Slow cooker pastrami is a cozy, mouthwatering dish that offers a delightful twist on traditional corned beef. The tender slices of meat infused with aromatic spices and rich flavors transport you to deli goodness without ever leaving your home. Cooking up this gem in your trusty crockpot not only brings the warm, comforting aroma wafting through your kitchen but also provides a meal that’s perfect for gatherings. It’s amazing how a simple combination of ingredients can create something so satisfying!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Slow Cooker Pastrami | Easy Crockpot Dinner
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Slow Cooker Pastrami | Easy Crockpot Dinner

Slow Cooker Pastrami | Easy Crockpot Dinner

I vividly remember the first time I decided to make Slow Cooker Pastrami for my family. Everyone gathered around the table, there was laughter and excitement, and each bite was filled with nostalgia and warmth. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a memory in the making. Whether for a casual weeknight dinner, a festive gathering, or when you’re simply craving something hearty, this recipe is the answer. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and a surefire crowd-pleaser without the fuss of time-consuming preparation. You simply toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the magic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep time is just 10 minutes, and the slow cooker does the rest.
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of spices and beer creates a depth of flavor that’s utterly mouthwatering.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Serve it on marble rye, topped with melted Swiss and thousand island dressing for a feast for the eyes.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for sandwiches, or enjoy it straight from the plate with sauerkraut on the side.
Family-Approved: Even pickiest eaters will love the tender, savory slices.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 lbs. corned beef: This is the star of the show. Opt for flat cut for its tenderness.
Spice packet that comes with corned beef: Essential for that classic pastrami flavor.
1 tsp. onion powder: Adds depth to the overall flavor profile.
3 tbsp. brown sugar: Balances the seasoning with a hint of sweetness. You can substitute with honey if needed.
½ tsp. ground black pepper: For a subtle kick.
5 garlic cloves, peeled and whole: These add aromatic richness; don’t chop them!
12 oz. beer: This gives the meat a delicious depth. Use a lager or a stout for best results.
3 cups water: Keeps the meat moist and juicy during cooking.
1 tsp. hickory liquid smoke: Imparts that smoky depth that enhances the overall taste.
Marble rye: Perfect for serving with your pastrami, adding an extra layer of flavor.
Thousand island dressing: A classic pairing that enhances your pastrami sandwich.
Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture.
Sauerkraut: Complements the rich meatiness with a tangy crunch.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pastrami | Easy Crockpot Dinner

Rinse the Corned Beef: Start by rinsing the 4 lbs. of corned beef VERY well under cold water. This step is essential as it removes excess salt.
Add to Slow Cooker: Place the rinsed corned beef into your slow cooker.
Season the Meat: Sprinkle the spice packet over the corned beef along with 1 tsp. of onion powder, 3 tbsp. of brown sugar, and ½ tsp. of ground black pepper. Add 5 whole garlic cloves for extra flavor.
Pour in Liquids: Next, pour in 12 oz. of beer, 3 cups of water, and 1 tsp. of hickory liquid smoke to add that smoky note.
Cook Slow and Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the meat is fork-tender.
Rest and Slice: Carefully remove the corned beef from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Storing & Reheating

For storing, let any leftovers cool down before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerated, the pastrami will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the sliced pastrami. Just wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When it’s time to enjoy again, simply reheat in a pan over low heat until hot, adding a splash of water for added moisture if needed. The flavors might mellow out, so don’t hesitate to add a little extra seasoning or even serve it with a fresh batch of thousand island dressing!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking by sticking to the specified cooking time, as this will help maintain moisture.
Occasionally check the meat during cooking; it should be tender but not falling apart.
If the corned beef is too salty for your taste, consider using low-sodium corned beef next time.
Feel free to tweak the spice packet according to your preference; add more black pepper or even a pinch of cayenne for a kick.
Leftover pastrami is fantastic for breakfast; consider adding it to scrambled eggs or in a hash!

It’s the little things that make cooking such a joy! And I encourage you to play with this recipe—swap out ingredients where you’d like or even try different types of bread for your sandwiches!

While exploring and enjoying this scrumptious Slow Cooker Pastrami, you not only create a delectable dish but also a wonderful culinary experience that brings people together around the table. So, gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and get ready to relish the rich flavors and tender goodness that only a homemade pastrami can deliver.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While corned beef is traditional, you could also try brisket or round roast. Just note that cooking times may vary depending on the cut.

What type of beer should I use for the pastrami?

A lager or a stout works best as they add depth to the flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorites!

Can I make this pastrami without a slow cooker?

Yes! You can braise it in a Dutch oven on the stovetop. Just ensure to maintain a low simmer for about 3-4 hours until tender.

How do I make sure the pastrami is not too salty?

Rinsing the corned beef thoroughly before cooking is key to reducing saltiness. Additionally, consider using low-sodium corned beef if salt is a concern.

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Slow Cooker Pastrami | Easy Crockpot Dinner

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 430 minutes
Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 8 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

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Description

Savor the delicious flavors of this Slow Cooker Pastrami made with tender corned beef, zesty spices, and garlic. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish, perfect for a quick dinner or comfort food that truly delights.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Rinse the corned beef thoroughly to remove excess salt.
Place the corned beef into the slow cooker.
Sprinkle the spice packet, onion powder, brown sugar, and black pepper on top of the corned beef. Add the whole garlic cloves.
Pour in the beer, water, and hickory liquid smoke.
Set the slow cooker on LOW for 7-8 hours.
After cooking, 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 with marble rye and top with thousand island dressing, swiss cheese, and sauerkraut.
Adjust the amount of brown sugar for sweetness as desired.
Make sure to rinse the corned beef well to minimize saltiness.