Corned Beef and Sauerkraut

Name: Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Sauerkraut
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h 30 min
Total time: 4 h 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 lb corned beef brisket; 2 lbs sauerkraut; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 tsp dill seed; 3 cloves garlic, pressed; 1 large onion, sliced; 1.5 cups beef broth; 2 bay leaves; 2 tbsp Russian or Dijon mustard, for topping

This slow cooker corned beef and sauerkraut uses acidic sauerkraut to naturally tenderize the brisket over hours of gentle cooking, finished with a caramelized Dijon mustard crust under the broiler.

⚡Slow Cooker

🌍American 🏷️Corned beef 🏷️Sauerkraut 🏷️Slow cooker 🏷️Brisket Comfort food

🏷️

🏷️Dinner

-0:00

milanarussianwifeonTikTok

Total

4h 40m

Servings

6

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$22–$36

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by milanarussianwife

-0:00

milanarussianwifeonTikTok

Ingredients

3 lb corned beef brisket
2 lbs sauerkraut
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tsp dill seed
3 cloves garlic, pressed
1 large onion, sliced
1.5 cups beef broth
2 bay leaves
2 tbsp Russian or Dijon mustard, for topping

11 Ingredients

Delivery in as fast as one hour.^*

Powered by Instacart

Prices vary by store

^*Service fees apply. Instacart^® and the Instacart logo are registered trademarks of Maplebear Inc. d/b/a Instacart.

Instructions

1
In a large bowl, add the sauerkraut and drain about 70% of the juice.
2
To the sauerkraut, add the brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, black pepper, dill seed, and pressed garlic.
3
Mix the sauerkraut mixture until well combined.
4
Place the sliced onion in the bottom of the slow cooker.
5
Layer half of the sauerkraut mixture on top of the onions.
6
Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water and place it on top of the sauerkraut in the slow cooker.
7
Top the brisket with the remaining sauerkraut mixture.
8
Pour the beef broth around the sides of the slow cooker and add the bay leaves.
9
Cover and cook on high for 4 to 5 hours.
10
Once cooked, carefully transfer the corned beef to a baking dish.
11
Brush the top of the corned beef with Russian or Dijon mustard.
12
Place the baking dish in the oven and broil for 3-5 minutes, until the mustard topping is caramelized.
13
Let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing against the grain. Serve and enjoy.

Was this recipe helpful?

Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Pat the corned beef dry before adding to the slow cooker to improve browning and crust formation under the broiler.
Arrange sauerkraut and onions in the slow cooker first, then nest the brisket on top to ensure even contact with the tenderizing liquid.
Check meat tenderness at 7 hours; brisket size and slow cooker wattage vary, so cook until a fork easily pierces the thickest section.
Brush mustard mixture generously over the entire top surface before broiling, and watch closely to avoid burning—2–3 minutes is usually sufficient.

Substitutions

Sauerkraut → Kimchi or pickled cabbage (increases heat and umami, adjust salt)
Dijon mustard → Whole-grain or spicy brown mustard (coarser texture, milder or sharper flavor)
Beef broth → Chicken broth or water (reduces savory depth; not recommended)
Brown sugar → Honey or maple syrup (slightly different sweetness profile, no texture change)

Storage & make-ahead

Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat covered at 325°F for 20–30 minutes, then broil with fresh mustard topping if desired.