Description
This Slow Cooker Pastrami recipe transforms a simple piece of corned beef into a flavorful, tender, and smoky deli-style pastrami. Using a combination of spices, beer, and hickory liquid smoke, the slow cooking process infuses the meat with deep, rich flavors, perfect for slicing and serving on classic marble rye bread with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and a generous spread of Thousand Island dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Spices
- 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)
Liquids
- 12 oz. beer
- 3 cups water
- 1 tsp. hickory liquid smoke
For Serving
- Marble rye bread
- Thousand Island dressing
- Swiss cheese
- Sauerkraut
Instructions
- Rinse the corned beef: Thoroughly rinse the corned beef under cold water to remove excess salt, which ensures the final pastrami is not overly salty.
- Place in slow cooker: Transfer the rinsed corned beef to the slow cooker, setting the base for flavor infusion and tender cooking.
- Add spices and garlic: Sprinkle the spice packet, onion powder, brown sugar, and black pepper evenly over the meat. Add the whole, peeled garlic cloves for aromatic depth.
- Add liquids: Pour in the beer, water, and hickory liquid smoke around the meat, providing moisture and smoky flavor throughout the slow cooking process.
- Cook low and slow: Set the slow cooker to LOW and cook the meat for 7-8 hours, allowing it to become tender and deeply infused with flavors.
- Rest and slice: Carefully remove the cooked corned beef from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing thinly for serving.
- Serve: Assemble sandwiches with marble rye bread, sliced pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing to enjoy a classic deli-style meal.
Notes
- Rinsing the corned beef is essential to reduce its saltiness.
- Use flat cut corned beef for easier slicing and even cooking.
- Allow the meat to rest after cooking for juicy, tender slices.
- Liquid smoke is key for achieving authentic smoky pastrami flavor without smoking equipment.
- Customize sandwich toppings to your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American, Deli
Keywords: Slow Cooker Pastrami, Corned Beef Pastrami, Homemade Pastrami, Slow Cooker Recipes, Pastrami Sandwich, Deli Meat
