Oven or Slow Cooker Corned Beef with Spiced Mustard and Apple Cider Recipe

Introduction

This tender and flavorful corned beef recipe offers two simple cooking methods: oven or slow cooker. Infused with a savory spice blend and a touch of sweetness, it’s perfect for a hearty meal any day of the year.

Ingredients

• 3 to 4 pounds corned beef (with spice packet)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (coarse ground)
• ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1 cup apple juice (or apple cider)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Remove the corned beef from its package, rinse off the brine, and pat it dry. Discard the excess brine.
2. Step 2: Crush the spices that came with your corned beef using a mortar and pestle or the bottom of a heavy pan on your counter.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix the crushed spices with the minced garlic, brown sugar, black pepper, and fennel seeds.
4. Step 4: Rub 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard over the fatty side of the corned beef.
5. Step 5: Spread the combined seasoning mixture evenly over the mustard-coated surface.
6. Step 6 (Oven method): Preheat the oven to 325°F. Pour apple juice (or apple cider) and apple cider vinegar into the bottom of a roasting pan. Place the corned beef in the pan, seasoned side up, and cover the pan tightly. Cook for about 50 minutes per pound, or until the meat is easily pierced with a knife and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
7. Step 6 (Slow cooker method): Pour the apple juice (or apple cider) and apple cider vinegar into the slow cooker. Add the prepared corned beef, seasoned side up, and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or until tender when pierced with a knife.
8. Step 7 (All methods): Just before serving, place the corned beef on a foil-lined sheet pan and place under a broiler about 6-7 inches away. Broil for 5-6 minutes to caramelize and crisp the top. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Tips & Variations

• Use apple cider for a richer flavor or substitute with 100% apple juice for a milder taste.
• Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and cabbage to the slow cooker for a complete meal.
• For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
• Rest the corned beef for 10 minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute before slicing thinly against the grain.

Storage

Store leftover corned beef covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to preserve moisture. For longer storage, freeze sliced beef in airtight containers for up to 3 months, thawing overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use water instead of apple juice or cider?

Yes, you can use water, but apple juice or cider adds subtle sweetness and depth that enhances the flavor of the corned beef.

How do I know when the corned beef is done?

The corned beef is cooked when it is tender and can be easily pierced with a knife. For oven cooking, an internal temperature of 145°F is recommended.

Oven or Slow Cooker Corned Beef with Spiced Mustard and Apple Cider Recipe

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4.8 from 129 reviews

A flavorful and tender corned beef recipe that can be prepared using either an oven or slow cooker method. The beef is seasoned with a blend of spices, Dijon mustard, garlic, and brown sugar, then slow-cooked to perfection and finished under the broiler for a caramelized crust.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 20 minutes (oven, for 4 lbs) or 6 to 8 hours (slow cooker)
• Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes (oven) or 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes (slow cooker)
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Irish-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 3 to 4 pounds corned beef (with spice packet)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (coarse ground)
• ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1 cup apple juice (or apple cider)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Season the Corned Beef: Remove the corned beef from its packaging, rinse off the brine thoroughly, and pat the meat dry with paper towels. Discard the excess brine to prevent overly salty flavor.
2. Prepare the Spice Mix: Using a mortar and pestle or the bottom of a heavy pan, gently crush the spice packet that came with your corned beef to release its aroma.
3. Combine Seasonings: Mix the crushed spices with finely minced garlic, brown sugar, coarse black pepper, and fennel seeds in a small bowl until well combined.
4. Apply Mustard and Seasonings: Rub 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard evenly over the top fatty side of the corned beef. Then spread the mixed seasoning blend over the mustard layer, pressing lightly to adhere.
5. Oven Cooking: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Pour the apple juice or apple cider together with apple cider vinegar into the bottom of a roasting pan. Place the seasoned corned beef, fat side up, on top of the liquid, then cover the pan tightly with foil or a lid. Roast for about 50 minutes per pound, or until a knife can easily pierce the meat and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Slow Cooker Cooking: Pour the apple juice (or apple cider) and apple cider vinegar into your slow cooker. Add the seasoned corned beef with the seasoned side facing up. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until the beef is tender and easily pierced with a knife.
7. Broil to Finish: Just before serving, transfer the cooked corned beef to a small foil-lined sheet pan. Place it under a preheated broiler about 6 to 7 inches away for 5 to 6 minutes to caramelize and crisp the top. Watch carefully to prevent burning as it browns quickly.

Notes

• Rinsing the corned beef reduces excess saltiness and improves flavor balance.
• If you prefer spicier beef, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
• Using apple cider vinegar brightens the flavor and tenderizes the meat.
• Broiling at the end creates a desirable crispy crust for texture contrast.
• For best results, allow the beef to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

Keywords: corned beef, oven corned beef, slow cooker corned beef, corned beef recipe, Irish beef recipe, broiled corned beef