Slow cooking has a special way of turning simple ingredients into truly memorable meals, and our Slow Cooker Pastrami Recipe is the perfect example of that magic. With each bite, you’ll experience tender, flavorful meat that is great on its own and even better piled high on a slice of marble rye. This dish not only speaks to our love for comfort food but also makes an impressive addition to any gathering.

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 remember the first time I came across this recipe; the thought of making pastrami at home felt both intimidating and exciting. However, after giving it a go, I quickly realized just how simple it is. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing you to focus on the fun part—enjoying this delicious meal with family and friends. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and perfect for those busy nights when you crave something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Trust me, you’ll want to add this one to your dinner rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Only 10 minutes of prep time for a dish that cooks for 7-8 hours, giving you freedom throughout the day.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of spices, garlic, and smoky hickory creates a mouthwatering flavor that you’ll be dreaming of!
Eye-Catching Appeal: Serve it on marble rye with melted Swiss cheese and sauerkraut for a visually stunning meal.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a cozy dinner, a party platter, or hearty sandwiches, this dish is versatile enough for any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: While this recipe is meaty, you can easily customize sides or toppings to suit various dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 lbs. corned beef: I recommend using flat cut for a tender and flavorful result. If yours isn’t available, a point cut can work too, just be mindful that it may yield more fat.
Spice packet: This comes with the corned beef and is essential for that distinctive flavor profile. You can also use your own blend of black peppercorns, mustard seeds, and coriander if you prefer a custom seasoning.
1 tsp. onion powder: Adds depth and sweetness to the dish. Fresh onions could also be sautéed lightly and added for a different flavor.
3 tbsp. brown sugar: This balances the saltiness of the meat and adds a touch of sweetness. You can swap it for honey or maple syrup if you’re looking for natural alternatives.
½ tsp. ground black pepper: Freshly ground will enhance the flavor, but pre-ground works just fine in a pinch.
5 garlic cloves, peeled, but left whole: Whole garlic will infuse the broth with flavor without overpowering the dish. Feel free to add more if you’re a garlic lover!
12 oz. beer: A flavorful addition that tenderizes the meat; a lager or ale works well. For a non-alcoholic option, use beef broth mixed with a bit of apple cider vinegar.
3 cups water: This will create the perfect base for cooking. You can adjust the amount based on desired broth consistency.
1 tsp. hickory liquid smoke: Provides a deep, smoky flavor that enhances the pastrami without needing a smoker. You can also use mesquite smoke for a different profile.
Marble rye: The perfect, graphical backdrop for your pastrami sandwich, adding a lovely touch of flavor.
Thousand island dressing: This classic condiment adds creamy tanginess—feel free to swap it with a homemade version if you prefer.
Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully and complements the flavors of the pastrami perfectly. Provolone or even sharp cheddar are great substitutes.
Sauerkraut: Adds tanginess and crunch, along with a traditional touch that contrasts nicely with the tender pastrami.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pastrami | Easy Crockpot Dinner

Rinse the corned beef: Start by rinsing the corned beef extremely well. This process washes off excess salt that can lead to an overly salty meal. Trim any visible fat if desired for a leaner option.
Add to slow cooker: Place the rinsed corned beef in your slow cooker, flat side down for even cooking.
Season the beef: Sprinkle the spice packet, onion powder, brown sugar, and black pepper directly over the corned beef. Nestle the whole garlic cloves around it. This helps to build those deep, robust flavors.
Pour in liquids: Carefully add the beer and water to the slow cooker, along with the hickory liquid smoke. This concoction will bathe the beef in deliciousness as it slow cooks.
Cook: Set your slow cooker to LOW and let it work its magic for 7-8 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the meat is fork-tender.
Rest and slice: Once cooked, carefully transfer the corned beef onto a cutting board. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes so the juices can redistribute. Then, slice it against the grain for the most tender bites.

Storing & Reheating

Once your slow cooker pastrami is cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze slices in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave for about a minute until heated through. The meat’s texture is best when freshly made, so adding a splash of broth or water while reheating can help to refresh it.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Wash the corned beef to remove excess salt, especially if you’re sensitive to sodium.
For richer flavor, let your corned beef marinate in the spices overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
Avoid lifting the lid during cooking; this lets heat and moisture escape, extending the cooking time.
If you want to prepare ahead, the meat can sit in the fridge after cooking, and then reheated when ready to serve.
Feel free to customize by adding thinly sliced peppers or onions into the slow cooker. They cook beautifully alongside the beef!

The end result is stunning—a tender, smoky pastrami that’s bursting with flavor. You’ll find that this dish is a crowd-pleaser, whether served as sandwiches, with sides, or as a main event at a party. Don’t hesitate to experiment with toppings to match your taste!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different cuts of meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! While corned beef is traditional, you can also experiment with brisket or even turkey breast for a lighter twist. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the cut you choose.

How can I adjust the spice level in the pastrami?

If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper along with the other seasonings. You can also play with spicy mustards or horseradish when serving.

What can I serve with slow cooker pastrami?

This pastrami pairs wonderfully with side dishes like coleslaw, potato salad, or sweet potato fries. For a full meal, add roasted vegetables and a refreshing salad to balance the richness of the meat.

Can this recipe be made in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker?

Yes! Adjusting to pressure cooking can significantly reduce cooking time. You can follow the same steps but use high pressure for about 90 minutes, then allow the pressure to release naturally for even better tender results.

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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

This Slow Cooker Pastrami is a flavorful dish featuring tender corned beef, aromatic spices, and delicious toppings, perfect for a hearty family meal.

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 thoroughly to remove excess 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 garlic cloves.
Pour in the beer, water, and hickory liquid smoke.
Set the slow cooker to LOW and cook for 7-8 hours.
Once cooked, transfer the corned beef to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Ensure to rinse the corned beef well for better flavor.
Letting the meat rest before slicing helps in maintaining its juiciness.
Pair with marble rye and other toppings for a delicious sandwich.