Crock Pot Corned Beef With Brown Sugar

This Crock Pot Corned Beef With Brown Sugar is a sweet and savory recipe, which uses corned beef brisket and dark beer. It’s a restaurant-quality dish, ready in about 9 hours and 15 minutes.

Crock Pot Corned Beef With Brown Sugar Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables:

• 6–8 baby red potatoes (cut into large wedges)
• 3 medium carrots (thick sliced)
• 2 ribs celery (thick sliced)
• 3–5 pounds corned beef brisket (fat trimmed and rinsed)
• 1 head cabbage (cut into large wedges, about 2 pounds)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 small bottle dark beer (about 12 ounces)

Glaze:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup brown mustard
• ½ cup water
• 1 tbsp butter

Honey Mustard Sauce:

• ½ cup honey (or agave)
• ½ cup brown mustard
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream, optional)

How To Make Crock Pot Corned Beef With Brown Sugar

1. Layer base ingredients: Add potatoes, ½ cup carrots, and ½ cup celery to the slow cooker. Place corned beef on top, then add garlic and seasoning packet. Pour in beer and enough water to cover the meat.
2. Slow cook the beef: Cover and cook on LOW for 8–9 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours.
3. Make the glaze: About 30 minutes before the corned beef is done, melt butter in a saucepan. Add water and brown sugar; heat for 5 minutes. Stir in mustard and simmer 2–3 minutes. Set aside.
4. Remove and strain: Take the beef out and place it on a tray, tent with foil. Strain the crockpot contents using a colander over a large pot to save the liquid and potatoes. Discard the cooked carrots and celery.
5. Boil fresh vegetables: Boil reserved liquid on the stove. Add fresh carrots and celery for 3 minutes, then add cabbage and boil another 3 minutes. Drain.
6. Broil the corned beef: Brush glaze on the corned beef and broil on low, 6 inches from the element. Glaze every 10 minutes for 30 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
7. Slice and serve: Slice corned beef against the grain. Serve with boiled vegetables and honey mustard sauce.

Recipe Tips

• Can I skip the beer? Substitute beef broth or apple juice if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
• Why use two rounds of carrots and celery? The first infuses flavor during cooking; the second gives a better texture when served.
• What’s the best mustard for glaze? Brown mustard adds depth, but Dijon also works in a pinch.
• How to keep the glaze from burning under the broiler? Watch carefully and broil on low—don’t walk away.
• What’s the benefit of the yogurt in the sauce? It adds creaminess and balances the sweetness, but is optional.

What To Serve With Corned Beef With Brown Sugar

Round out this flavorful meal with:

• Roasted or mashed potatoes
• Steamed green beans or peas
• Irish soda bread
• Sauerkraut or pickled red cabbage
• A crisp apple slaw

How To Store Corned Beef With Brown Sugar

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Corned Beef With Brown Sugar Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 725kcal
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Protein: 43g
• Fat: 46g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 127mg
• Sodium: 2827mg
• Potassium: 1210mg
• Fiber: 7g
• Sugar: 25g
• Iron: 7.3mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well—store in the fridge or freezer and reheat with glaze before serving.

Do I have to use the broiler step?
It adds a delicious caramelized crust, but you can skip it for a softer texture.

Is Greek yogurt required in the sauce?
No, it’s optional but adds a creamy contrast to the sweet and tangy flavors.

What kind of beer should I use?
A dark beer like stout or porter adds richness, but you can use lighter beers if preferred.

How thin should I slice the corned beef?
Cut against the grain into ¼-inch slices for best tenderness.

Try More Recipes:

• Crock Pot Corned Beef With Apple Juice
• Crock Pot Corned Beef Hash
• Crock Pot Corned Beef Dip