Baked Corned Beef Brisket Recipe

It’s 5 PM. You’re staring into the fridge. The family is hungry. Sound familiar?

You need a hero. A flavor-packed dinner that doesn’t need you to babysit it. That hero is a Baked Corned Beef Brisket. If you love simple, hands-off dinners, you should also try my creamy beef and shells recipe.

Forget boiling for hours. We’re using the oven to do all the work. You get tender, salty, incredible beef. And you get your night back.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: Irish-American
• Category: Main Dish
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2.5 – 3 hours
• Total Time: About 3 hours
• Servings: 6-8

Ultimate Guide to Baked Corned Beef Brisket

This is your only guide. Why? Because I’m a busy cook, just like you.

I tested the “set it and forget it” method. Baking wins. It’s hands-off. The heat wraps around the meat for even cooking.

The result is crazy good. The fat renders. The meat gets fork-tender. And the top gets a slightly crispy, caramelized edge.

You get a stunning main dish with almost no effort. It’s a total win for weeknights or a simple St. Patrick’s Day feast.

The Simple Ingredients

Here’s the best part. Your shopping list is tiny. The flavor packet does most of the heavy lifting.

• 1 (3 to 4 pound) corned beef brisket, with spice packet
• 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (optional, but awesome)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, for a sweet crust)
• 3-4 cups water or beef broth

Let’s Get Cooking! (The Step-by-Step)

Ready? This is so simple. Preheat your oven and let’s go.

Recipe

Baked Corned Beef Brisket Recipe

Make Baked Corned Beef Brisket Recipe with simple ingredients and clear steps. Prep, cook, and enjoy—perfect for cozy evenings.

Author: Ashley Vaughn

Prep: 10 min | Cook: - | Total: 10 mins

Serves: - 4 + bites

★ Rate 🖨 Print

The Simple Ingredients

• 1 (3 to 4 pound) corned beef brisket, with spice packet
• 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (optional, but awesome)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, for a sweet crust)
• 3-4 cups water or beef broth

Let’s Get Cooking! (The Step-by-Step)

1

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This low and slow heat is the key to tenderness.

2

Take your brisket out of its package. Rinse it under cool water. Pat it very dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick.

3

Place the brisket, fat side up, in a large Dutch oven or deep roasting pan. A tight-fitting lid is your friend here.

4

Sprinkle the entire spice packet from the brisket all over the meat. Rub it in a little.

5

If using, mix the mustard and brown sugar. Spread it over the top of the brisket for a flavor boost.

6

Pour the water or broth into the pot, around the meat. Do not pour it over the top. You want about an inch of liquid.

7

Cover the pot tightly with its lid or heavy-duty foil. This traps steam and keeps everything juicy.

8

Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours. You’ll know it’s done when a fork slides in and out with zero effort.

9

For a crispier top, remove the lid for the last 15-20 minutes of baking. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.

Notes

Enjoy your homemade Baked Corned Beef Brisket Recipe!

Nutrition Information

Calories: ~300 kcal

Protein: 20g

Fat: 23g

Saturated Fat: 7g

Sodium: 1000mg

Note: Nutrition is an estimate per serving. Sodium will vary by brand of corned beef.

Did You Make This?

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1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This low and slow heat is the key to tenderness.
2. Take your brisket out of its package. Rinse it under cool water. Pat it very dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick.
3. Place the brisket, fat side up, in a large Dutch oven or deep roasting pan. A tight-fitting lid is your friend here.
4. Sprinkle the entire spice packet from the brisket all over the meat. Rub it in a little.
5. If using, mix the mustard and brown sugar. Spread it over the top of the brisket for a flavor boost.
6. Pour the water or broth into the pot, around the meat. Do not pour it over the top. You want about an inch of liquid.
7. Cover the pot tightly with its lid or heavy-duty foil. This traps steam and keeps everything juicy.
8. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours. You’ll know it’s done when a fork slides in and out with zero effort.
9. For a crispier top, remove the lid for the last 15-20 minutes of baking. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.

What to Serve With This Dish

You need fast sides to match your fast main. Here are my go-to picks.

Roast some baby potatoes and carrots in the oven right alongside the brisket. Toss them in oil, salt, and pepper. Easy.

Instant Pot or boiled cabbage is a classic. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts the richness perfectly.

Don’t forget the bread! Warm, crusty Irish soda bread is perfect for soaking up those delicious juices. For another comforting meal that’s great for leftovers, check out this creamy chicken ranch pasta with beef bacon.

Make This Recipe Your Own (Quick Swaps)

Make it work for you. Here are two easy tweaks.

Sweet & Sticky: Swap the brown sugar for a glaze of orange marmalade and a splash of soy sauce. It’s amazing.

Beer-Braised: Use a bottle of stout or ale instead of water or broth. It adds a deep, malty flavor that’s so good.

Honey Mustard: Out of brown sugar? Use equal parts honey and Dijon mustard for the rub. Simple and effective.

How to Store Leftovers (If You Have Any!)

Leftovers are a gift! Store cooled meat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

It makes the best sandwiches. Pile it on rye bread with Swiss cheese and sauerkraut for a quick Reuben.

You can also freeze slices for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently in a pan or the microwave.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

• Calories: ~300 kcal
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Sodium: 1000mg
• Note: Nutrition is an estimate per serving. Sodium will vary by brand of corned beef.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I have to rinse the corned beef?

Yes, I recommend it. It washes off some of the excess salty brine. This gives you more control over the final flavor.

What does “slice against the grain” mean?

Look at the meat. You’ll see lines running in one direction. Cut perpendicular (across) those lines. This makes every bite tender, not chewy.

Can I cook this faster at a higher temperature?

I don’t suggest it. Low and slow baking breaks down the tough fibers. High heat will make it tough and dry. Patience pays off here.

So there you have it. Your weeknight dinner crisis is officially solved.

This baked corned beef brisket is your new secret weapon. It’s impressive, delicious, and so darn simple. You get to be the kitchen hero without the stress. And if you’re looking for a delicious breakfast to start your day right, my blueberry baked oatmeal is a perfect make-ahead option.

Go try this and win back your weeknight! Let me know how it goes by leaving a comment and rating below!