect! Super tender, super flavorful! Added potatoes and carrots at the time you recommended. I see why people raved about this and I join them in saying I’ll never make corned beef any other way again! I didn’t crisp the top in the broiler but I will next time. Thank you for a fantastic recipe!
Wow! I’ve tried corned beef in the slow cooker every year and this was my last hurrah attempt before I just started ordering it from a restaurant since it always turns out dry. I was skeptical bc it was so simple, but Omg. This was spectacular Absolutely moist and perfect!! My husbands. Not a huge fan of corned beef and usually drowns it in mustard. Not this time!! He went back for thirds. I used your cabbage recipe too which went amazing with it. Yum! I’ll be making this every year
There is no need to make corned beef any other way – this was amazing! I used an almost 4 pound flat cut since that’s all my store had and followed the recipe exactly and rinsed it well. Since I was making colcannon with cabbage I put the meat over a bed of carrots and onions and also added an extra sprinkle of pickling spice and cooked for a little over 9 hours. The flavor and texture of the meat was perfect – I think adding the juices would have been too salty. The only thing I may do next time is sear the fatty side first for extra crunch. My fiancé who does not typically like corned beef has already asked me to make this again! Amazing!!!
Glad we converted your fiancé into loving it!!
This was amazing!
I stuck it under the broiler 550* for 5 minutes. So tasty. I will always use this recipe.
Thank You ! It was very good and cooked well. Why the vinegar? We like pickled things but didn’t care for the vinegar tone to the corned beef.
I have a “hand me down” crockpot that’s probably at least 20-25 years old. Your recipe is perfect. And if you follow directions and not add too much liquid it’s absolutely perfect! I’ve made it twice now ? Slightly crispy on top and all around juicy. Great recipe, thanks!
Thanks, Serbs.
I have to say… this recipe was delicious! I have never liked corned beef, I usually only eat the veggies. Well, today I made this for St Patrick’s Day and enjoyed every bite! This recipe is a keeper. I had to broil the meat for a few minutes to crisp it up, but it was still really juicy.
Delicious, the best Corned Beef I have ever had! Great recipe!
Ive always made my corned beef in the oven, cooking low and slow, but gave this recipe a try due to my last two being too dry. This was the absolute BEST corned beef EVER!! Crisped the top under the broiler and was amazed with the crust…never would have thought of that. Super tender, juicy and full of flavor…cut like butter. Everyone raved with every single bite! Thank you so much for sharing!!
The best corned beef I ever made! Was skeptical about cooking on low in the crockpot but definitely made it nice and moist! Sliced up great without shredding up. Used brown sugar instead of white and broiled at the end to crisp up the top. Thank you for the great recipe!
You’re welcome, Donna.
My husband and I just finished our St. Paddy’s day meal. This is by far the best corn beef recipe. Unfortunately, no left overs!
No leftovers is a good sign!!
This was amazing. It will be my go to corned beef recipe from now on. I want to try the cabbage steaks next year. I wouldn’t change a think with this recipe. It was perfect!
Thanks for the 5 stars, Teresa.
The most fantastic corned beef I have ever eaten in my 76 years!!
Loved the crispness on the top. Very moist and tender. Grew up on boiled corned beef, cabbage etc. never my favorite
I roasted cabbage steaks, and baby red potatoes and carrots that I tossed with a bit of olive oil, finely minced garlic, fresh thyme, s&p. The meal got rave reviews. This recipe is a keeper!! So many thanks for such an easy and delicious new recipe for our St Paddy’s Day tradition
Wow!! Thanks for the rave review and the 5 stars, Betsy.
Wow, I thought my other recipes were the best; but we just had the very best!
Thank you for sharing this recipe and making it so clear.
Excellent recipe!!! I rinsed the meat well before putting in the slow cooker. It came out so tender and the seasoning was great. I did broil a few minutes to give the top an extra crispness. It was perfect.
Amazing! Simply the best corned beef!
Thanks, Anne.
Do I cut the red potatoes before putting in crockpot?
I cut mine in half before adding. Enjoy!
Hi! Cooking this now on low. I have the same crock pot as the first one you linked to. After about 3.5 hours it’s already at 150 degrees internal temperature. I’m worried it’s going to dry out! Should I turn it off or leave it be?
Go by whatever your thermometer reads. That’s the most accurate to follow.
I have been making this recipe for several years now! I follow the instructions to a “T” and I must say, this is absolutely AMAZING!! You need to try it for yourself! Way better than the traditional instructions!
Thanks, Sammi. I’m glad to know it a favorite of yours.
I’m making today and wondering if you ever put potatoes in with this recipe? Or carrots?
I usually make them separate so it allows the corned beef to crisp up. If you’d like to add them, I’d recommend this recipe:
https://dinnerthendessert.com/slow-cooker-corned-beef-dinner/
Hands Down…. The Best….. To give it a bite I added 1-1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper. I won the Corned beef cook off last Saturday… Thanks for sharing…
Ugggh there is no flavour pack in my corned beef. What do I do??
You can usually find a spice blend in the spice aisle of your grocery store.
How do you incorporate vegetables (carrots, onions, cabbage) with this recipe? If I put them on top of the beef for the last couple hours will that affect the crispiness? Thanks.
It will but it’ll still be delicious!
Going to give it a try today!?Happy St Patty’s Day Everyone!?? I will let you know how we liked it.
How many ounces are in the spice packet or how many ounces of spices would you put on the beef?
It’s really a personal preference. I think most packets contain about 1/2 -1 ounce of spice blend.
Wow my first time making a corned beef and this turned out great! I did use 2 bay leaves. It’s great!
One of the most tender corned beef I have ever made! Definitely recommend putting in the oven/broiler for the last 6-7 minutes
Hi,
I have a little over 4 pounds of corned beef. Should I change the cooking time at all?
I recommend using a meat thermometer to check for doneness, cooked to at least 145 degrees F
I’m planning to make this tonight! How did you prep the cabbage that is pictured in your beautiful photos of this recipe? I’m at a loss with the idea of not cooking the cabbage and potatoes all together in the slow cooker with the meat!
Here’s the direct link for the recipe for cabbage steaks. So easy, you won’t believe it!
https://dinnerthendessert.com/crispy-roasted-cabbage-steaks/
I don’t see what goes into the spice packet??? Can you please advise? Thank You!
Spice packets can vary by brand but most have coriander, peppercorns, mustard seeds, anise seeds, bay leaves, and red pepper flakes. You can also find pre-made bottles of the spice blend in your spice aisle at your grocery store. Good luck!
Can I cook meat on top of mini potatoes and carrots? If so how much liquid should I add?
If you want to add vegetables, I’d recommend waiting until the last 2 hours of cooking and then adding them in.
At the end of the recipe it says “Leave the oven door open a bit so you can look in, this isn’t something you can leave unattended.” What does this mean?!
If you’re broiling it at the end, don’t leave it unattended as it can burn quickly. You’ll need to watch it and pull it out once done. Enjoy!
This may be a stupid question, but do I put the lid on the crockpot while it is cooking?
Yes 🙂 Enjoy!
Hi Sabrina! I would like to try your recipe this year. It looks delicious! Just wondering, can I use beer (Guinness Stout) instead of water or in addition to some water? Thank you!
Yes, that sounds amazing!
Fantastic recipe, did it last year and doing it again this year. Very simple steps with crisped top, used brown sugar mix. Thank you for the recipe. ??