Olivia Carter
If you’re looking for a hearty and delicious meal to warm you up on a cold winter day, look no further than corned beef stew made in a slow cooker. This slow-cooked dish is not only simple to make, but it’s also packed with flavor that will leave you craving for more.
To make corned beef stew in a slow cooker, start by gathering all the ingredients you’ll need. This includes a beef brisket, potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, and a few staple pantry items. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in tender chunks of beef and perfectly cooked vegetables.
One of the great things about making corned beef stew in a slow cooker is that it requires minimal effort on your part. Simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker, set it to low heat, and let it cook for several hours. The slow cooker does all the work for you, so you can go about your day and come home to a delicious, home-cooked meal.
Once the corned beef stew is done cooking, the aroma of the tender beef and flavorful vegetables will fill your kitchen. Serve it up in a bowl, and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an added touch of freshness. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or some fluffy mashed potatoes for a complete meal that is sure to satisfy.
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you can start making cornbeef stew in a slow cooker, you need to make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here is a list of what you will need:
Ingredients:
| 2 pounds (907 grams) of corned beef |
| 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced |
| 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced |
| 1 large onion, diced |
| 4 cloves of garlic, minced |
| 4 cups (946 milliliters) of beef broth |
| 1 teaspoon of dried thyme |
| 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary |
| Salt and pepper to taste |
Make sure to wash all your vegetables before you start preparing them. You can dice the potatoes and slice the carrots according to your preference.
Choose the Right Cut of Meat
When making corned beef stew in a slow cooker, it’s important to choose the right cut of meat. The traditional cut of meat for corned beef stew is brisket, specifically a flat cut brisket. This cut is known for its tenderness and rich flavor, making it perfect for slow cooking.
If you can’t find flat cut brisket, you can also use a point cut brisket or a bottom round roast. These cuts are slightly leaner and may require a longer cooking time to become tender. However, they will still yield delicious results in your corned beef stew.
It’s important to note that corned beef is usually sold in a package with a seasoning packet. Make sure to remove the seasoning packet and save it for later use. You can add the seasoning to your slow cooker along with the meat and vegetables for extra flavor.
When cooking your corned beef stew, be prepared for the meat to take a while to become tender. This is because slow cooking allows the collagen in the meat to break down and become tender, resulting in a flavorful and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
| Cut of Meat | Recommended Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Flat Cut Brisket | 8-10 hours on low |
| Point Cut Brisket | 10-12 hours on low |
| Bottom Round Roast | 10-12 hours on low |
Remember to trim any excess fat from the meat before cooking, as it can contribute to a greasy texture in your stew. Also, be sure to slice the meat against the grain for the most tender and flavorful result.
By choosing the right cut of meat and allowing it to slow cook to perfection, you’ll be able to enjoy a hearty and delicious corned beef stew every time.
Gather the Vegetables and Spices
Before you begin making your corned beef stew in the slow cooker, gather all the necessary vegetables and spices. This recipe typically calls for the following ingredients:
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped into chunks
- 3 potatoes, peeled and chopped into chunks
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 sprig of thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon of whole peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds
These vegetables and spices will add flavor and depth to your corned beef stew as it slow cooks throughout the day. You can adjust the measurements of the spices to suit your taste preferences.
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, you can start preparing your corned beef stew in the slow cooker.
Cooking the Stew
Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients and prepared them accordingly, it’s time to start cooking the corned beef stew in a slow cooker. Follow these simple steps:
- Place the corned beef chunks at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the diced onions, carrots, and potatoes on top of the meat.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the beef broth, tomato paste, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Pour the mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Gently stir the ingredients to ensure they are evenly coated with the liquid.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 4-6 hours.
- During the cooking process, do not remove the lid as it will slow down the cooking time.
- After the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the lid and check for doneness.
- The corned beef should be tender and easily pull apart with a fork.
- If the vegetables are still too firm, let the stew cook for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Once the stew is cooked to perfection, carefully remove the bay leaves and discard.
- Serve the corned beef stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
| Ingredients | Tools |
|---|---|
| – 2 pounds corned beef (chunks) | – Slow cooker |
| – 1 onion, diced | – Cutting board |
| – 3 carrots, peeled and diced | – Knife |
| – 2 potatoes, peeled and diced | – Bowl |
| – 4 cups beef broth | – Spoon |
| – 2 tablespoons tomato paste | – Fork |
| – 4 cloves garlic, minced | – Slow cooker lid |
| – 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce | – Serving bowls |
| – 1 teaspoon dried thyme | – Tongs |
| – 2 bay leaves | – Fresh parsley (optional) |
Sear the Meat
Before adding the meat to the slow cooker, it’s a good idea to sear it first. This step helps to lock in the flavor and juices, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final dish.
To sear the meat, heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of cooking oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, to the hot pan.
Season the meat with salt and pepper, then carefully add it to the hot skillet. Allow the meat to cook for a few minutes on each side, or until it develops a golden brown crust.
Once the meat is seared, transfer it to the slow cooker, using tongs or a slotted spoon to avoid transferring any excess oil or cooking juices.
Note: Searing the meat is an optional step, but it adds depth and richness to the overall flavor of the corned beef stew. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still achieve a delicious result.
Questions and answers
Can I use frozen corned beef brisket for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen corned beef brisket for this recipe. However, keep in mind that it will take longer to cook compared to thawed or fresh corned beef. You may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
