Corned Beef Roast Recipe – A Classic Family Tradition
Corned beef roast is one of those old comfort foods that brings comfort, taste, and memories to the table. Serving it on St. Patrick’s Day or Sunday night supper, this delicious brisket recipe, slow-cooked to tender, full-flavored perfection after being brined, fulfills every demand for a hearty, comforting dinner.
In this article, we’ll take you through it all — from selecting the right cut of meat, brining, slow cooking, serving ideas, and delicious sides
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Corned beef brisket : 3-4 lbs
- Water : 4-5 cups
- Pickling spice mix : 2 tbsp
- Garlic cloves : 3, minced
- Onion : 1 large, quartered
- Bay leaves : 2
- Carrots : 4, sliced
- Potatoes : 4, halved
- Cabbage : 1 small head, wedged
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Rinse and Prep
Drains and rinses corned beef in cold water to remove excess brine and salt. Submerges brisket in large Dutch oven or slow cooker.
Step 2: Spices and Vegetables
Adds garlic, onion, pickling spices, and bay leaves to pot. Adds enough water to cover beef by about an inch.
Step 3: Low and Slow Cooking
Oven Method: 325°F oven. Cover and roast at 3–3.5 hours.
Slow Cooker Method: Low and 8–9 hours.
Step 4: Add Veggies
Add the potatoes and carrots towards the end of the last 2 hours of cooking. Add cabbage in the last 30–45 minutes.
Step 5: Rest and Slice
Take out the beef from the pot and rest it for 10–15 minutes prior to slicing against the grain for optimal tenderness.
Serving Suggestions
Corned beef roast goes well with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes : Combines the saltiness with creaminess
- Steamed cabbage : Classic traditional combination
- Horseradish sauce : Provides a spicy kick
- Mustard glaze : Tangy sweet contrast
Instructions for the Perfect Corned Beef Roast
- Use the flavor packet: If your beef has a flavor packet, use it. Otherwise, create your own using coriander seeds, peppercorns, mustard seeds, and allspice.
- Low and slow wins: Never boil; slow cooking keeps meat juicy.
- Always cut against the grain: That makes the meat tender and chewable.
Best Drink Pairings
| Drink | Why It Works |
|---|
| Irish stout (Guinness) | Complements deep, salty beef flavors |
| Red wine (Cabernet) | Balances richness with acidity |
| Sparkling cider | Non-alcoholic and refreshing |
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Keep leftovers in a covered dish in the fridge for 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Heat slices slowly in a pan or covered in the oven with broth so they won’t dry.
Conclusion
Corned beef roast is a holiday side dish only in the sense that it’s saved for special occasions – it’s an amazing, flavorful dinner worth any day of the week. With attention to technique and spices, a boring brisket can be turned into a great centerpiece that guests will return to in an effort to get seconds on.
Whether celebrating St. Paddy’s Day or just wishing to enjoy a flavorful, satisfying evening dinner, this corned beef roast will win over everyone.