Can you cook corned beef in a slow cooker?

The best slow cooker method for corned beef

Preparing corned beef in the slow cooker is simple, with only a few steps involved. The slow, gentle simmering allows the salt, spices, and natural beef flavour to balance beautifully.

To start:

• Place your corned silverside into the slow cooker.
• Add enough cold water to fully cover the meat.
• Make your own spice blend using bay leaves, peppercorns, cloves, mustard seeds, and a splash of malt vinegar.
• Add one peeled onion, a few cloves of garlic, and optionally a spoonful of brown sugar for extra depth.
• Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 8 to 10 hours.

You’ll know it’s ready when a knife slips easily into the meat and the fibres separate without resistance.

Once cooked, allow the corned beef to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Always cut against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Variations to try

One of the great things about cooking corned beef in a slow cooker is how easy it is to customise the flavour. Here are a few variations to suit different tastes.

Apple cider and honey glaze corned beef

Replace some of the cooking water with apple cider. Add a few tablespoons of honey or maple syrup to the pot for a subtle sweetness that balances the saltiness of the meat.

Beer-braised corned beef

Add a bottle of dark beer or stout to the slow cooker. The beer’s richness complements the savoury notes of the beef beautifully.

Garlic and herb corned beef

For a brighter, more herbaceous version, add whole garlic cloves, fresh thyme, and rosemary to the cooking liquid.

Mustard-spiced corned beef

Stir in a spoonful of seeded mustard or Dijon mustard with the spice mix for a gentle heat that pairs well with the richness of the meat.

What to serve with slow cooker corned beef

Corned beef is traditionally served with simple sides that soak up the rich cooking juices. Classic options include:

• Boiled or steamed potatoes
• Steamed carrots and cabbage
• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Honey-glazed carrots
• Mustard sauce or white parsley sauce

How to store and use leftover corned beef

One of the best things about slow cooker corned beef is how well it stores. Keep any leftovers tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze in slices for up to 3 months. Leftover corned beef is incredibly versatile and perfect for sandwiches, breakfast hash, or even as a filling for homemade meat pies.

Popular corned beef recipes for home cooks

If you're looking to expand your corned beef repertoire, here are some tried-and-true recipes to experiment with using our corned silverside.

Classic slow cooker corned beef and cabbage

Place your corned beef into the slow cooker with your aromatics. About 2 hours before serving, add wedges of cabbage, peeled carrots, and halved potatoes directly to the broth. This keeps your vegetables tender but not mushy and allows them to absorb the cooking flavours.

Corned beef hash

Dice your leftover corned beef and fry it up with diced potatoes, onions, and capsicum. Serve with fried eggs for a hearty breakfast or brunch.

Reuben-style corned beef sandwiches

Thinly slice your leftover beef and layer it on rye bread with mustard, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut for a classic Reuben-style sandwich. Serve with pickles and chips for a quick lunch.

Corned beef pot pie

Combine shredded corned beef with creamy mashed potatoes, peas, and a white sauce. Top with puff pastry and bake until golden.

Corned beef and vegetable soup

Use your leftover broth as a base and add diced corned beef, barley, and fresh seasonal vegetables for a nourishing soup.

Can you cook corned beef from frozen in a slow cooker?

It’s always best to thaw your corned beef fully before cooking to allow even heat penetration. However, if you're short on time, you can cook it from frozen on the low setting, extending your cooking time by a few extra hours. Be sure to check for doneness by testing for tenderness rather than relying solely on the clock.

Why buy your corned beef from Grange Meat Co.?

At Grange Meat Co., our corned silverside is made using carefully selected Australian beef, expertly cured for maximum flavour and tenderness. We take pride in producing corned beef that delivers the perfect balance of saltiness and rich, natural beef flavour. Whether you’re buying a single piece for the family or ordering larger portions, you’ll taste the difference in every slice.

You can buy your corned beef conveniently through our beef ecommerce store, with free delivery across metro Melbourne on orders over $150. For other specialised dishes, we also offer a full range of smallgoods and game meats to round out your meal planning.

Slow cooking corned beef: simple, reliable, and delicious

Using your slow cooker is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to prepare corned beef. With minimal effort, you’ll have a meal that’s packed with flavour and perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prep. The gentle cooking process delivers fork-tender meat, rich broth, and a kitchen filled with comforting aromas.

At Grange Meat Co., we take pride in providing Melbourne home cooks with premium ingredients that make these simple recipes shine. Order your corned beef today and enjoy the ease, comfort, and satisfaction of slow-cooked corned beef made right at home.