Slow-cooked pastrami is one of those dishes that brings home the comforting flavors of delicatessens without the hassle. The tender, melt-in-your-mouth corned beef takes center stage, steeped in a savory blend of spices and rich beer, while the slow cooker works its magic. This dish is not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare. Set it and forget it while you go about your day, and soon, you’ll have a delightful meal that’s sure to impress.

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

When I first stumbled upon the idea of making pastrami in my slow cooker, I was amazed at how simple it could be. Gone are the days of labor-intensive preparation and endless hours in front of the stove. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a crowd-pleasing meal that rivals your favorite deli’s offerings. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or simply craving a hearty sandwich, this recipe will not disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: A mere 10 minutes of prep time, and you can walk away while the slow cooker does all the work.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of spices, garlic, and beer results in a tender and flavorful pastrami that everyone raves about.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Serve it on marble rye with a splash of Thousand Island dressing for a visually delightful sandwich.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, or even a comforting lunch.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable with gluten-free bread options or without the dressing for a lighter meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 lbs. corned beef: I recommend the flat cut for tenderness and flavor. You can substitute with point cut if you prefer more fat, which adds richness.
Spice packet: The seasoning mix that comes with the corned beef; it’s essential for authentic flavor.
1 tsp. onion powder: Adds depth to the flavor profile; fresh onions can be used as an alternative if you prefer.
3 tbsp. brown sugar: This balances the saltiness and enhances the overall taste. You may swap with maple syrup for a unique twist.
½ tsp. ground black pepper: For a bit of heat; feel free to adjust depending on your preference.
5 garlic cloves: Whole garlic adds a beautiful aroma and richness. You could use minced garlic for a bolder flavor.
12 oz. beer: Adds complexity to the cooking liquid. Any malty beer will work, but if you want a non-alcoholic version, use broth instead.
3 cups water: To ensure the beef cooks slowly and evenly.
1 tsp. hickory liquid smoke: Infuses a smoky flavor reminiscent of traditional pastrami. If you don’t have this, it can be omitted, though you might lose a little depth.
Marble rye: The classic choice for serving; it’s deliciously soft and pairs well with pastrami.
Thousand Island dressing: A lovely tangy addition for sandwiches. Substitute with mustard if you want a more traditional deli taste.
Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully and adds creaminess; you could opt for provolone or cheddar if you prefer.

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 as it helps remove a lot of the excess salt.
Add the Beef to the Slow Cooker: Place the rinsed corned beef directly into your slow cooker.
Add Spices and Garlic: Sprinkle the spice packet, 1 tsp. onion powder, 3 tbsp. brown sugar, and ½ tsp. ground black pepper over the beef. Toss in the 5 whole garlic cloves.
Pour in Liquids: Follow with 12 oz. of beer, 3 cups of water, and 1 tsp. of hickory liquid smoke. Ensure the beef is well-coated in liquid.
Set the Cooker: Cover your slow cooker and let it work its magic on low for 7-8 hours. When ready, the beef should be fork-tender and aromatic.
Rest and Slice: Carefully remove the corned beef onto a cutting board and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. Slice against the grain for the best texture and serve!

Storing & Reheating

To store leftover pastrami, let it cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container, where it will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you prefer to freeze it, place the cooled, sliced pastrami in a freezer-safe bag or container and store it for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently warm the slices in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through; adding a splash of broth can help retain moisture and refresh the flavor.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid rinsing the meat too lightly; thorough rinsing is vital to reduce saltiness.
If you want a little extra flavor, consider searing the corned beef in a hot skillet before placing it in the slow cooker.
Remember that the thickness of your slices matters; cutting against the grain ensures tenderness.
Using room-temperature ingredients can help with even cooking, so let the corned beef sit out for a few minutes before cooking.
This dish really benefits from soaking up flavors, so don’t rush the resting period!

A slow cooker really is your best friend when it comes to making meals like pastrami, allowing flavors to develop beautifully without being tied to the kitchen. In addition, this recipe is designed for flexibility. Feel free to play around with different toppings or bread options to suit your taste.

When you dine on your homemade slow cooker pastrami, picture this: the smoky aroma wafting through your home, your family gathered around the table, and smiles all around. Enjoy every last bite, and don’t hesitate to share this recipe with a friend who needs a comforting meal.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! While corned beef is traditional for pastrami, you can experiment with other cuts such as brisket. Just be aware that cooking times may vary based on the thickness and fat content of the meat.

What can I serve with pastrami?

Pastrami is delightful on its own, but you can elevate your meal with sides like potato salad, coleslaw, or pickles. A fresh garden salad also provides a great balance to the rich flavors of the meat.

How can I make this dish more spicy?

If you like a kick, consider adding a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or some sliced jalapeños into the slow cooker. Alternatively, you can adjust the black pepper to suit your spice preference.

Can I make this pastrami ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavors often improve after a day or two in the fridge. You can prepare the pastrami a day ahead, allowing it to sit and absorb its flavors before serving. Simply reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!

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Slow Cooker Pastrami | Easy Crockpot Dinner

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Author: Dorothy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 430 minutes
Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Slow Cooker Pastrami is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines corned beef, spices, and beer for an unforgettable meal. Perfect for busy evenings, it guarantees a comforting, homemade experience with minimal prep time and delicious results.

Ingredients

Scale

4 lbs. corned beef, 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 beef, then add the garlic cloves.
Pour in the beer, water, and hickory liquid smoke.
Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours.
Once cooked, transfer the corned beef to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Serving with marble rye enhances the meal’s flavor and texture.
Thousand island dressing and Swiss cheese make excellent toppings for sandwiches.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and used for sandwiches or salads.