Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef is a delightful dish that marries the rich, savory flavor of corned beef with the sweet tang of maple syrup and mustard. This slow-cooked wonder transforms a humble cut of meat into an irresistible centerpiece that boasts tender, melt-in-your-mouth magic. Imagine the aroma wafting through your home as it cooks—your family and friends will be drawn to the kitchen, eager to dig into this comforting meal. It’s the sort of dish that brings people together around the table, making it perfect for a Sunday family dinner or a casual get-together.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef

I first stumbled upon this recipe during a particularly chilly evening when I needed something hearty and satisfying. After a long day, the idea of setting everything in a slow cooker and letting it work its magic felt like a blessing. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, I quickly realized that this dish would become a staple in my home. Not only is Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef incredibly easy to prepare, but it also offers a symphony of flavors that will have everyone raving about it for days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You can whip this up in just 20 minutes of prep time, and let the slow cooker do all the work for seven hours!
Irresistible Flavor: The beautiful blend of sweet maple syrup and zesty mustard creates a flavor profile that’s both bold and comforting.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The glossy coating from the sauce makes this dish look impressive, perfect for serving to guests.
Flexible Serving: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe fits all occasions, best served with mashed potatoes or fresh veggies.
Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers are as delicious as the first serving, making this ideal for meal prep or lunch the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 lb. flat cut corned beef roast: This cut is especially tender and gets infused with the flavors of the cooking liquid. Look for a flat cut, as it tends to have less fat than a point cut.
2 tsp. cooking oil: A high smoke point oil, like vegetable or canola, is perfect for browning the meat before slow cooking.
½ cup maple syrup: Opt for pure maple syrup for the best flavor; it balances the savory aspects of the dish beautifully.
¼ cup yellow mustard: The tangy flavor of yellow mustard brightens the overall taste. If you want a twist, try using Dijon mustard for a sharper kick.
¼ tsp. black pepper: A hint of black pepper adds depth without being overpowering.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic brings an aromatic quality that enhances all the other flavors in the dish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef

Rinse and Prepare: Rinse the corned beef roast under cold water, then pat it dry with paper towels. Drying the meat helps achieve a nice sear.

Brown the Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tsp. cooking oil to coat the bottom. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the corned beef roast. Brown the meat on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes, creating a flavorful crust that locks in moisture.

Transfer to Slow Cooker: Once browned, transfer the corned beef to your slow cooker. It should fit snugly, as this helps it cook evenly.

Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup pure maple syrup, ¼ cup yellow mustard, ¼ tsp. black pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves. This sauce will create a beautifully sticky glaze that elevates the dish.

Pour the Sauce Over: Pour the maple mustard sauce over the corned beef in the slow cooker, ensuring it’s well coated.

Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 7 hours. Resist the temptation to lift the lid! Opening it will let out the steam that helps the meat stay tender.

Serve: Once the cooking time is up, your home will be filled with an enticing aroma. Remove the corned beef from the slow cooker, slice it against the grain, and serve it with your favorite sides, like mashed red potatoes and steamed carrots or cabbage.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftover corned beef, allow it to cool to room temperature, and then place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw any frozen meat in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up in a skillet on low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Be aware that the texture may change slightly, but a quick reheat will ensure it’s just as tasty.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be sure to properly dry the corned beef before browning to achieve a good sear.
When searing, don’t overcrowd the pan; brown the meat in batches if necessary.
Allow the corned beef to rest for several minutes after cooking before slicing; this helps keep the juices inside.
Consider doubling the recipe for large gatherings; it’s easy to make extra, and leftovers are fantastic.
For a spicier kick, experiment with adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce in the sauce mix.
You can make the sauce the night before to save time on cooking day.

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef is that it not only boasts a wonderful taste but also a simplicity that can make weeknight meals a breeze. With each bite, you’ll experience tender meat graciously coated in a sweet and savory glaze that’s sure to impress. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, making it a win for anyone in need of a comforting meal.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes! While a flat cut corned beef roast is best for tenderness, a point cut can be used, though it tends to be fattier. Just be sure to adjust cooking time if you use a larger piece.

Is the recipe gluten-free?

Typically, corned beef is gluten-free, but always check the labels for any sauces or store-bought versions you may use. If you need a gluten-free option, ensure that the mustard and any other sauces are certified gluten-free.

What sides pair well with this dish?

This corned beef is versatile! It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a crisp salad. For a classic approach, serve it alongside steamed cabbage or carrots.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?

While the recipe is designed for low cooking to enhance tenderness, you can cook it on high for 4 hours. However, the meat may not be as tender as when cooked slowly. If time is tight, consider this option.

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Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 440 minutes
Total Time: 7 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: 101|Main Dishes
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef combines wonderful flavors with minimal effort. A fantastic choice for quick dinners, it features tender corned beef coated in a delicious maple and mustard sauce. Perfect for busy days, it offers a wholesome meal that everyone will love!

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Rinse the corned beef and pat it dry with a paper towel.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add cooking oil to coat the pan.
Brown the meat on all sides in the hot oil.
Place the browned corned beef into the slow cooker.
In a small bowl, mix the maple syrup, mustard, black pepper, and minced garlic, then pour it over the corned beef.
Cover and cook on LOW for 7 hours, without opening the lid.
Serve with your choice of sides, such as mashed red potatoes, steamed carrots, and cabbage.

Notes

You can switch the sides to fit your preference like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
Ensure not to open the slow cooker lid during cooking to keep the moisture intact.
This dish pairs well with a tangy side salad for a balanced meal.