Name: Glazed Corned Beef Roast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 4 pound corned beef; 4 medium carrots peeled and cut into 1 to 2 inch pieces; 1 medium onion sliced into wedges; 2 teaspoons pickling spice; water (enough to come halfway up the sides of the beef); ⅓ cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon whole grain pommery mustard; 1 tablespoon hot prepared horseradish

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting yet festive dish, this Glazed Corned Beef Roast Recipe just might become your new favorite go-to. It’s all about slow-roasting tender corned beef with a sweet and tangy horseradish glaze that will have you craving seconds (and thirds!).

A rectangular pan holds a large, golden-brown roasted meat piece with a shiny, slightly crispy surface showing glistening oil and dark brown char spots. Surrounding the meat are evenly spread chunks of bright orange carrots and translucent, soft-looking onion wedges with a light brown sear. The pan bottom shows caramelized juices mixed with black pepper flecks. The edges of the pan are visible with some browned bits stuck to the surface. The background is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Glazed Corned Beef Roast Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Glazed Corned Beef Roast Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Glazed Corned Beef Roast Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t resist the combination of those melt-in-your-mouth corned beef slices paired with the caramelized, spiced glaze—plus the roasted carrots and onions soaking up all those savory juices. It’s a heartwarming dish that’s perfect year-round.

Slow roasting: ensures juicy, tender meat that practically falls apart.
Horseradish glaze: brings a punch of flavor with just the right sweetness and heat.
Simple ingredients: easy to find, no fancy gimmicks required.
Perfect for gatherings: feeds six hearty appetites with minimal fuss.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Shopping for this recipe is pretty straightforward, but here’s a little tip: look for a corned beef brisket that comes with a pickling spice packet for that authentic flavor boost. And if you can, choose fresh, firm carrots and a sweet onion to balance the savory meat.

Flat lay of a large raw corned beef brisket with a visible fat cap, fresh whole medium carrots peeled with smooth skin, a medium yellow onion cut into wedges with layers visible, a small white ceramic bowl filled with coarse whole grain mustard seeds in mustard sauce, another small white ceramic bowl containing smooth Dijon mustard, a small white ceramic bowl with rich brown sugar crystals, a small white ceramic bowl holding creamy prepared horseradish, and a small white ceramic bowl with a mix of colorful pickling spices, all arranged symmetrically and naturally placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Corned beef: The star of the show—pick a whole brisket with good marbling for tenderness.
Carrots: They roast beautifully alongside the beef, adding subtle sweetness and color.
Onion: Adds depth and a slight sharpness once roasted.
Pickling spice: Infuses the cooking liquid and meat with classic, complex aromatics.
Water: Keeps the roast moist and creates a flavorful braising liquid.
Brown sugar: Sweetens the glaze for that sticky, caramelized finish.
Dijon mustard: Adds tang and smooth texture to the glaze.
Whole grain pommery mustard: Provides a rustic texture and subtle heat.
Hot prepared horseradish: Brings the zingy kick that balances the sweetness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The Glazed Corned Beef Roast Recipe is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to tailor it to match your taste and occasion. Whether you want to swap veggies or spice up the glaze, there’s plenty of room for your personal touch.

Root Vegetable Swap: I sometimes swap out the carrots for parsnips or baby potatoes, which roast beautifully alongside the meat and add a subtle sweetness and creaminess that’s hard to resist.
Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free Friendly: Since this recipe is naturally gluten free and egg free, it’s perfect for those with dietary restrictions. Just be sure to check your mustard and horseradish labels for any hidden ingredients if you’re serving guests with allergies.
Spice It Up: For a little extra zing, I’ve stirred some freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of cayenne into the glaze. It gives that sweet and tangy horseradish glaze a delightful kick without overpowering the corned beef’s savory flavor.
Make-Ahead Magic: Leftovers? This glazed corned beef makes fantastic sandwiches the next day. Just slice it thin, add some mustard or horseradish sauce, and you’ve got a hearty lunch ready to go.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Glazed Corned Beef Roast Recipe

A white oval plate holds five thick slices of pink meat with a slightly browned edge on the right side, layered slightly overlapping from front to back. To the left of the meat, there is a pile of cooked orange carrot sticks mixed with translucent cooked onion pieces, giving a soft texture and slight shine. A rustic metal meat fork with two long prongs is lifting one slice of meat from the center-left side of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a green and white striped cloth in the top left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. This slower roast temperature ensures the corned beef cooks evenly and becomes tender without drying out. Grab a roasting pan with about 2-inch-high sides—a sturdy pan helps hold all the flavorful juices and veggies that will be cooking alongside the beef.

Step 2: Prepare the Corned Beef and Arrange the Veggies

Remove your 4-pound corned beef from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels to help the glaze stick later on. Place it fat side up in the roasting pan. Surround the beef with the peeled and cut carrots and sliced onion wedges. Pour in enough water to come about halfway up the sides of the meat—this gentle cooking liquid guarantees a moist roast. Tuck in your pickling spice packet into the water, making sure it doesn’t rest directly on the beef to avoid bitter spots.

Step 3: Cover and Slow Roast

Tightly cover the roasting pan with foil to trap moisture and place it in the oven. Let it cook gently for 3 hours, allowing the beef to become wonderfully tender. You’ll know it’s ready when the meat easily pulls apart with a fork.

Step 4: Whip Up the Sweet and Tangy Glaze

While the beef roasts, combine ⅓ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon whole grain Pommery mustard, and 1 tablespoon hot prepared horseradish in a small saucepan. Whisk together and warm over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the sugar melts and the glaze thickens slightly. Keep an eye here—the glaze should be smooth and shiny, a perfect coating for the corned beef’s fat cap.

Step 5: Increase Oven Temperature and Prepare to Glaze

Once the 3-hour roast is done, pull the pan from the oven and set aside the carrots and onions into a bowl—they’ll make a tasty side. Crank the oven temperature up to 375 degrees Fahrenheit so the glaze can caramelize beautifully. Using a sharp knife, score the fat cap on your corned beef in a crosshatch pattern; this helps the glaze soak in and caramelize evenly.

Step 6: Apply the Glaze and Finish Roasting

Brush the horseradish glaze liberally over the scored fat cap. Place the roast back in the oven and let it bake for about 15 minutes or until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized to perfection. This final step turns the beef into a sweet, tangy, and savory centerpiece that’s truly irresistible.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Transfer the glazed corned beef to a cutting board and let it rest for about 10 minutes to lock in those delicious juices. Then, slice against the grain into ¼ inch thick pieces. Serve with the wonderfully roasted carrots and onions for a meal that feels both special and comforting.

Top Tip

Every cook has their little secrets that take a dish from good to unforgettable. These tips will help your Glazed Corned Beef Roast Recipe turn out juicy, flavorful, and perfectly caramelized every single time.

Patting the Beef Dry: Make sure to thoroughly pat your corned beef dry before roasting. This helps the glaze stick beautifully and promotes that perfect caramelized finish.
Scoring the Fat Cap: Scoring the fat in a crosshatch pattern isn't just for looks—it lets the glaze penetrate and caramelize deep into the fat, adding layers of flavor.
Temperature Patience: Slow roasting at 325°F for 3 hours ensures the meat becomes tender without drying out. Resist the temptation to crank up the heat!
Rest Before Slicing: Allowing the beef to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing locks in the juices, making each bite succulent and tender.

How to Serve Glazed Corned Beef Roast Recipe

A large piece of raw meat with a thick pale pink fat layer on top and deep red muscle underneath is placed in a silver pan. Around the meat are cut white onions and orange carrot pieces spread evenly. A woman's hand holds a small white bowl filled with mixed peppercorns above the meat, ready to sprinkle them. The pan is set on a white marbled surface with a soft-focus striped cloth in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like fresh parsley or a sprinkle of chopped chives brighten the plate and add a pop of color. For a touch of elegance, a few whole-grain mustard seeds or a dollop of extra horseradish on the side complement the glaze perfectly.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with classic Irish sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, buttered cabbage, or sautéed green beans. Roasted parsnips or baby potatoes also make fantastic alternatives if you want to switch up the carrots. A slice of crusty gluten-free bread will help soak up all that luscious glaze and cooking juices.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover glazed corned beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It'll stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for next-day sandwiches or quick meals.

Freezing

You can freeze sliced or whole leftover corned beef wrapped tightly in foil and then placed in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your corned beef slices gently in a covered pan with a splash of water or beef broth over low heat. This keeps the meat moist and tender. Avoid microwaving as it can sometimes dry out the slices.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a slow cooker for the Glazed Corned Beef Roast Recipe?

Absolutely! You can slow cook the corned beef with the carrots, onions, and pickling spices on low for 8-10 hours. Just prepare the glaze and brush it on during the last 15 minutes under a broiler or in a hot oven to caramelize.

What if I don’t have pickling spice?

No worries! A simple homemade blend with bay leaf, peppercorns, mustard seeds, and coriander seeds works beautifully and mimics that classic flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it is! This Glazed Corned Beef Roast Recipe uses naturally gluten-free ingredients. Just check that your mustard and horseradish are labeled gluten-free for full assurance.

Why is it important to slice against the grain?

Slicing against the grain breaks up the muscle fibers, resulting in much more tender, easy-to-chew slices rather than tough or stringy pieces.

Final Thoughts

This Glazed Corned Beef Roast Recipe is a true labor of love, delivering a hearty, comforting main course that’s perfect for celebrations or any cozy dinner. The tender meat paired with that sweet and tangy horseradish glaze is sure to become a family favorite you’ll revisit year after year. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the warm, festive flavors of this Irish classic!