Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef has quickly become one of my go-to recipes for cozy gatherings and family dinners. There’s just something so satisfying about coming home to a tender, flavorful piece of corned beef, slathered in a delightful maple-mustard glaze. Imagine the aroma wafting through your home, inviting everyone to the table—it truly warms the heart and stomach. The combination of savory and sweet makes each bite a celebration of flavor, leaving your taste buds dancing with pleasure.

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 chilly spring evening when a craving for comfort food hit me hard. After a busy day, I needed something hearty yet effortless, and this dish was the perfect solution. Unlike store-bought options, this homemade version of Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef is so much more flavorful and satisfying. Plus, the flexibility of cooking it in a slow cooker means I could go about my day while it worked its magic. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking for a delicious weeknight meal, this recipe will impress your taste buds and fill your home with warmth. I invite you to try it—you won’t regret it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 20 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it for a dreamy, 7-hour simmer!
Irresistible Flavor: The harmonious blend of sweet maple syrup and tangy mustard creates a mouthwatering glaze.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This dish looks stunning on any dinner table, bringing a touch of elegance to your meal.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for family dinners, parties, or even meal prep—enjoy it with veggies, potatoes, or sandwiches!
Diet-Friendly Options: While it’s a classic, feel free to experiment with gluten-free mustard for special dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 lb. flat cut corned beef roast: This is the star of the dish, providing rich flavor and tenderness. Flat cut is recommended as it’s leaner and cooks beautifully in the slow cooker.
2 tsp. cooking oil: Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for browning the meat, which adds depth to the flavor.
½ cup maple syrup: Pure maple syrup lends sweetness and a lovely caramelized finish. If you’re looking for a substitute, honey will work in a pinch, but the flavor will differ slightly.
¼ cup yellow mustard: This tangy ingredient enhances the dish’s overall flavor profile. You can swap it for Dijon mustard for a spicier kick if you prefer.
¼ tsp. black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds warmth and balances the sweetness of the glaze.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic provides a savory undertone that complements the sweetness of the maple nicely.

How to Make Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef

Rinse & Dry: Rinse the corned beef under cold running water to remove excess salt and flavors from the brining process. Then, pat it dry using a paper towel; this helps in achieving that perfect browning.

Brown the Meat: Set a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 teaspoons of cooking oil. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the corned beef in the skillet and brown it on all sides. This step builds flavor, so don’t skip it!

Transfer to Slow Cooker: Once your corned beef is beautifully browned, transfer it to the slow cooker. The delicious crust you’ve created will enhance every bite!

Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of pure maple syrup, ¼ cup of yellow mustard, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and the 2 minced garlic cloves. Whisk until smooth, and then pour this mouthwatering sauce over the corned beef in the slow cooker.

Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook the corned beef on the LOW setting for 7 hours. Resist the urge to peek during this time; letting it cook undisturbed ensures maximum tenderness and flavor.

Serve: When the cooking time is up, check that the corned beef is fork-tender. Slice it against the grain and serve it with your favorite sides—mashed red potatoes, steamed carrots, and cabbage are fantastic partners for this dish.

Storing & Reheating

Once the Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef is cooled, you can store it at room temperature for about two hours. For longer storage, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, freeze the sliced beef in a freezer-safe bag, ensuring you remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to maintain moisture, and enjoy as the flavors meld back together. Be aware that while freezing may slightly alter the texture, the flavor remains delightful.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcrowding the skillet when browning the meat; this ensures an even crust and prevents steaming.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding some chopped onions or carrots to the slow cooker along with the beef.
To enhance flavor when reheating, adding a splash of water or broth can rejuvenate the dish.
It’s best to slice against the grain to ensure tender bites when serving.
If you’re making it ahead for a gathering, consider preparing the sauce the night before to save time on the day of!

Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef brings together all the elements of a comforting meal, balancing sweet and savory in each bite. It’s a dish that not only fills bellies but warms hearts, too. Embrace the slow cooking process, and you’ll be rewarded with a meal that feels like a hug in food form. Experiment with sides, enjoy with family, and let this flavorful recipe shine at your table.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While a flat cut corned beef roast is recommended for its tenderness, you can also experiment with a point cut for deeper flavor. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly, so ensure the meat is fork-tender when done.

Is it necessary to brown the meat before slow cooking?

While it’s not a strict requirement, browning the meat adds a richer flavor and deeper color to the final dish. This extra step enhances your meal and is worth the little bit of time it takes.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef a day or two ahead. Simply follow the recipe and allow it to cool before storing it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat until warmed through.

What sides pair well with this dish?

This corned beef is incredibly versatile! It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. For a classic touch, you can’t go wrong with colcannon or a simple cabbage side.

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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

Enjoy the mouthwatering taste of Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef. This delightful dish combines tender corned beef with a sweet and tangy sauce, making it perfect for a cozy dinner with minimal prep time. Pair it with your favorite sides for an unforgettable meal!

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 heat 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, mix together maple syrup, yellow mustard, black pepper, and minced garlic.
Pour the sauce over the corned beef in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on LOW for 7 hours without opening the lid.
Serve with your desired sides.

Notes

Ensure to ditch the spice packet that comes with the corned beef for better flavor.
This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables.
Cooking times may vary based on your slow cooker model.