Why is my slow cooker corned beef still tough?

Corned beef is a tough cut of meat that requires a long, slow cook time to break down the connective tissues. If it is still tough, it likely needs more time. Always use the low setting for slow cooker corned beef recipes.

Should I cook corned beef fat side up or down?

In most slow cooker corned beef recipes, it is recommended to cook the meat fat side up. This allows the fat to render and baste the meat naturally, keeping it moist throughout the long cooking process.

Do I need to add liquid to the slow cooker for corned beef?

Yes, you should add enough liquid (water, broth, or beer) to cover about two-thirds of the meat. This creates the steam and simmering environment necessary for the meat to become tender.

Slow cooker corned beef recipes: 1 Way to Make the Best Brisket Ever

Name: The Ultimate Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 9 h
Total time: 9 h 20 min
Cuisine: Irish-American
Ingredients: 3-4 lb corned beef brisket with spice packet; 1 lb small red potatoes, halved; 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces; 1 large yellow onion, cut into wedges; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small head green cabbage, cut into thick wedges; 3 cups water or beef broth; 1 cup apple juice (optional for sweetness); 2 bay leaves; 1 tsp black peppercorns

Ingredients

Scale

3-4 lb corned beef brisket with spice packet
1 lb small red potatoes, halved
4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 large yellow onion, cut into wedges
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small head green cabbage, cut into thick wedges
3 cups water or beef broth
1 cup apple juice (optional for sweetness)
2 bay leaves
1 tsp black peppercorns

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Instructions

Step 1: Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water to remove excess brine and pat dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Place the potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
Step 3: Place the brisket on top of the vegetables, fat side facing up. Sprinkle the contents of the spice packet, extra peppercorns, and bay leaves over the meat.
Step 4: Pour the water (or broth) and apple juice around the sides of the meat until the brisket is partially submerged.
Step 5: Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 9 hours. Do not use the high setting as it can toughen the meat.
Step 6: Add the cabbage wedges to the slow cooker during the last 60 minutes of cooking, pushing them down into the liquid as much as possible.
Step 7: Remove the meat from the slow cooker and let it rest on a cutting board for 10-15 minutes before slicing against the grain.
Step 8: Serve the sliced beef with the tender vegetables and a ladle of the cooking liquid.

Notes

Always slice the beef against the grain for maximum tenderness. If your slow cooker runs hot, check the meat at the 8-hour mark.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 9 hours
Category: Main Dishes & Savory Recipes
Cuisine: Irish-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 generous slice with vegetables
Calories: 485 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 1450mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

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