Easy Homemade Pastrami Recipe

If the cost of deli meat makes you shudder, have no fear! The budget-friendly solution is to learn how to make it yourself using this homemade pastrami recipe. All you need is corned beef, a spice rub, and a slow cooker. Our household typically makes turkey pastrami, but this classic version is always a hit, especially during the holiday season!

Why this recipe works

Making this may look intimidating, but it’s actually relatively hands-off and yields perfect results.

No smoker needed. While pastrami is typically smoked, I’ve cracked the code on making this in the slow cooker and oven instead. Easy to make. You’ll never overpay for deli meat again after making your own homemade version. Just follow the simple steps, and you’ll have mouth-watering cold cuts before you know it! Endless serving options. Whether you’re craving a Reuben, Rachel, hoagie, or creative cold-cut sandwich, this slow cooker pastrami recipe can make it happen in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients needed

This beef pastrami is so easy, and besides the beef and the spice rub, there isn’t much that is needed to make. Here is what you’ll need:

Corned beef. The fastest way to make this is to start with corned beef. This way, the pastrami is ready in a matter of hours rather than days. If you can’t find corned beef, you can use well-marbled beef brisket with a nice fat cap.

Pastrami rub

Black pepper. It gives the cold cut its signature pungent, peppery, and spicy flavor. Coriander powder. For a warm, citrusy, and slightly nutty flavor. Brown sugar. It adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to balance the savory spice mix. Smoked paprika. This gives the pastrami its classic red-orange color. Onion and garlic powder. This aromatic duo ensures that the smoked meat is deliciously savory.

How to make pastrami

Slow cooked pastrami is easy to make: just remember to make space in your fridge to chill. Make the spice rub. Stir the seasonings in a bowl, then spread the spice mixture in an even layer on a baking sheet. Season the beef. Roll the corned beef in the spice mix. Slow cook. Wrap the beef in aluminum foil and cook it in the slow cooker. Chill. Afterward, transfer the beef to the fridge. Bake. Once it’s done chilling, place the beef on a wire rack on top of a baking sheet and bake in the oven until a crust forms. Cool, then slice. Let the beef cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Tips to make the best recipe

Use a meat thermometer. It’s the best tool to use when checking the meat’s doneness. The pastrami is ready when the meat thermometer measures the internal temperature at 195°F. Rest before slicing. Once cooked, allow the meat to rest for about 30 minutes off of the heat. This helps redistribute the juices and keeps the meat moist. Slice into thin slices. Slice the beef against the grain into very thin slices before serving.

Storage instructions

To store: This deli meat will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. To freeze: If you don’t plan on eating the pastrami right away, wrap it tightly in plastic or aluminum foil and freeze for 1 to 2 months.