Comparison: Best Cut Of Corned Beef For Slow Cooker (Updated | Dec 8th)
If you’ve ever wondered why your slow cooker corned beef turns out tough or dry, the secret might just be in the cut. Not all briskets are created equal, and choosing the right one can make the difference between a so-so meal and a fall-apart tender masterpiece. We’ve tested the most popular cuts—flat, point, and whole packer—to find which one truly shines when simmered low and slow. Spoiler: it’s not always what you’d expect. Let’s break down the best bet for juicy, flavorful corned beef every time.
- Best for low-carb classic: Libby’s
- Best for stew flavor boost: McCormick Slow Cooker Hearty Beef Stew Seasoning Mix
- Best for bulk stew pack: McCormick Slow Cooker Hearty Beef Stew Seasoning Mix
- Best for lean thin slices: Dietz & Watson Pre-Sliced Traditional Thin Sliced Corned Beef
- Best for ready protein hash: Hormel Mary Kitchen
- Best for camping ready hash: Armour Star Corned Beef Hash
- Best for grass-fed chunky: Ox & Palm Australian Corned Beef Original Chunky Style 15 oz (Pack of 1)
- Best for top-selling size: Hormel Mary Kitchen
- Best for premium versatile beef: Iberia Corned Beef
- Best for family pack hash: Mary Kitchen Hash Corned Beef Hash 14 oz (8 Pack)
Product Comparison: Best Cut Of Corned Beef For Slow Cooker
Libby’s, Corned Beef, 12 Ounce
- One 12 oz can of Libby’s Corned Beef
- Ready to eat canned meat offers a convenient snack or meal starter
- Made with beef meat and savory seasonings for traditional flavor
- Cube, slice or crumble canned beef and eat cold or heat
- Fits a low carb lifestyle with 1 gram of net carbs per serving (1 gram total carbs minus 0 grams dietary fiber)
- SNAP & EBT eligible food item
- Stock your pantry with this meat in a can for an easy meal anytime
McCormick Slow Cooker Hearty Beef Stew Seasoning Mix, 1.5 oz
- Delicious, hearty beef stew made easy
- Zero trans fats and artificial flavors
- Low-cholesterol diet friendly
- Easy recipe – just add water, beef, carrots, potatoes and onions
- Perfect intense flavor blend of black pepper, paprika an d thyme
McCormick Slow Cooker Hearty Beef Stew Seasoning Mix, 1.5 oz (Pack of 12)
- Tasty blend of black pepper, paprika and time to make a hearty, homemade beef stew
- No MSG or Artificial Flavors Added*
- Convenient seasoning blend made with McCormick Spices
- USAGE TIP: Dinner is a breeze with McCormick Slow Cooker: 8 hours on low, 4 hours on high in the slow cooker
- USAGE TIP: Meal is ready in approximately 30 minutes in your Instant Pot
Dietz & Watson Pre-Sliced Traditional Thin Sliced Corned Beef, 6 oz
- Premium Sliced Traditional Corned Beef
- Thin Sliced, 97% Fat Free
- Certified by the Celiac Sprue Association as Gluten Free
- No MSG
- Soy Free
- Milk Free
- Trans Fat Free
- 13g of Protein, 70 Calories Per Serving
Hormel Mary Kitchen, Corned Beef Hash, 14 Oz
- Fully cooked
- Easy to make
- 17 grams of protein
Armour Star Corned Beef Hash, Hearty Homestyle, Canned Food, 14 oz
- One 14 oz can of Armour Star Hearty Homestyle Corned Beef Hash Canned Food
- Canned corned beef hash offers a quick, easy meal with great flavor
- Canned meat with a delicious blend of diced potatoes and corned beef
- Heat fully cooked corned beef until golden brown
- Canned hash offers an easy meal solution or perfect addition to a survival kit.Canned corned beef hash is ideal for camping, tailgating or road tripping
Ox & Palm Australian Corned Beef Original Chunky Style 15 oz (Pack of 1)
- SIMPLE INGREDIENTS- Just Cooked Beef, Water, Salt, Sodium Nitrate
- QUALITY- Grass-fed Premium High quality Australian beef (Angus)
- DELICIOUS- Chunkier & juicier than others on the market
- DOES NOT CONTAIN: Extenders, MSG, Artificial Flavors or colors, HGP (no added hormones), Antibiotics
- CERTIFIED- HACCP/SQF, USDA certified, SQF (Aust) certified
Hormel Mary Kitchen, Corned Beef Hash, 25 oz
- America’s #1 Selling Hash
- 18 grams of protein per serving
- Fully cooked, ready to serve
- Easy to make
- 66 years of high quality and great taste
Iberia Corned Beef, 12 oz, Premium Quality Corned Beef With Natural Juices, Halal
- PREMIUM QUALITY CORNED BEEF: Made with tender, premium quality meat, Iberia corned beef is specially cured for a balanced flavor that will bring flavors to all your dishes.
- VERSATILE: Slice it up and fry it with onions, potatoes, and eggs for a classic breakfast. Or, layer thin slices between bread for mouth watering sandwiches. The possibilities are virtually endless.
- SEASONED TO PERFECTION: Iberia Corned Beef is specially prepared with beef and savory seasonings for a delicious homemade taste.
- READY TO EAT: Iberia Corned Beef is fully cooked and ready-to-eat corned beef which can be used as an ingredient or eaten as a snack on its own. Enjoy it whole, sliced or crumbled.
- INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Punch small hole in can top to release vacuum (optional).2. Attach key, handle down, to the tab.3. Hold can firmly by the top end and twist the key clockwise completely around the can.4. Remove the bottom end of can away from the meat. Hold can by the narrow end and shake the meat out.Note: If the key fails to remove metal strip properly, use an ordinary can-opener to remove both ends. Carefully push the meat from the top end.
Mary Kitchen Hash Corned Beef Hash 14 oz (8 Pack)
- Includes an 8 pack of HORMEL MARY KITCHEN Corned Beef Hash, America’s selling hash (Based on latest 52 week IRI data.)
- With 17 grams of protein per serving, this corned beef hash makes the perfect addition to recipes like egg muffins, potatoes, and more
- Fry up this corned beef hash to create a crisp and crunchy taste
- Made from a mix of tender corned beef chunks, diced potatoes, and savory seasonings, you can bring that classic restaurant taste of corned beef hash to your home
- For over 65 years, HORMEL MARY KITCHEN has been delivering quality food and great taste
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
Which cut of corned beef works best in a slow cooker?
The classic choice is a whole brisket, also known as the flat cut, because it stays tender and flavorful during long, low‑heat cooking. It has a good balance of meat and fat, which prevents it from drying out. If you prefer a leaner option, the round cut works too, but you may need to add extra liquid to keep it moist.
How does the flat cut differ from the point cut for slow cooking?
The flat cut is uniformly shaped, making it easier to slice and giving a consistent texture, while the point cut has more marbling and a richer flavor due to extra fat. The point cut can be juicier, but it may render more fat that you’ll need to skim off. Both cuts work well; choose based on your preference for leanness versus richness.
Should I buy pre‑cured corned beef or cure it myself for the slow cooker?
Pre‑cured corned beef saves time and guarantees the traditional spice blend, which is ideal for a hassle‑free slow‑cooker meal. Curing it yourself lets you control the salt level and customize spices, but it requires several days of refrigeration before cooking. For most shoppers, the pre‑cured option offers the best value and convenience.
Is it worth paying more for a premium brand of corned beef?
Premium brands often use higher‑quality beef and a more authentic spice mix, which can result in a deeper flavor and better texture after hours of cooking. However, many mid‑range brands perform just as well when cooked low and slow, especially if you add your own aromatics. Compare price per pound and read reviews to decide if the extra cost matches your taste expectations.
What additional ingredients should I add to enhance the flavor in the slow cooker?
Classic additions include carrots, potatoes, cabbage, and onions, which absorb the brine and become tender alongside the meat. Adding a splash of beer, apple cider, or beef broth can boost moisture and add complexity. Season with whole peppercorns, bay leaves, and a pinch of mustard seeds for an authentic corned‑beef profile.
How much liquid is needed when cooking corned beef in a slow cooker?
You only need enough liquid to cover the bottom of the pot—typically 1 to 1.5 cups of water, broth, or a mixture of both. The meat will release its own juices, so over‑filling can make the dish soggy. Keep the lid on during cooking to retain steam and ensure even tenderness.
Can I freeze a cooked corned beef brisket for later meals?
Yes, slice the cooked brisket, let it cool, and pack it in airtight containers or freezer bags with a bit of the cooking liquid to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to three months and can be reheated gently in the microwave or a low‑heat oven. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results before reheating.