Slow cooking meat is a magical process that yields incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth results while you go about your day. This Slow Cooker Pastrami recipe is no exception. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion — whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering with friends. The combination of spices, a splash of beer, and the aromatic infusion from garlic makes this dish not just a meal but an experience.

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 this recipe, I was captivated by the ease and depth of flavor that slowly simmering could bring to such a classic. It reminded me of family gatherings where pastrami sandwiches were a staple, piled high with tangy sauerkraut and dollops of Thousand Island dressing. The moment your family or friends sit down to this meal, there’s an instant feeling of warmth, nostalgia, and satisfaction. You only need ten minutes of prep time, and then the slow cooker does all the work. Who wouldn’t love that?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: In just 10 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it for the day. Perfect for busy schedules!
Irresistible Flavor: The combo of spices, beer, and garlic comes together beautifully, creating a rich, savory taste.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Serve it up with marble rye and Swiss cheese for a gorgeous sandwich that looks as good as it tastes.
Flexible Serving: Whether for weeknight meals, sandwiches, or a game day feast, this dish is versatile and crowd-pleasing.
Diet-Friendly Options: Although traditional, consider using gluten-free bread and exploring the addition of veggies for a unique twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 lbs. corned beef (flat cut recommended): This is the base for your pastrami, offering a lean yet flavorful cut that becomes tender with slow cooking.
Spice packet that comes with the corned beef: This blend contains essential spices that add depth and character to your dish.
1 tsp. onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
3 tbsp. brown sugar: Contributes a gentle sweetness that balances the spices and enhances caramelization.
½ tsp. ground black pepper: This adds a bit of heat and a lovely aroma to the dish.
5 garlic cloves, peeled and left whole: Infuses a rich, aromatic depth that permeates the meat as it cooks.
12 oz. beer: Using a standard lager or ale not only adds moisture but also deepens the flavor.
3 cups water: This helps create a steaming environment to slowly cook the beef until fork-tender.
1 tsp. hickory liquid smoke: Adds that signature smoky flavor reminiscent of traditional pastrami.
Marble rye: This hearty bread is perfect for building delicious sandwiches with your pastrami.
Thousand Island dressing: A delightful tanginess that complements the beef wonderfully.
Swiss cheese: Melts perfectly atop your pastrami sandwich, adding a delicious creaminess.
Sauerkraut: Provides a crunchy, tangy contrast that brings everything together.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pastrami | Easy Crockpot Dinner

Rinse the Corned Beef: Rinse the 4 lbs. of corned beef thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt. This helps ensure your pastrami won’t be overly salty.
Add to Slow Cooker: Place the rinsed corned beef in your slow cooker, making sure it’s nestled in securely.
Season the Beef: Sprinkle the contents of the spice packet, 1 tsp. onion powder, 3 tbsp. brown sugar, and ½ tsp. ground black pepper evenly over the corned beef. Add the 5 garlic cloves on top.
Add Liquids: Pour in 12 oz. of beer, followed by 3 cups of water, and 1 tsp. hickory liquid smoke. These ingredients create a flavorful broth that makes the meat succulent.
Set the Temperature: Cover your slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Rest and Serve: Once finished, carefully remove the corned beef onto a cutting board. Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing it against the grain. Serve with marble rye, melted Swiss cheese, Thousand Island dressing, and a generous helping of sauerkraut.

Storing & Reheating

To store any leftovers, let them cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place the pastrami in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, usually around 5-7 minutes. If it seems dry, add a tiny splash of beer or broth to refresh it. Just note that the texture may shift slightly after freezing, but it’s still delicious!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

When rinsing the corned beef, make sure to do it well; this minimizes saltiness in your final dish.
For extra flavor, consider browning the corned beef on all sides in a skillet before placing it in the slow cooker.
Be cautious not to overcook; while it’s hard to ruin this recipe in the slow cooker, cooking on LOW is recommended for optimal results.
To enhance the smoky flavor, add another teaspoon of hickory liquid smoke at the end of the cooking process before serving.
If you can, let the cooked pastrami cool slightly before slicing it for easier handling and cleaner cuts.

Slow Cooker Pastrami is not just a meal; it embodies comfort and satisfaction. With minimal effort, this dish delivers on flavor, making it perfect for you to enjoy during busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Don’t hesitate to experiment with additional toppings or sides — let your creativity shine!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While corned beef is traditional for pastrami, you could use brisket or a leaner cut like chuck roast. Just remember that cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the cuts.

How do I ensure my pastrami doesn’t turn out too salty?

Make sure to rinse the corned beef thoroughly before cooking. You can also use less salt in your added seasonings if you have sensitive taste buds. Taste the broth midway through cooking and adjust as necessary!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the regular beer with a gluten-free beer option and ensure that your bread and sauces are gluten-free friendly.

What are the best ways to serve pastrami?

Pastrami is fantastic in sandwiches, paired with sauerkraut and Swiss cheese. However, it also shines in salads, alongside roasted veggies, or even in breakfast hash. The options are endless!

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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 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

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Description

Enjoy a wholesome meal with this easy Slow Cooker Pastrami recipe. Featuring flavorful corned beef, spices, and beer, it’s the perfect comfort food that’s incredibly simple to prepare.

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. Add the garlic cloves.
Pour in the beer, water, and hickory liquid smoke.
Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours.
Transfer the cooked corned beef to a cutting board, let it rest for 5-10 minutes, then slice and serve.

Notes

For added flavor, consider using different types of beers.
Serve on marble rye with toppings of your choice for best results.
Storing leftovers in an airtight container keeps them fresh for up to 3 days.