This super-simple apple cider corned beef slow cooker recipe uses only 3 items. It’s my favorite for March meals, especially near St. Patrick’s Day. The sweet cider and spicy mix turn regular corned beef brisket into soft, yummy bites. My husband asks for it every year! It’s great for busy families in small towns like mine: toss everything in the pot, cook all day, and come home to a house full of sweet, good smells.
Tender corned beef gets super soft after slow cooking in sweet apple cider and mustard with its spices. Just 3 items make a warm, easy-to-pull roast that’s sweet and zingy—ideal for St. Patrick’s Day. No-fuss cooking for busy days—pair with potatoes and veggies for a fun family meal!
Make juicy corned beef in your slow cooker with sweet apple cider, mustard, and the meat’s own spices. It turns tough brisket into melt-in-your-mouth goodness after a long, low cook. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any cozy dinner. Super easy—just dump and go! Serve with potatoes, cabbage, or bread to soak up the tasty juices.
Ingredients
-
3–4 pound corned beef brisket with its spice packet
-
4 cups apple cider (not apple cider vinegar)
-
1/4 cup yellow or Dijon mustard
Apple Cider Corned Beef: Directions
-
Place the corned beef brisket in a large slow cooker, fat side up. Open the spice packet and sprinkle the spices over the top of the meat.
-
In a small bowl, stir the apple cider and mustard together until mostly blended. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just mix well.
-
Pour the cider-mustard mix around and over the meat. The liquid should cover at least half the meat. Put a loose cover of foil on top and wait 10 minutes so the meat stays juicy.
-
Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours, until the meat is very tender and shreds easily with a fork. Avoid opening the lid too much to keep the heat in.
-
Transfer the meat to a cutting board. Let extra juices drip back into the pot. Put a loose cover of foil on top and wait 10 minutes so the meat stays juicy.
-
Skim fat off the cooking liquid. Save some in a small pitcher for serving.
-
Slice the meat thinly against the grain for nice pieces, or shred with two forks for chunks. Drizzle warm juices over top to keep it moist and glossy.
-
Enjoy it with soft butter potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, cooked cabbage or green beans, and a fresh salad on the side. Leftovers shine in sandwiches with cheese and mustard, or on toast with a fried egg for breakfast!