Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef Recipe
Sweet, Savory, and Perfectly Tender Corned Beef Made Easy
Craving a flavorful twist on a traditional favorite? This Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef combines sweet maple syrup, tangy mustard, and savory garlic to create a mouthwatering, fork-tender roast. It’s the perfect slow cooker meal for St. Patrick’s Day, family dinners, or easy weekday meal prep.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
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3 pounds flat-cut corned beef roast (discard the included spice packet)
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2 teaspoons cooking oil (vegetable or canola)
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½ cup pure maple syrup
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¼ cup yellow mustard
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1 clove garlic, minced
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Corned Beef
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Remove the corned beef from its packaging.
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Discard the spice packet that often comes with it.
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Rinse the meat under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
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Why skip the spice packet? This recipe uses a homemade maple-mustard glaze instead for a completely different flavor profile.
Step 2: Sear the Meat
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Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Once hot, add the corned beef.
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Sear each side for 2–3 minutes, until browned.
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This locks in flavor and gives the meat a richer texture.
Step 3: Transfer to the Slow Cooker
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Carefully transfer the seared corned beef to the bottom of your slow cooker.
Step 4: Make the Maple Mustard Glaze
In a small bowl, mix together:
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½ cup maple syrup
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¼ cup yellow mustard
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1 clove garlic, minced
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
Stir until smooth and well blended.
Step 5: Pour the Sauce Over the Meat
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Pour the prepared maple mustard mixture evenly over the corned beef in the slow cooker.
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Make sure the top of the meat is fully coated for maximum flavor.
Step 6: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
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Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
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Cook on LOW for 7 hours or until the corned beef is fork-tender and juicy.
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Optional: Baste the meat with juices halfway through cooking for deeper flavor.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
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Once cooked, transfer the corned beef to a cutting board.
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Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly across the grain.
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Spoon some of the leftover maple-mustard glaze from the slow cooker over the top before serving.
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Perfect served with roasted potatoes, sautéed cabbage, or over rye bread for amazing sandwiches.
Variations & Serving Tips
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Brown Sugar Boost: Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to the glaze for a richer caramelized flavor.
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Add Veggies: Toss in carrots, potatoes, or cabbage during the last 2 hours of cooking for a complete one-pot meal.
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Spicy Kick: Use spicy brown mustard instead of yellow mustard for more heat.
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Leftovers Idea: Use leftover corned beef in sliders, wraps, or hash the next day.
Storage & Reheating
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freeze: Wrap sliced corned beef tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
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Reheat: Gently warm slices in a skillet with a splash of broth or microwave with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Mustard Corned Beef
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Minimal prep with big flavor payoff
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Perfect balance of sweet and savory
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Great for holidays or everyday meals
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Slow cooker does all the hard work
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Excellent leftovers for sandwiches or salads
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef is a delicious departure from the traditional brined version. The sweetness of maple syrup combined with tangy mustard and garlic delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a weekday dinner, this easy crockpot recipe is sure to impress!