Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef is a delightful dish that transforms a simple corned beef roast into a flavor-packed masterpiece. With its perfect balance of sweet maple syrup and tangy mustard, each bite melts in your mouth, offering a comforting warmth perfect for cozy family dinners. This dish is not just another meal; it’s an experience that infuses your kitchen with irresistible aromas, making it hard to resist indulging in a second helping. As the beef cooks, it becomes tender and infuses with a rich sauce that you’ll want to slather over everything.

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 discovered this recipe during a chilly winter evening, looking for comfort food that didn’t require hours of slaving away in the kitchen. The combination of maple syrup and mustard struck me as an unusual pairing for corned beef, but it has since become a staple in my home. The ease of preparation makes it ideal for busy days, where you can set it and forget it, coming home to a warm, hearty meal. If you’re on the lookout for something that feels special yet is simple to prepare, I wholeheartedly invite you to try this Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef — it might just become your new favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With only 20 minutes of prep and 7 hours in the slow cooker, it’s perfect for those busy days.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet maple and tangy mustard provides a unique taste profile that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Once plated, the glossy sauce makes for a visually stunning centerpiece for any meal.
Flexible Serving: This dish shines as a dinner main or sliced into sandwiches for a delightful lunch treat.
Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 lb. flat cut corned beef roast: A flat cut is preferred for its tenderness and flavor. If it’s not available, point cut can also work but is a bit fattier.
2 tsp. cooking oil: This helps achieve a nice sear on the meat. You can use vegetable or canola oil for their high smoke points.
½ cup maple syrup: Pure maple syrup adds a rich sweetness; avoid imitation syrup for the best flavor.
¼ cup yellow mustard: Basic yellow mustard is ideal for a smooth flavor base; however, you can experiment with Dijon or whole grain for added depth.
¼ tsp. black pepper: Black pepper complements the mustard and enhances overall flavor.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic brings an aromatic quality to the dish, making it even more delicious.

How to Make Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef

Rinse and Pat Dry: Begin by rinsing the corned beef under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels; ensuring it’s dry helps with browning.

Brown the Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, adding 2 tsp. of cooking oil. Once the oil shimmers, carefully place the corned beef in the skillet, browning it on all sides until a lovely golden crust forms, about 5 minutes per side. This caramelization enhances the flavor significantly.

Transfer to Slow Cooker: Once browned, transfer the corned beef to the slow cooker. Take a moment to admire that gorgeous sear — it’s worth the effort!

Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup maple syrup, ¼ cup yellow mustard, ¼ tsp. black pepper, and the minced garlic cloves. Whisk together until well blended. This mixture will create a beautiful glaze while cooking.

Pour Over the Beef: Pour the maple mustard sauce evenly over the corned beef in the slow cooker, ensuring it’s well coated. The sweet and savory notes of the sauce will penetrate the meat as it cooks.

Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7 hours. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking; this helps maintain the inner temperature for tender results. When finished, the beef should be soft and easy to shred.

Serve and Enjoy: Slice or shred the corned beef as desired and serve it alongside your favorite sides. I highly recommend pairing it with creamy mashed red potatoes and sautéed carrots and cabbage for a complete meal.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftover Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef, let it cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. It can stay at room temperature for about two hours, refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy again, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to help maintain moisture. While it may not be quite as tender as when first cooked, the flavors will still delight!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Overcooking: Monitor the time closely; overcooked corned beef can become dry. Aim for that 7-hour mark for optimal tenderness.
Mix Up the Mustard: Feel free to swap out the yellow mustard for Dijon or spicy brown for a kick. Adjust according to your taste preferences.
Timing is Key: If you find yourself short on time, you can cook on HIGH for about 4 hours instead, but low and slow is always preferable for the best texture.
Leftover Magic: Use leftover corned beef for sandwiches the next day. Just add some crispy lettuce and a drizzle of extra maple mustard sauce!

Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef captures the essence of what a comforting meal should be. It’s an inviting dish that feels special enough for a gathering yet easy enough to make any weeknight feel festive. Your family will appreciate the depth of flavors and the ease of preparation, transforming a simple day into a memorable dining experience.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While a flat cut corned beef roast is recommended for its tenderness, you can certainly use a point cut or even a brisket. Just keep in mind that different cuts may require adjustments in cooking time due to varying fat content.

How do I know when the corned beef is done?

The best way to determine if your corned beef is done is by checking its internal temperature. It should reach at least 145°F. If you’re aiming for it to be falling-apart tender, cooking until it reaches about 190°F is ideal.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Yes, feel free to add hearty vegetables like carrots and potatoes during the last hour of cooking. This not only enhances the flavor of the dish but also makes for a complete meal with little extra effort.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the corned beef and sauce the night before and simply combine everything in the slow cooker in the morning for a “set it and forget it” dinner. Just ensure to refrigerate any prepped ingredients separately until you’re ready to cook.

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Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef

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Author: anna
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 440 minutes
Total Time: 7 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef boasts an irresistible flavor with simple prep. Perfect for dinner, it features tender corned beef coated in a sweet and tangy maple-mustard sauce.

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 and pat the corned beef dry with a paper towel.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high and add cooking oil to coat the bottom.
Brown the corned beef on all sides in the hot oil.
Transfer the browned corned beef to the slow cooker.
In a small bowl, combine maple syrup, mustard, black pepper, and minced garlic. Pour this mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on LOW for 7 hours, without lifting the lid during cooking.
Serve with your choice of sides, such as mashed red potatoes, steamed carrots, and cabbage.

Notes

For optimal flavor, use a high-quality maple syrup.
Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients to taste.
Serve the corned beef with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.