If you’re looking for a comforting meal that feels special but is still simple to make, this brown sugar glazed corned beef is the perfect choice. Sweet, savory, and beautifully sticky, this dish transforms a traditional corned beef into a family-friendly dinner that’s packed with flavor and easy enough for any home cook.
Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Glazed Corned Beef
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between salty and sweet. Corned beef is known for its bold, briny flavor, and the brown sugar glaze softens that saltiness with just the right amount of sweetness. Whole grain Dijon mustard adds gentle tang, while warm spices bring depth without overwhelming picky eaters.
Even better, this recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and a straightforward method. Most of the cooking time is hands-off, making it ideal for weekends, holidays, or relaxed family dinners when you want something hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this flavorful dinner:
- 1 corned beef brisket (with seasoning packet, if included)
- Water (enough to cover the beef)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup whole grain Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves or allspice
How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Corned Beef (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Simmer the Corned Beef
Place the corned beef in a large pot and cover with water. Add bay leaves, sliced onion, garlic, and the seasoning packet if included. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 2½–3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and ground cloves or allspice. Stir until smooth and spreadable.
Step 3: Glaze the Beef
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the cooked corned beef to a baking dish lined with foil. Pat it dry slightly, then brush a thick layer of glaze over the top.
Step 4: Bake Until Sticky
Bake uncovered for 20–30 minutes, brushing with more glaze halfway through. The glaze should caramelize and become glossy and sticky.
Step 5: Rest and Slice
Let the corned beef rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Tips & Variations
- Less Sweet: Reduce brown sugar to ¾ cup for a milder glaze
- Extra Tender: Tent loosely with foil if the glaze browns too quickly
- No Mustard Option: Use mild yellow mustard for a gentler flavor
- Low-Sodium Tip: Rinse the corned beef before simmering to reduce salt
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve this brown sugar glazed corned beef with roasted potatoes, steamed carrots, green beans, or a simple cabbage sauté. Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat beautifully for sandwiches or quick dinners.
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Easy Brown Sugar Glazed Corned Beef Dinner
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Sweet and savory collide in this Brown Sugar Glazed Corned Beef. Dark brown sugar, whole grain Dijon, and warm spices bake into a sticky, caramelized glaze that perfectly balances corned beef’s salty bite—an easy, family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
1 corned beef brisket (about 3–4 lb), with seasoning packet if included
Water, enough to cover (about 8 cups, as needed)
2 bay leaves
1 large yellow onion, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup whole grain Dijon mustard
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp ground cloves OR ground allspice
Instructions
1. Rinse the corned beef (optional, for less salt). Place it in a large pot and cover with water.
2. Add bay leaves, sliced onion, minced garlic, and the seasoning packet (if included).
3. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover and cook 2 1/2–3 hours, until fork-tender.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with foil.
5. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and cloves/allspice into a thick glaze.
6. Transfer cooked corned beef to the baking dish. Pat the top slightly dry for better glazing.
7. Brush a generous layer of glaze over the corned beef.
8. Bake uncovered 20–30 minutes, brushing on more glaze halfway through, until sticky and caramelized.
9. Rest 10 minutes. Slice against the grain and serve.
Notes
For a less-sweet glaze, reduce brown sugar to 3/4 cup.
If the glaze browns too fast, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
No Dijon? Use mild yellow mustard or a smooth Dijon.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm slices covered in the oven at 325°F (165°C) with a splash of water, or microwave gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 0 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 980mg |
Final Thoughts
This brown sugar glazed corned beef proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With its irresistible sticky glaze and balanced flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again—perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or anytime you want a warm, satisfying meal.