Slow Cooker Pastrami | Easy Crockpot Dinner is a delightful dish that brings the heartiness of classic flavors right to your kitchen. The aroma that wafts through your home while it simmers is enough to tempt anyone. As the beef gently cooks in the slow cooker, it transforms into tender, juicy pastrami, infused with rich spices that bring warmth to every bite. Paired with that iconic marble rye and creamy Thousand Island dressing, it’s hard to believe this dish was so easy to master.

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 first stumbled upon this recipe during a busy workweek when the idea of preparing dinner felt overwhelming. The beauty of a slow cooker is that you can set it, forget it, and come home to a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. This Slow Cooker Pastrami is not only packed with flavor but also delivers on time and effort! If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner option that will leave your taste buds craving more, you’ll want to give this a try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Just 10 minutes of prep means dinner is almost effortless.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of spices, beer, and garlic creates layers of savory goodness that are simply addictive.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Serve it up on a platter with marble rye and toppings for an impressive presentation.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a cozy family dinner, casual gatherings, or even for game day snacking.
Perfectly Tender: The slow cooking method ensures that the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender with no effort required.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 lbs. corned beef, flat cut: The star of your dish! Opt for a flat cut for a leaner, more tender result.
Spice packet that comes with the corned beef: Essential for that classic pastrami flavor; don’t skip this!
1 tsp. onion powder: This adds depth and a mild sweetness to your dish.
3 tbsp. brown sugar: Balances the savory elements and enhances caramelization during cooking.
½ tsp. ground black pepper: This will give your pastrami a nice kick of flavor.
5 garlic cloves, peeled but left whole: Adds rich flavor without overpowering the dish; they will soften and sweeten during cooking.
12 oz. beer: A flavorful liquid that helps in tenderizing the corned beef and adds a subtle depth of flavor. A good lager or ale works well.
3 cups water: Necessary to ensure the corned beef stays moist as it cooks.
1 tsp. hickory liquid smoke: Adds a lovely smoky flavor, reminiscent of traditional pastrami.
Marble rye: A must for serving—its unique appearance and flavor pair perfectly with pastrami.
Thousand Island dressing: Essential for assembly, providing a creamy contrast to the meat.
Swiss cheese: Optional, but highly recommended for that classic Reuben vibe.
Sauerkraut: Adds a burst of tanginess that complements the richness of the beef.

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 running water. This step is crucial to remove excess salt and prepare the beef for maximum flavor.
Load the Slow Cooker: Place the rinsed corned beef into the slow cooker, ensuring it sits nicely at the bottom.
Add the Spice Mixture: Sprinkle the spice packet that comes with the corned beef over the top, along with the 1 tsp. of onion powder, 3 tbsp. of brown sugar, and ½ tsp. of ground black pepper. Toss in the 5 whole garlic cloves for that aromatic kick.
Mix in the Liquids: Pour in the 12 oz. of beer and 3 cups of water, followed by 1 tsp. of hickory liquid smoke. This combination not only adds moisture but layers of flavor.
Set Cooking Time: Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW heat for 7-8 hours. This slow cooking method will break down the beef fibers and ensure it’s tender and delicious.
Rest and Slice: Once done, carefully remove the corned beef onto a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. This ensures each slice is juicy and flavorful.

Storing & Reheating

Leftover Slow Cooker Pastrami can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it for a longer period, freezing is a great option. Wrap the pastrami tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to retain moisture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure to rinse the corned beef thoroughly; this helps reduce saltiness.
Keep ingredients room temperature for better cooking results; this includes the corned beef and any toppings.
If you prefer more pronounced spices, consider adding additional black pepper or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
For a tasty twist, try incorporating sliced pickles into your sandwich for an extra crunch.
This recipe is perfect for meal prep; make a big batch and enjoy it in various ways throughout the week.

The slightly sweet and smoky flavors of this Slow Cooker Pastrami | Easy Crockpot Dinner will quickly become a favorite in your household. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your toppings; adding sauerkraut or swapping the dressing can give a delightful twist to this comforting meal. Whether you’re serving it for a game day gathering or simply enjoying a cozy night in, the flavors will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While corned beef is traditional, you can use brisket or another cut that suits your taste. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut you choose.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Yes! Feel free to add sliced carrots, potatoes, or onions into the slow cooker. Just be aware that these will absorb some of the flavors, so they can be a delicious addition!

What should I serve with pastrami?

This pastrami is fantastic on marble rye but pairs well with a fresh coleslaw or potato salad on the side for a delightful meal. You can also serve it with pickles for a nice crunchy contrast!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! If you want to prepare it for a gathering, you can cook it ahead and reheat it before serving. The flavors deepen when allowed to sit, making it even more delicious later on!

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Slow Cooker Pastrami | Easy Crockpot Dinner

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Author: Peter
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

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Description

Enjoy a delightful Slow Cooker Pastrami that’s bursting with flavor. This easy crockpot meal features tender corned beef, bold spices, and minimal prep. Perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner, it brings a taste of comfort right to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

4 lbs. corned beef, 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 in the slow cooker.
Sprinkle the spice packet, onion powder, brown sugar, and black pepper over the corned beef. Add the garlic cloves.
Pour in the beer, water, and hickory liquid smoke.
Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 7-8 hours.
Remove the corned beef and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to taste based on personal preference.
For extra flavor, use dark beer in the recipe.
Serve with marble rye, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing for a classic sandwich.