Slow Cooker Pastrami


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Our Slow Cooker Pastrami is made with corned beef, a variety of seasonings, a light beer, and liquid smoke for a delicious meal everyone is sure to love. Grab your crockpot and get ready to make a meal that’s low maintenance but high in flavor!

Cook up a helping of Slow Cooker Cheesy Mashed Potatoes and Slow Cooker Candied Carrots for a well-rounded and healthy meal option.

pastrami sandwich in front of a slow cooker.
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Why This Recipe Works

When I’m looking for the best way to make a meal without lots of work, this recipe is my go to. The prep time is quick because all I have to do is put everything into the crock pot, turn it on, and leave it be for most of the day. By the end of cooking time, the beef has soaked up the flavors and it’s ready to be sliced.

Making home pastrami sandwiches is easy peasy and quick to whip up. You’ll also enjoy the versatility of this meal. If someone doesn’t want it on sandwiches, it can be served alongside mashed potatoes or even on top. Lay the slices on top of a salad for a healthy meal option, too! This is a meal your whole family will love.

Recipe Ingredients

ingredients for slow cooker pastrami on a table.
  • Corned Beef: I suggest purchasing a flat cut 4 lbs. corned beef. It will yield enough for several sandwiches and leftovers. You can use any cut of corned beef such as point cut.
  • Spice Packet: Keep the spice packet that comes with the corned beef.
  • Seasonings: Onion powder, brown sugar, ground black pepper, whole peeled garlic cloves, and hickory liquid smoke make the perfect spice mixture.
  • Beer: You can use any beer but I prefer to use a light beer.
  • Water: Adds to the cooking liquid. (The full recipe is below the photos on the recipe card.)

Step-by-Step Directions

six imaged showing how to make slow cooker pastrami.

Step One – Rinse the corned beef VERY well and place it in the slow cooker.

Step Two – Add the spice packet, onion powder, brown sugar and black pepper over the corned beef. Then place the garlic cloves on top.

Step Three – Next add the beer, water and hickory liquid smoke.

Step Four – Cover and slow cook on LOW for 7-8 hours.

Step Five – Remove the corned beef onto a cutting board. Let rest for 5-10 minutes. Slice thinly with a knife.

Step Six – Place the sliced beef back into the crockpot to keep warm. Serve the slow cooker pastrami sandwiches with sides of your choice and enjoy!

overhead shot of crockpot pastrami.

How to Serve

  • Serve this meal sandwich style on marble rye bread topped with thousand island dressing, swiss cheese, and sauerkraut. It can also be served on a hoagie roll.
  • As for sides, these sandwiches pair perfectly with a handful of chips, French fries, or a nice helping of mashed potatoes.
close-up of slow cooker pastrami sandwich.

Recipe FAQs

Can I serve this on any type of bread?

Of course! Rye bread is a common bread used for these types of sandwiches; however, you can use whatever you have on hand.

How do I store leftovers?

Place any remaining beef in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can I make this homemade pastrami recipe in the oven?

Yes. Wrap the corned beef in foil wrap, bake until done throughout, cut, and serve!

Can I make this spicy?

Sure. You can add different spices to make a spice rub for the corned beef brisket. Rub all the spices on the beef brisket and cook as directed. To make it spicy consider adding cayenne pepper.

two slow cooker pastrami sandwiches on plates.

More Slow Cooker Corned Beef Recipes

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two slow cooker pastrami sandwiches on plates.

Slow Cooker Pastrami

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 hours
Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Made with corned beef, spices, and a few other ingredients – this delicious pastrami is something the whole family is sure to enjoy!

Ingredients 
 

  • 4 lbs. corned beef, I use 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

For serving

  • marble rye
  • thousand island dressing
  • swiss cheese
  • sauerkraut

Instructions 

  • Rinse the corned beef VERY well. This will get the some salt off of it.
  • Add the corned beef to the slow cooker.
  • Add the spice packet, onion powder, brown sugar and black pepper over the corned beef. Add the garlic cloves.
  • Next add the beer, water and hickory liquid smoke.
  • Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours.
  • Remove the corned beef onto a cutting board. Let rest for 5-10 minutes. Cut with a knife and serve!

Sarah’s Notes

  • Nutritional values do not include bread or toppings, it’s just for the pastrami. 
  • Rye bread is a common bread used for these types of sandwiches; however, you can use whatever you have on hand.
  • Place any remaining beef in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 488kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 122mg | Sodium: 2769mg | Potassium: 703mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 62mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

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