Name: Honey Mustard Glazed Corned Beef 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 (usually included in the corned beef package); Water (enough to come halfway up the beef in the pan); ⅓ cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon whole grain pommery mustard; 1 tablespoon hot prepared horseradish

If you’ve been searching for that perfect, tender, and flavorful corned beef, look no further. This Honey Mustard Glazed Corned Beef Recipe brings together a slow-roasted Irish classic with a tangy sweet horseradish-mustard glaze that truly elevates the dish.

A large, golden-brown glazed ham sits in the center of a metal baking tray with a shiny, slightly crispy outer layer showing a mix of warm amber and pinkish hues. Around the ham, there are thick carrot pieces with a bright orange color and soft white onion segments that have a slightly caramelized look, both spread unevenly but closely surrounding the meat. The tray has visible roasted juices and pepper specks glistening, giving a rich and savory appearance. 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 Honey Mustard Glazed Corned Beef Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Honey Mustard Glazed Corned Beef Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Honey Mustard Glazed Corned Beef Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love making this Honey Mustard Glazed Corned Beef because it’s hands-off for the most part, and yet the results are so impressive — juicy, tender beef paired with roasted veggies and a glaze that adds just the right kick!

Slow roasting perfection: Cooking at a low temperature transforms the beef into tender, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Flavor-packed glaze: The brown sugar, mustard, and horseradish combo brings a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy.
Simple ingredient list: Easy to find basics make this approachable but still special.
Great for leftovers: Leftover slices taste amazing cold or reheated, perfect for sandwiches or hash.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When gathering your ingredients for this glazed corned beef, fresher is always better—especially with the meat and vegetables. And if your corned beef didn’t come with a pickling spice packet, don’t worry; I’ve got tips for that below!

Flat lay of a whole raw corned beef brisket with a thick fat cap, fresh peeled orange carrots cut into chunky pieces, a medium yellow onion sliced into wedges, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse pickling spice with visible mustard seeds and peppercorns, a small white bowl filled with brown sugar crystals, another small white bowl containing smooth pale yellow Dijon mustard, a small white bowl with whole grain mustard showing visible mustard seeds, and a small white bowl of creamy white prepared horseradish, all ingredients fresh and natural, arranged symmetrically with balanced spacing, 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, brings salty, beefy richness perfect for slow roasting.
Carrots: Add natural sweetness and texture that balance the savory meat.
Onion: Provides aromatic depth and softens beautifully during roasting.
Pickling spice: Classic spices infuse the cooking liquid with traditional Irish flavors.
Water: Used to gently braise the meat and veggies, keeping everything moist and tender.
Brown sugar: The base of the glaze, it caramelizes to give a lovely sweet finish.
Dijon mustard: Brings sharp, tangy flavor to balance sweetness.
Whole grain pommery mustard: Adds texture and a rustic mustard bite to the glaze.
Hot prepared horseradish: Gives the glaze a sharp, spicy kick that pairs perfectly with beef.

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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 beauty of this Honey Mustard Glazed Corned Beef Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your taste and occasion. Whether you want to add a seasonal twist or accommodate dietary needs, a few tweaks can make this classic slow-roasted dish your own.

Variation: For a smoky twist, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the glaze. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the horseradish heat.
Vegetarian-friendly sides: While the corned beef is slow roasting, roast some Brussels sprouts or parsnips alongside the carrots and onions for a medley of roasted veggies to balance the rich meat.
Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your prepared horseradish and mustards to ensure no hidden gluten sneaks in.
Make it spicier: If you love a kick, add a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a fiery glaze finish.
Leftover ideas: Use any leftovers in delicious corned beef hash or pile it high in sandwiches with sauerkraut and Swiss cheese for a comforting twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Mustard Glazed Corned Beef Recipe

The image shows a white oval plate on a white marbled surface, with five thick slices of pink cooked meat arranged in a slightly overlapping row on the right side. On the left side of the plate, there is a mix of cooked orange carrots and translucent white onions, all glossy with seasoning. A two-pronged metal fork is lifting one slice of the meat. A green and white striped cloth napkin appears near the top left corner of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep for Perfect Roasting

Start by setting your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit—slow and steady is the secret to tender corned beef. While the oven warms, unwrap your 4-pound corned beef and pat it dry with paper towels. This ensures the glaze sticks beautifully later on. Place the beef fat side up in a roasting pan with 2-inch sides—these high sides keep all the flavorful liquid and veggies contained as it cooks.

Step 2: Arrange Vegetables and Add Flavorful Liquid

Surround your beef with 4 peeled and cut carrots and 1 sliced medium onion. Pour in enough water to come halfway up the sides of the beef—this gently steams and braises the meat, keeping it juicy. Add the packet of the included 2 teaspoons pickling spice to the water, but avoid placing it directly on the beef to prevent overpowering the meat.

Step 3: Cover Up and Slow Roast for Tenderness

Cover the entire roasting pan tightly with foil to trap in moisture. Pop it into the oven and let it cook low and slow for 3 hours. The aroma filling your kitchen will hint that the beef is turning wonderfully tender—a fork should easily pierce the meat when it’s done.

Step 4: Whisk Up the Zesty Horseradish Glaze

While your beef roasts, mix together the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine ⅓ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon whole grain pommery mustard, and 1 tablespoon hot prepared horseradish. Heat over medium-high, whisking constantly until the sugar melts and the glaze thickens to a luscious, smooth consistency. Set it aside to be brushed on later.

Step 5: Glaze and Caramelize for That Perfect Finish

When the beef is tender, carefully remove the foil and increase your oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Transfer the roasted onions and carrots to a bowl to rest. Using a sharp knife, score the fat cap of the corned beef with deep cuts—this lets the glaze seep in and caramelize beautifully. Then, brush the horseradish glaze liberally over the top.

Step 6: Roast Uncovered Until Glaze Is Bubbly and Caramelized

Return the glazed beef to the oven, uncovered, and roast for another 15 minutes. Watch for the glaze to bubble and turn a rich, golden brown. This final caramelization adds a delightful sweet and tangy crunch that makes this dish so memorable.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Transfer the corned beef to a cutting board and slice against the grain into thin ¼-inch slices—this keeps each bite tender and juicy. Serve alongside the roasted carrots and onions for a comforting meal that’s bound to become a favorite.

Top Tip

Getting the perfect tender and flavorful corned beef starts with the little things that build on each other. These tips will help you make your Honey Mustard Glazed Corned Beef Recipe a guaranteed hit, every time.

Patting Dry: I always make sure to thoroughly pat the corned beef dry before roasting. This simple step ensures the glaze sticks beautifully and caramelizes evenly in that final 15-minute glaze bake.
Low and Slow: Cooking the beef at 325°F for a full 3 hours makes all the difference. I learned that rushing this step leads to tougher meat, so patience really pays off with melt-in-your-mouth results.
Scoring the Fat: Deeply scoring the fat cap allows the horseradish mustard glaze to penetrate and create those irresistibly crispy, flavorful edges. Don’t skip this—it’s a game changer!
Pickling Spice Placement: Be sure to add the pickling spice packet into the water, not on the beef itself. This prevents overwhelming the meat with bitterness while flavoring the broth and vegetables perfectly.

How to Serve Honey Mustard Glazed Corned Beef Recipe

A large piece of raw pink meat with a thick layer of pale fat on top sits in a silver pan filled with sliced orange carrots and white onion wedges, set against a white marbled surface. Above the meat, a woman's hand holds a small white bowl filled with mixed seasoning seeds, positioned as if about to sprinkle them onto the meat. The scene shows rich textures from the smooth fat to the fresh vegetables and the shiny metal pan, all captured clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme bring a lovely brightness when sprinkled over the sliced corned beef. A few grainy mustard dollops or a lemon wedge on the side add an extra zing that complements the glaze's tangy sweetness perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair this Honey Mustard Glazed Corned Beef with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes or buttery boiled new potatoes, which soak up the juices beautifully. Roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed green beans offer a fresh, crisp counterpoint to the richness of the meat. For a true Irish feast, don’t forget some hearty soda bread or rye bread for sandwiches or soaking up glaze drippings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover corned beef, carrots, and onions together in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days to keep everything fresh and flavorful for quick meals or sandwiches.

Freezing

If you want to keep leftovers longer, freeze sliced corned beef and vegetables in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the meat moist. Alternatively, warm in the oven at 300°F covered with foil to prevent drying out. Avoid microwave reheating if possible as it can toughen the beef.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a slow cooker instead of the oven for this Honey Mustard Glazed Corned Beef Recipe?

Yes, you can slow cook the corned beef by placing it in the slow cooker with vegetables and water, cooking on low for 8 to 10 hours. However, to achieve the signature glaze finish, you’ll want to brush on the glaze and broil in the oven for 10-15 minutes to caramelize it.

What if I don’t have the pickling spice packet?

No worries! You can easily substitute with your own blend by combining mustard seeds, coriander seeds, peppercorns, bay leaves, and crushed cloves. This replicates the aromatic flavors of classic Irish pickling spice.

How do I know when the corned beef is done?

The corned beef is tender and ready when you can easily pierce it with a fork and it feels soft. Typically, after 3 hours at 325°F, the meat should be fork-tender and perfect for glazing and roasting.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! This Honey Mustard Glazed Corned Beef Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your mustard and horseradish are gluten-free certified. Always check labels to be sure.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Mustard Glazed Corned Beef Recipe brings together the best of an old Irish classic with a lively new twist. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug — tender, flavorful, and just a little bit special. Whether for a festive occasion or a comforting family dinner, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple on your table. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!