Crock Pot Corned Beef (Printer-Friendly)

Corned beef slow-cooked with spices, vegetables, and rich gravy for hearty flavor and tenderness.

# What You’ll Need to Cook:

→ Corned Beef Seasoning

01 - 1 tbsp mustard seeds
02 - 1 tbsp black peppercorns
03 - 1 tbsp coriander seeds
04 - 1 tbsp allspice berries
05 - 1 tsp cardamom seeds
06 - 1 tsp celery seeds
07 - 6 whole cloves
08 - 1 tsp red pepper flakes
09 - 1 tsp ground ginger
10 - 2 bay leaves

→ Main Ingredients

11 - 1 corned beef brisket, trimmed and rinsed
12 - 1 large onion, quartered
13 - 4 garlic cloves, peeled
14 - 4 yellow potatoes, halved
15 - 4 carrots, chopped
16 - 1 small cabbage, cut into wedges (optional)
17 - 4 cups beef broth or dark beer
18 - Water, as needed to cover

→ Gravy (Optional)

19 - 2 tbsp butter
20 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
21 - 1 cup reserved cooking liquid
22 - Salt and pepper, to taste

# Steps to Prepare:

01 - Heat a dry pan over medium heat. Toast mustard seeds, peppercorns, coriander, allspice, cardamom, celery seeds, and cloves for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
02 - Transfer toasted spices to a grinder with red pepper flakes, ground ginger, and bay leaves. Pulse into a coarse blend.
03 - Layer onion, potatoes, carrots, and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. Place corned beef brisket on top.
04 - Sprinkle seasoning blend over the brisket. Pour in broth or beer and enough water to just cover the meat.
05 - Cover and cook on high for 5–6 hours or low for 8–10 hours, until brisket is fork-tender.
06 - During the last hour of cooking, add cabbage wedges for a crisp texture or earlier for softer results.
07 - Transfer cooked brisket and vegetables to a tray. Slice the brisket against the grain before serving.
08 - In a pan, melt butter and stir in flour. Cook for 5 minutes, then whisk in cooking liquid until thickened. Season to taste.

# Extra Cooking Tips:

01 - Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature of 145°F for food safety.
02 - Adding cabbage late ensures it retains some texture without overcooking.
03 - Homemade spice blend adds complexity beyond standard seasoning packets.
04 - For stronger flavor, use beer or a mix of beer and beef broth as braising liquid.