Corned Beef Stew in a Slow Cooker: A Hearty, Comforting Meal for Any Time of the Year

Corned beef stew is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for any time of the year. It’s a hearty, flavorful meal that is easy to make and can be cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. In this article, we’ll show you how to make a delicious corned beef stew in a slow cooker, including the ingredients you’ll need, the steps to follow, and some tips for customizing the recipe to your taste.

Ingredients and Equipment Needed

To make corned beef stew in a slow cooker, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 2 pounds corned beef brisket or round, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced
  • 1 large celery stalk, sliced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional)

You’ll also need a slow cooker, preferably one with a capacity of at least 6 quarts. If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can also make this recipe in a Dutch oven or a large pot on the stovetop, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

Choosing the Right Cut of Corned Beef

When it comes to choosing the right cut of corned beef for your stew, you have a few options. Corned beef brisket is a popular choice because it’s tender and flavorful, but it can be a bit fatty. Corned beef round is another option, and it’s leaner than brisket but still packed with flavor. You can also use corned beef flat cut, which is a leaner cut that’s perfect for those looking for a lower-fat option.

What to Look for When Buying Corned Beef

When buying corned beef, look for a cut that’s labeled “flat cut” or “first cut.” These cuts are typically leaner and more tender than other cuts. You should also look for a cut that’s been cured with a blend of spices and herbs, as this will give your stew more flavor.

Instructions for Making Corned Beef Stew in a Slow Cooker

Making corned beef stew in a slow cooker is easy and straightforward. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Brown the Corned Beef

Before you add the corned beef to the slow cooker, you’ll need to brown it in a skillet. This will give the stew more flavor and help to create a rich, caramelized crust on the corned beef. To brown the corned beef, heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corned beef and cook until it’s browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the corned beef from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

Next, you’ll need to sauté the onions and garlic in the same skillet. Reduce the heat to medium and add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook until it’s softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Broth to the Slow Cooker

Now it’s time to add the vegetables and broth to the slow cooker. Add the sliced potatoes, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker, along with the browned corned beef, sautéed onions and garlic, beef broth, water, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir to combine, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Cook the Stew

Cover the slow cooker and cook the stew on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. You can also cook the stew on the stovetop or in a Dutch oven, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

Step 5: Thicken the Stew (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker stew, you can thicken it with a little bit of flour. Mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a little bit of water until smooth, then stir the mixture into the stew. Continue to cook the stew for another 30 minutes, until the flour has thickened the stew to your liking.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s easy to customize to your taste. Here are a few tips for making the recipe your own:

  • Add some heat: If you like spicy food, you can add some diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the stew for an extra kick.
  • Use different vegetables: You can use different vegetables in place of the potatoes, carrots, and celery. Some options include diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, and chopped parsnips.
  • Add some acidity: A splash of vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add brightness and balance out the richness of the stew.
  • Use different seasonings: You can use different seasonings in place of the thyme and rosemary. Some options include dried oregano, basil, and parsley.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making corned beef stew in a slow cooker, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. Here are a few things to watch out for:

  • Overcooking the corned beef: Corned beef can become tough and dry if it’s overcooked. Make sure to cook the stew until the corned beef is tender, but still juicy.
  • Not browning the corned beef: Browning the corned beef is an important step in creating a rich, flavorful stew. Don’t skip this step!
  • Not seasoning the stew: Seasoning the stew is important for bringing out the flavors of the ingredients. Make sure to season the stew with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like.

Serving Suggestions

Corned beef stew is a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for serving with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas for what to serve with your stew:

  • Crusty bread: A warm, crusty loaf of bread is the perfect accompaniment to a bowl of corned beef stew.
  • Mashed potatoes: If you want to add some extra potatoes to your meal, you can serve the stew with a side of mashed potatoes.
  • Rice or noodles: You can also serve the stew with a side of rice or noodles for a filling, comforting meal.
  • Salad: If you want to add some freshness to your meal, you can serve the stew with a side salad.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftovers from your corned beef stew, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat the leftovers, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat them in the slow cooker or on the stovetop until hot and steaming.

In conclusion, making corned beef stew in a slow cooker is a great way to create a hearty, comforting meal with minimal effort. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a delicious stew that’s perfect for serving with a variety of sides. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal to serve on a cold winter’s night or a hearty stew to serve at a special occasion, corned beef stew is a great option.

What is the best cut of corned beef to use in a slow cooker stew?

The best cut of corned beef to use in a slow cooker stew is a tougher cut, such as a flat cut or a point cut. These cuts are typically less expensive than other cuts of corned beef and are well-suited for slow cooking. They become tender and flavorful after several hours of cooking, making them perfect for a hearty stew.

When selecting a cut of corned beef, look for one that is labeled as “flat cut” or “point cut.” You can also ask your butcher for a recommendation. Avoid using a more tender cut of corned beef, such as a round cut, as it may become too tender and fall apart during cooking.

Can I use other types of meat in place of corned beef in a slow cooker stew?

While corned beef is a key ingredient in a traditional corned beef stew, you can use other types of meat as a substitute. Some options include beef brisket, beef shank, or even lamb shank. These meats are all well-suited for slow cooking and can add a rich, hearty flavor to your stew.

Keep in mind that using a different type of meat may change the flavor and texture of your stew slightly. For example, beef brisket may be more tender than corned beef, while lamb shank may add a stronger, gamier flavor. Experiment with different types of meat to find the combination that works best for you.

How long does it take to cook a corned beef stew in a slow cooker?

The cooking time for a corned beef stew in a slow cooker will depend on the specific ingredients and the temperature of your slow cooker. Generally, you can expect to cook the stew on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.

It’s best to cook the stew on low for a longer period of time to allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender. You can also cook the stew on high for a shorter period of time if you’re in a hurry, but the results may not be as tender and flavorful.

Can I add other vegetables to a corned beef stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can add other vegetables to a corned beef stew in a slow cooker. Some options include diced carrots, sliced potatoes, and chopped cabbage. These vegetables will add flavor, texture, and nutrients to your stew.

When adding other vegetables, be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. For example, if you add diced carrots, you may need to cook the stew for an additional 30 minutes to allow the carrots to become tender. You can also add frozen vegetables, such as peas and corn, towards the end of the cooking time.

How do I serve a corned beef stew from a slow cooker?

A corned beef stew from a slow cooker can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve it hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.

For a more substantial meal, you can serve the stew with a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad. You can also use the stew as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. Experiment with different serving options to find the one that works best for you.

Can I make a corned beef stew in a slow cooker ahead of time?

Yes, you can make a corned beef stew in a slow cooker ahead of time. In fact, the stew will often taste better the next day, as the flavors will have had time to meld together.

To make the stew ahead of time, cook it in the slow cooker as directed, then refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to serve. You can also cook the stew in the slow cooker, then transfer it to a Dutch oven or oven-safe pot and refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to reheat and serve.

How do I store leftovers from a corned beef stew in a slow cooker?

Leftovers from a corned beef stew in a slow cooker can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To store the leftovers, allow the stew to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze.

When reheating the leftovers, be sure to heat the stew to an internal temperature of at least 165°F to ensure food safety. You can reheat the stew in the slow cooker, on the stovetop, or in the oven.

Leave a Comment