Slow Cooker Pastrami | Easy Crockpot Dinner
Slow Cooker Pastrami is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of corned beef and a medley of spices, all slowly cooked to tender perfection in your trusty Crockpot. The result? A mouthwatering experience that will have everyone gathering around the dinner table, eagerly anticipating their sandwiches piled high with pastrami, Swiss cheese, and tangy sauerkraut. It’s so satisfying to see the meat transform as the hours go by, absorbing all those robust ingredients that come together harmoniously—creating a dish that feels both comforting and extravagant.
Table of Contents
I first discovered this recipe during a chilly fall evening when my cravings for hearty comfort food peaked. The simplicity of throwing everything into the slow cooker and letting it do the work had me hooked instantly. Not only does this recipe deliver on flavor, but it also provides a budget-friendly way to impress your friends and family. Perfect for dinner parties or casual get-togethers, Slow Cooker Pastrami elevates any meal with very little effort. I can’t wait for you to try this—each bite is a blissful combination of flavors that will keep you coming back for more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: A mere 10 minutes of prep time gets you started on a delicious journey!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of spices, beer, and garlic creates a depth of flavor that’s simply out of this world.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Slices of tender pastrami on marbled rye are not only tasty but also visually stunning.
- Flexible Serving: Whether it’s a casual lunchtime reunion or a big game day feast, this dish fits any occasion.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Modify ingredients to suit gluten-free or dairy-free diets easily, making it accessible for everyone!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 lbs. corned beef (flat cut): The heart of this dish, flat cut is ideal for tender slices.
- Spice packet from the corned beef: It adds authentic flavor that can’t be overlooked.
- 1 tsp. onion powder: Infuses a subtle sweetness and umami flavor.
- 3 tbsp. brown sugar: Balances the savory with a touch of sweetness, making each bite incredibly satisfying.
- ½ tsp. ground black pepper: A little kick that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 5 garlic cloves, peeled: Whole cloves bring a wonderful aromatic quality to the meat.
- 12 oz. beer: Adds depth to the dish; consider a malt-forward beer for best results.
- 3 cups water: Helps in cooking the meat evenly and adds moisture.
- 1 tsp. hickory liquid smoke: Infuses a delightful smokiness reminiscent of outdoor barbecues.
- Marble rye: The perfect bread for enjoying your homemade pastrami, thanks to its unique flavor and texture.
- Thousand island dressing: Acts as a creamy, tangy topping that takes the sandwich to another level.
- Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully on the hot pastrami, adding richness and a delightful stretch.
- Sauerkraut: Adds a crunchy, tangy contrast that brightens the flavors of the sandwich.
How to Make Slow Cooker Pastrami | Easy Crockpot Dinner
- Rinse the Corned Beef: Start by rinsing the 4 lbs. corned beef thoroughly under cold water. This crucial step helps remove excess salt, giving you a balanced flavor.
- Add to Slow Cooker: Place the rinsed corned beef into your slow cooker, making sure it fits snugly.
- Season It Up: Sprinkle the spice packet that came with the corned beef, along with 1 tsp. onion powder, 3 tbsp. brown sugar, and ½ tsp. ground black pepper over the meat. Nestle in the 5 whole garlic cloves for an aromatic boost.
- Liquids Matter: Pour in 12 oz. beer, 3 cups water, and add 1 tsp. hickory liquid smoke to introduce fantastic depth of flavor. The beer helps tenderize the meat while adding a nice caramelization.
- Let It Cook: Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 7-8 hours. The long, slow cooking time ensures the meat becomes incredibly tender and flavorful.
- Rest and Slice: Once cooked, carefully transfer the corned beef to a cutting board. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to hold onto its juices. Then slice against the grain for the best texture, and serve!
Storing & Reheating
To store leftovers, place any cooled pastrami in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. If you wish to keep it longer, feel free to freeze it for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag, remembering to squeeze out as much air as possible. When reheating, gently warm slices in a skillet or microwave until heated through—about 1-2 minutes on a low setting. Keep in mind, that reheating may alter the texture slightly but, you can refresh it with a bit of extra sauce or dressing.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking: Make sure to follow the recommended cooking time. Overcooking the pastrami can make it dry, while too little cooking time may leave it tough.
- Use quality beer: A good quality beer complements the dish significantly. Aim for a lager or malty beer for richer flavors.
- Serve immediately: Once cut, serve the pastrami as soon as possible. It’s best enjoyed fresh and warm!
- Extra flavors: Feel free to experiment with additional spices or even Worcestershire sauce for added depth.
- Make-ahead magic: Prep the corned beef and spices the night before. Pop it in the slow cooker in the morning for an easy dinner.
Stepping back while the delicious aroma fills the kitchen, it’s easy to see why this Slow Cooker Pastrami dish becomes an instant favorite. With minimal fuss and maximum flavor, it’s the kind of dish that invites people to gather and indulge. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—experiment with different toppings, breads, or side dishes.
Savor the savory, juicy bites with friends and family, and enjoy an evening filled with warmth and laughter. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use something other than beer?
Absolutely! If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, feel free to substitute the beer with extra beef broth or apple cider for a touch of sweetness.
How do I know when the corned beef is done?
The best way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. You want the internal temperature to reach about 190°F for perfectly tender slices. If you don’t have a thermometer, the meat should be easy to shred with a fork!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be, but you’ll need to swap the beer with gluten-free beer or broth and ensure your bread and sauerkraut are also gluten-free. There are many tasty options available nowadays!
What sides pair well with Slow Cooker Pastrami?
This dish is incredibly versatile! Serve with crispy potato chips, a hearty coleslaw, or even a simple side of pickles to bring out the flavors. Enjoy with a refreshing salad for a balanced meal!
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📖 Recipe Card
Slow Cooker Pastrami | Easy Crockpot Dinner
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 430 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy this Slow Cooker Pastrami, featuring tender corned beef, whole garlic, and a smoky flavor from hickory liquid smoke. It’s perfect for a satisfying dinner, easy to prepare, and a delightful dish to share with family.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs. corned beef, i use flat cut
- spice packet that comes with the corned beef
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 3 tbsp. brown sugar
- ½ tsp. ground black pepper
- 5 garlic cloves, peeled, but left whole
- 12 oz. beer
- 3 cups water
- 1 tsp. hickory liquid smoke
- marble rye
- thousand island dressing
- swiss cheese
- sauerkraut
Instructions
- Rinse the corned beef thoroughly to remove excess salt.
- Place the corned beef in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the spice packet, onion powder, brown sugar, and black pepper over the corned beef. Add the whole garlic cloves.
- Pour the beer, water, and hickory liquid smoke into the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours.
- Once done, carefully transfer the corned beef to a cutting board. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For added flavor, serve on marble rye with thousand island dressing, swiss cheese, and sauerkraut.
Adjust the cooking time based on the size of the corned beef for optimal tenderness.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and enjoyed as sandwiches.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
