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–+ servings
two slow cooker pastrami sandwiches on plates.
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Slow Cooker Pastrami Recipe

Made with corned beef, spices, and a few other ingredients - this delicious pastrami is something the whole family is sure to enjoy!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time7 hours
Total Time7 hours 10 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8
Author: Sarah Olson

Equipment

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
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Rinse the corned beef VERY well. This will get a lot of the 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!

Notes

  • Nutritional values do not include bread or toppings, it's just for the pastrami. 
  • Rinsing the corned beef is necessary, it takes the excess sodium out of the meat.
  • Place any remaining beef in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • I like flat cut for it's usually a larger piece of meat, but point cut works just as well.
Variations:
  • For a sweeter pastrami, double or triple the brown sugar.
  • If you are a garlic lover, increase the garlic to 8 cloves (keep them whole).
  • Beer can be skiped, use broth or additional water instead. A splash of whiskey can be added instead for added flavor.
My Serving Suggestions:
  • Serve this meal sandwich style on marble rye bread topped with thousand island dressing, swiss cheese, and sauerkraut - making it into a Reuben sandwich. 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.
  • For low carb, skip the bread and serve over coleslaw or steamed vegetables.
  • Use the leftover pastrami in a hash for breakfast.

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

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