Are you a fan of tender and juicy corned beef, but not a fan of the vegetables that usually come with it?
Look no further than your trusty crock pot! With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can have a delicious corned beef dinner without any soggy vegetables.
In this article, we’ll show you how to make slow cooker corned beef that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s St. Patrick’s Day or just a regular weeknight dinner.
So grab your crock pot and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook Corned Beef In Crock Pot Without Vegetables?
First, start by preparing your corned beef. Open the package and remove the seasoning packet, but discard any vegetables that may be included. Rinse the corned beef well and pat it dry with paper towels.
Next, place the corned beef in your crock pot with the fatty side facing down. Sprinkle the contents of the seasoning packet over the meat and rub it in to ensure even distribution.
Add minced garlic, sugar, and pepper to the top of the meat and rub it in as well. Then, add a bay leaf and a splash of vinegar to the side of the corned beef.
Pour enough water into the crock pot to come up about 25% of the way to the top of the meat. This will create a robust cooking liquid that will help retain all of the brine spices that are classic for this dish.
Cook on low for 8-9 hours, or until the corned beef is tender and fully cooked. If you prefer a browned top, you can put it under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, but be sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Once cooked, remove the corned beef from the crock pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain. Serve with your favorite side dishes or enjoy it on its own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To cook corned beef in a crock pot without vegetables, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 1 corned beef brisket (2-4 pounds)
– 1 seasoning packet (included with the corned beef)
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon of sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
– Enough water to come up about 25% of the way to the top of the meat
These ingredients will create a flavorful and tender corned beef without any added vegetables.
Preparing The Corned Beef
To prepare the corned beef for cooking, begin by removing it from the package and discarding any vegetables that may be included. Rinse the corned beef well and pat it dry with paper towels.
Place the corned beef in your crock pot with the fatty side facing down. Sprinkle the contents of the seasoning packet over the meat and rub it in to ensure even distribution.
Next, add minced garlic, sugar, and pepper to the top of the meat and rub it in as well. This will add some additional flavor to your corned beef.
To further enhance the flavor, add a bay leaf and a splash of vinegar to the side of the corned beef. This will help to create a robust cooking liquid that will retain all of the brine spices that are classic for this dish.
Finally, pour enough water into the crock pot to come up about 25% of the way to the top of the meat. This will ensure that your corned beef is fully cooked and tender.
Cook on low for 8-9 hours, or until the corned beef is fully cooked and tender. If you prefer a browned top, you can put it under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, but be sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Once cooked, remove the corned beef from the crock pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain. Serve with your favorite side dishes or enjoy it on its own.
Setting Up Your Crock Pot
When setting up your crock pot for cooking corned beef without vegetables, it’s important to ensure that the meat is properly positioned and seasoned. Start by selecting a crock pot that is large enough to fit your corned beef brisket comfortably.
Open the package and remove the seasoning packet, but discard any vegetables that may be included. Rinse the corned beef well and pat it dry with paper towels.
Place the corned beef in your crock pot with the fatty side facing down. Sprinkle the contents of the seasoning packet over the meat and rub it in to ensure even distribution.
Add minced garlic, sugar, and pepper to the top of the meat and rub it in as well. Then, add a bay leaf and a splash of vinegar to the side of the corned beef.
Pour enough water into the crock pot to come up about 25% of the way to the top of the meat. This will create a robust cooking liquid that will help retain all of the brine spices that are classic for this dish.
Once you’ve added all of your ingredients, cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 8-9 hours, or until the corned beef is tender and fully cooked.
After cooking, remove the corned beef from the crock pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain. This will help to keep your meat juicy and flavorful.
By following these simple steps, you can easily set up your crock pot for cooking delicious corned beef without any vegetables. Enjoy!
Cooking The Corned Beef
Cooking corned beef in a crock pot is an easy and convenient way to prepare this classic dish without having to constantly monitor it. To start, make sure to rinse the corned beef well and pat it dry with paper towels. Then, place it in your crock pot with the fatty side facing down.
Next, sprinkle the contents of the seasoning packet over the meat and rub it in to ensure even distribution. You can also add minced garlic, sugar, and pepper to the top of the meat for added flavor.
To create a robust cooking liquid, add enough water to the crock pot to come up about 25% of the way to the top of the meat. This will help retain all of the brine spices that are classic for this dish. You can also add a bay leaf and a splash of vinegar to the side of the corned beef for added flavor.
Cook on low for 8-9 hours, or until the corned beef is tender and fully cooked. If you prefer a browned top, you can put it under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, but be sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Once cooked, remove the corned beef from the crock pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain. This will help ensure that each slice is tender and flavorful. Serve with your favorite side dishes or enjoy it on its own.
Letting The Corned Beef Rest
After cooking the corned beef in the crock pot, it is important to let it rest before slicing it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product.
To let the corned beef rest, remove it from the crock pot and place it on a cutting board. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil and let it sit for at least 10-15 minutes.
During this time, you can prepare any additional side dishes or toppings for your corned beef. Once the resting period is over, slice the corned beef thinly against the grain for optimal tenderness.
By letting the corned beef rest, you’ll ensure that each bite is as delicious and juicy as possible. Plus, it gives you a few extra minutes to get everything else ready for your meal.
Serving And Enjoying Your Delicious Corned Beef
Now that your corned beef is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy! There are many ways to enjoy this delicious dish, and here are a few suggestions:
1. Serve with traditional sides: If you want to stick with tradition, serve your corned beef with boiled cabbage and potatoes. You can cook these separately or add them to the crock pot during the last hour of cooking.
2. Make a sandwich: Thinly sliced corned beef makes a delicious sandwich. Layer it with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and thousand island dressing on rye bread for a classic Reuben sandwich.
3. Add it to a salad: Corned beef can add a tasty protein boost to any salad. Try adding it to a mixed greens salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a balsamic vinaigrette.
4. Freeze for later: If you have leftovers, you can freeze them for later use. Simply wrap the corned beef tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months.
No matter how you choose to serve your corned beef, be sure to savor every bite of this delicious and flavorful meat.