This corned beef dish gets a tasty twist with a zesty mustard glaze. The sweet and tangy flavor combination makes it something special for any meal!
Honestly, the glaze is a star here. I can’t resist slapping on extra at every slice. It’s perfect for sandwiches or served with veggies. Who doesn’t love a good juicy bite? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corned Beef Brisket: This is the star of the show! Look for a brisket that’s around 3 to 4 pounds. If you have dietary restrictions, turkey corned beef can be a good alternative for a lighter option.
Beef Broth: If you want a lighter broth, using vegetable broth works well too. Homemade broth can elevate the flavor, but store-bought is perfectly fine and convenient!
Pearl Onions: These add a nice sweetness, but if you can’t find them, chopped shallots or even diced regular onions can substitute. Just cook them to soften them up a bit before adding them in.
Mustard: I love the combination of yellow and Dijon mustard for a balanced flavor. If you’re looking for a spicier kick, try using spicy brown mustard in place of yellow. It adds depth!
How Do You Achieve Tender Corned Beef?
Cooking corned beef to tender perfection is all about patience and slow cooking. Start by rinsing the brisket to remove excess salt, which keeps it from being too salty. Then, simmer it low and slow.
- Place the brisket in a pot and cover it with beef broth or water.
- Add any included spice packet or your own pickling spices for flavor.
- Simmer on low for about 2.5 to 3 hours. Check for tenderness with a fork; it should fall apart easily.
Remember to add your vegetables in the last 45 minutes of cooking for the best texture. Enjoy the aromas filling your kitchen along the way!

How to Make Corned Beef With Mustard Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Corned Beef:
- 3 to 4 pounds corned beef brisket (with spice packet if included)
- 4 cups beef broth or water (for cooking)
- 6 small peeled pearl onions
- 4-5 medium carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 4-5 small potatoes, peeled and halved or quartered
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Mustard Glaze:
- 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 minced garlic clove
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 3 hours to prepare, including 2.5 to 3 hours for cooking the corned beef and an additional 15-20 minutes for baking with the mustard glaze. You’ll spend about 15 minutes on prep work like chopping and mixing.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Corned Beef:
Start by rinsing the corned beef brisket under cold water. This helps to remove any extra salt. Pat it dry with paper towels to get rid of excess moisture.
2. Cook the Corned Beef:
Place the brisket in a large pot or Dutch oven. Pour in the beef broth or water until the brisket is mostly submerged. If your brisket came with a spice packet, add it now for extra flavor. If not, feel free to use your favorite pickling spices!
3. Simmer Away:
Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is nice and tender. You want it to be super easy to pull apart!
4. Add the Vegetables:
When the brisket has about 45 minutes left to cook, add the peeled pearl onions, carrot chunks, and potato halves into the pot. Cook them along with the beef until they’re tender, which should take about 45 minutes.
5. Preheat the Oven:
While the beef and veggies cook, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will prepare it for roasting the corned beef with that delicious glaze.
6. Make the Mustard Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, brown sugar (or honey), apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), Worcestershire sauce, ground black pepper, and garlic powder. This glaze will add a nice touch of flavor to your beef.
7. Glaze and Bake:
After the corned beef is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and place it on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish. Generously brush the mustard glaze over the top and sides of the beef until it’s fully coated.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Put the glazed corned beef in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly glaze that’s slightly caramelized—yum! Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
9. Slice and Serve:
Once baked, take the corned beef out of the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute. Slice the beef against the grain into thick slices.
10. Plating:
Arrange the sliced corned beef on a platter alongside the cooked carrots, potatoes, and pearl onions. Drizzle any leftover glaze or pan juices over the meat for extra flavor. Lastly, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color!
Enjoy your tender corned beef with a flavorful mustard glaze and perfectly cooked vegetables!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Yes! While corned beef brisket is traditional, you can also use a corned beef round if it’s more readily available. Just be mindful that cooking times might vary slightly based on the cut’s thickness and tenderness.
What If I Don’t Have Pearl Onions?
No problem! You can substitute pearl onions with standard yellow or sweet onions. Just chop them into chunks and add them in at the same stage—around 45 minutes before the brisket is done cooking.
Can I Make the Mustard Glaze in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mustard glaze up to two days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. Give it a good stir before brushing it on the brisket.
How Should I Store Leftover Corned Beef?
Store any leftover corned beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it moist. Enjoy it in sandwiches or salads for a tasty next-day meal!
