Slow-cooked meals have a special magic, don’t they? They wrap you in warmth with a fulfilling aroma wafting through the house, inviting everyone to the dinner table. One dish that captures this essence perfectly is Slow Cooker Pastrami. This recipe combines tender, flavorful corned beef with a unique blend of spices, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth slices that are simply irresistible. Served on marble rye with all the classic toppings, this dish is bound to feel like a comforting embrace on a chilly evening or an effortless way to impress your guests.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Slow Cooker Pastrami | Easy Crockpot Dinner
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Slow Cooker Pastrami | Easy Crockpot Dinner

Slow Cooker Pastrami | Easy Crockpot Dinner

I still remember the first time I made Slow Cooker Pastrami for my friends. They couldn’t believe it was homemade and were raving about the flavors. The beauty of this easy crockpot dinner is not just in its taste but also in its simplicity. With just a little bit of prep, you can set it and forget it, letting your slow cooker do all the work while you go on about your day. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and perfect for feeding a crowd, making this recipe a go-to in my kitchen. I can’t wait for you to enjoy it as much as I do!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Just 10 minutes of prep time before leaving it to cook for 7-8 hours.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of spices, beer, and garlic melds into a rich, savory delight.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Serve it on marble rye, topped with Swiss cheese and sauerkraut for a stunning presentation.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for lunch or dinner, game day, or casual gatherings with friends and family.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adjust with alternative toppings or different breads to suit various dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 lbs. corned beef (flat cut): This is the star of the dish, tender when cooked low and slow, and packed with flavor.
Spice packet: The seasoning blend that comes with the corned beef is essential for authentic flavor.
1 tsp. onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to your dish.
3 tbsp. brown sugar: Balances the saltiness with a hint of sweetness, enhancing the overall taste.
½ tsp. ground black pepper: Just the right amount to add a gentle kick to the flavor profile.
5 garlic cloves (peeled, left whole): Infuses the meat with a rich aroma and taste as it cooks.
12 oz. beer: Choose a lager or a favorite craft beer for complexity in flavor; the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a unique taste.
3 cups water: Helps create a moist environment for the corned beef to cook without drying out.
1 tsp. hickory liquid smoke: Enhances the smoky flavor that makes pastrami so iconic.
Marble rye: The perfect bread for serving, giving a nutty flavor that complements the pastrami.
Thousand Island dressing: A classic condiment that adds a creamy and tangy twist.
Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully atop the hot pastrami, adding richness.
Sauerkraut: A traditional topping that contributes crunch and tartness, balancing the richness of the meat.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pastrami | Easy Crockpot Dinner

Rinse the Corned Beef: Start by rinsing the 4 lbs. of corned beef very well under cold water. This step is crucial as it helps remove excess salt and enhances the overall flavor.
Layer in the Slow Cooker: Place the rinsed corned beef in your slow cooker. It should fit snugly but not crammed.
Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the spice packet that comes with the corned beef, 1 tsp. onion powder, 3 tbsp. brown sugar, and ½ tsp. ground black pepper over the top. Toss in the 5 whole garlic cloves for added flavor.
Pour in Liquid: Add 12 oz. of beer along with 3 cups of water and 1 tsp. hickory liquid smoke to the slow cooker. This will create a flavorful steam that infuses into the meat.
Set the Cooker: Cover your slow cooker and set it to LOW for 7-8 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the meat is fork-tender and shreds easily.
Rest and Slice: Once cooked, remove the corned beef from the slow cooker, placing it on a cutting board. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes, then slice against the grain for the best texture. Serve it warm with marble rye, Thousand Island dressing, Swiss cheese, and a generous helping of sauerkraut.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, let the pastrami cool to room temperature, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the pastrami in a freezer-safe container or sealable bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat slices gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Keep in mind that while the flavor remains delightful, the texture may change slightly, so adding a touch of broth can help refresh the moisture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Always rinse the corned beef well before cooking to reduce saltiness.
Let the meat rest before slicing. This helps retain the juices for a more tender bite.
Experiment with different types of bread, like pumpernickel or sourdough, for variations in flavor.
If you like heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the spice mix for an extra kick.
For a quick meal, make this on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week in sandwiches or salads.
If you’re serving a crowd, consider doubling the recipe; it freezes beautifully for later use.

There’s something truly comforting about serving up a hearty meal like this. Slow Cooker Pastrami not only brings nostalgia with each bite but also offers incredible flavor without the fuss of complex cooking techniques. Feel free to play around with the ingredients, maybe try different toppings or bread. Cooking should be fun after all! I invite you to savor the lovely blend of flavors that only a slow-cooked dish can provide!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for pastrami?

Absolutely! While this recipe traditionally uses corned beef, you can experiment with brisket or even turkey. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary based on the cut.

Can I cook this on high?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can set your slow cooker to high. Cook for about 4-5 hours, but check for tenderness since cooking times may vary.

What sides pair well with Slow Cooker Pastrami?

This dish pairs wonderfully with potato chips, pickles, or a simple green salad. A warm bowl of soup could also complement it nicely, especially on a chilly evening.

Can I make this vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian version, you can use a plant-based meat substitute along with the spices and liquids in the original recipe. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly, as plant-based options typically require less time to cook.

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Slow Cooker Pastrami | Easy Crockpot Dinner

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 430 minutes
Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

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Description

Experience the mouthwatering goodness of Slow Cooker Pastrami. This dish is packed with flavor from corned beef, garlic, and spices, making it the ideal quick dinner option that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

4 lbs. corned beef, I use flat cut
spice packet that comes with the corned beef
1 tsp. onion powder
3 tbsp. brown sugar
½ tsp. ground black pepper
5 garlic cloves, peeled, but left whole
12 oz. beer
3 cups water
1 tsp. hickory liquid smoke
marble rye
thousand island dressing
swiss cheese
sauerkraut

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Instructions

Rinse the corned beef very well to remove excessive salt.
Place the corned beef in the slow cooker.
Sprinkle the spice packet, onion powder, brown sugar, and black pepper over the meat. Add the whole garlic cloves.
Pour in the beer, water, and hickory liquid smoke.
Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours.
Once done, take the corned beef out and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes, then slice and serve.