Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef is that delightful dish that somehow balances sweet and savory in a way that feels almost magical. Each forkful of this tender corned beef, infused with a luscious maple-mustard glaze, transports you to a cozy, family-style table where everyone gathers to enjoy a hearty meal. With just a handful of ingredients and a slow cooker to do the heavy lifting, you’ll find yourself craving this flavor-packed recipe for lunch or dinner!

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 still remember the first time I stumbled upon this recipe. I was in need of a fulfilling meal that required minimal fuss, but maximum flavor. The thought of a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth corned beef gradually infused with a sweet and tangy sauce was too tempting to resist. Not only does this dish come together effortlessly, but it also makes for a fantastic centerpiece for gatherings, whether you’re entertaining a crowd or simply treating yourself and your family to something extra special. Trust me, once you try Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prepping this dish takes just 20 minutes, and then your slow cooker does its magic!
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of sweet maple syrup and tangy mustard creates a unique flavor profile that pairs perfectly with tender corned beef.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The glossy glaze makes this meal look as good as it tastes, turning simple dinner into something impressive.
Flexible Serving: Great for family dinners, holiday feasts, or meal prep for the week—it’s perfect anytime!
Diet-Friendly Options: This recipe is naturally gluten-free; pair it with your favorite sides for any dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 lb. flat cut corned beef roast: The star of this dish, the flat cut typically offers a perfect balance of tenderness and flavor.
2 tsp. cooking oil: Used to brown the meat before slow cooking; opt for canola or vegetable oil for best results.
½ cup maple syrup: Choose pure maple syrup for the best flavor; it adds a rich sweetness that complements the mustard.
¼ cup yellow mustard: This tangy ingredient creates a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the maple syrup.
¼ tsp. black pepper: A dash of black pepper enhances the flavors and adds a bit of warmth to the dish.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic introduces depth and aromatic appeal—you can also use garlic powder in a pinch.

How to Make Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef

Rinse and Dry Beef: Start by rinsing the 3 lb. flat cut corned beef roast under cold water to remove any excess brine. Pat it dry with a paper towel to help achieve that perfect golden-brown crust later!

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 hot, carefully place the corned beef in the skillet. Brown the meat for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it has a lovely golden crust—this step adds a fantastic depth of flavor.

Transfer to Slow Cooker: Gently place the browned corned beef into your slow cooker. It’s important to layer the flavors within the slow cooker for that rich, hearty dish.

Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup pure maple syrup, ¼ cup yellow mustard, ¼ tsp. black pepper, and the minced 2 garlic cloves. Whisk these ingredients together to create a sweet and tangy sauce that will coat the meat beautifully.

Pour Sauce Over Beef: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the corned beef in the slow cooker, ensuring it’s well-covered. This glaze is where that mouthwatering flavor comes from!

Slow Cook the Beef: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7 hours. Resist the urge to lift the lid during the cooking process; keeping the lid closed allows the meat to become incredibly tender, soaking up all that delicious sauce.

Serve with Sides: Once cooked, the beef should be fork-tender and will easily pull apart. Serve it up with mashed red potatoes, steamed carrots, or sautéed cabbage for a complete and satisfying meal. Each bite will be bursting with flavor!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices of the corned beef in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. It may lose some moisture during storage, so feel free to drizzle a bit of extra maple syrup or broth over it when reheating!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid getting too much liquid in your slow cooker by using a large skillet to brown your corned beef first; this step locks in flavors and juices.
If you find the beef isn’t shredding easily, it may need a bit more time—just put the lid back on and let it go for another hour or two.
For extra depth, consider adding sliced onions or even some sliced apples to the slow cooker with the beef for additional flavor.
Test the corned beef around the 6-hour mark to ensure it reaches your preferred tenderness—every slow cooker can vary a bit.
This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings; just make sure your slow cooker can handle the size!

Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef encapsulates everything that’s wonderful about comfort food: it’s inviting, full of flavor, and easy to whip up. I warmly encourage you to try this recipe whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner at home or something delicious to impress your guests. Don’t shy away from experimenting with sides or even variations of the sauce—after all, cooking is all about making a dish your own!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different cut of corned beef?

Absolutely! While the flat cut is preferred for its tenderness, you can also use a point cut. Just know that the point cut has more fat, which can add juiciness but might also require slightly less cooking time.

How do I know when the beef is done cooking?

The best way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach at least 145°F for safe consumption. Alternatively, you can check if it shreds easily with a fork—this indicates it’s cooked to perfection!

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes! You can absolutely prepare the sauce a day ahead and marinate the corned beef to let the flavors penetrate. Just brown and slow cook it on the day you plan to serve.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Classic sides like mashed potatoes, cabbage, or even a fresh green salad are perfect companions to this flavorful corned beef. The sweet and savory glaze shines alongside hearty and light sides alike, creating a well-rounded meal!

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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: Slow Cooker
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef delivers mouthwatering flavors with minimal effort, making it perfect for a comforting meal any time. With tender corned beef simmered in a rich maple mustard glaze, it’s a delightful dish for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

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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 bottom. Brown the meat on all sides when the oil is hot.
Transfer the browned corned beef to the slow cooker.
In a small bowl, mix together the maple syrup, mustard, black pepper, and minced garlic. Pour this sauce over the corned beef in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on LOW for 7 hours without lifting the lid.
Serve the corned beef with your choice of sides, such as mashed red potatoes, steamed carrots, and cabbage.

Notes

For enhanced flavors, let the corned beef marinate in the sauce for a few hours before cooking.
This dish pairs well with hearty sides like potatoes and vegetables for a complete meal.