Name: Glazed Corned Beef Roast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 h 15 min
Total time: 3 h 25 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 as needed; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon whole grain pommery mustard; 1 tablespoon hot prepared horseradish

If you’re craving a meal that’s both comforting and a little bit special, this Glazed Corned Beef Roast Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender, savory corned beef slow roasted with veggies, then glazed with a sweet-spicy horseradish kick — it’s like a warm Irish hug on a plate.

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 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

Every time I make this glazed corned beef roast, it becomes an instant favorite at the table — it’s full of deep, hearty flavors with a gorgeous caramelized finish that impresses without fuss.

Tender and Juicy: Slow roasting breaks down the meat perfectly for melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Flavor-Packed: Pickling spices and sweet horseradish glaze add layers of savory and zesty goodness.
One-Pan Wonder: Carrots and onions roast alongside the beef, soaking up delicious juices.
Versatile Leftovers: Perfect cold in sandwiches or transformed into hearty hash the next day.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe calls for classic corned beef ingredients, but the key is to use fresh, quality produce and authentic pickling spices. Grab a roasting pan with sides tall enough to hold the water — it’s a small detail that makes a big difference.

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 — choose a well-brined 4-pound brisket for perfect size and flavor.
Carrots: Peel and chunk them to roast alongside, adding natural sweetness and texture.
Onion: Sliced into wedges, onions release their sweetness into the pan juices.
Pickling Spice: Usually included with your corned beef; it infuses the broth with that iconic aroma.
Water: Used to braise the beef gently, keeping it moist throughout the long roast.
Brown Sugar: Provides the sweet base for the glaze, balancing the spice and tang.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a smooth, tangy foundation to the glaze mixture.
Whole Grain Pommery Mustard: For texture and a slightly rustic bite; coarse Dijon can be used as a substitute.
Hot Prepared Horseradish: Packs a spicy punch in the glaze that caramelizes beautifully.

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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

One of the best things about this Glazed Corned Beef Roast Recipe is how adaptable it is. Feel free to tweak the glaze or veggies to suit your taste or what’s in season—there’s plenty of room to make it your own!

Spice it up: I love adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze for an extra kick. It balances so nicely with the sweetness of the brown sugar and the zing of horseradish.
Seasonal veggies: Swap out carrots and onions for parsnips, sweet potatoes, or even Brussels sprouts when you want a seasonal twist. They roast beautifully alongside the beef and soak up all those delicious flavors.
Diet-friendly swap: For those avoiding horseradish or mustard, try a maple syrup and grainy mustard glaze instead. It’s still sweet and tangy but a little milder for sensitive palates.
Slow cooker style: If you prefer, you can cook the corned beef in a slow cooker on low for 7-8 hours before glazing and caramelizing under the broiler for 10-15 minutes.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Glazed Corned Beef Roast 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 Prepare Your Beef

Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. While that’s heating up, unwrap your 4-pound corned beef and gently pat it dry with paper towels. Drying the beef helps the glaze stick later on and prevents steaming during roasting. Place the beef fat side up in a roasting pan with sides at least 2 inches high—this will hold the water and veggies perfectly without spills.

Step 2: Arrange Vegetables and Add Pickling Spice

Peel and cut 4 medium carrots into 1 to 2-inch pieces and slice 1 medium onion into wedges. Scatter them evenly around the beef in the roasting pan. Pour in enough water so it comes about halfway up the sides of the beef—this gentle steam will keep the meat moist and tender as it roasts. Don’t forget to add the 2 teaspoons of pickling spice into the water; it infuses the whole dish with that classic corned beef aroma. Just be sure the spice packet doesn’t rest directly on the meat to avoid overpowering any one spot.

Step 3: Slow Roast Covered

Cover the roasting pan tightly with tin foil to trap in moisture and place it in the oven. Let it cook for 3 hours, allowing the meat to get wonderfully tender. You’ll know it’s ready when a fork slides in easily and the carrots and onions are soft but not mushy.

Step 4: Whip Up That Glaze

While the corned beef is roasting, prepare your glaze. In a small saucepan, whisk together ⅓ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon whole grain pommery mustard, and 1 tablespoon hot prepared horseradish. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens into a shiny glaze. Set it aside so the flavors marry while the beef continues to cook.

Step 5: Glaze and Finish Roasting

Once the 3-hour roast is done, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Transfer the cooked onions and carrots to a serving bowl to keep warm. Crank your oven temperature up to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for the glaze finish.

Using a sharp knife, score the fat cap on the corned beef in a diamond pattern—this not only looks beautiful but helps the glaze soak in and caramelize beautifully. Brush the thick horseradish glaze liberally over the fat cap. Return the beef to the oven and roast for an additional 15 minutes, or until the glaze bubbles and develops a lovely caramel color.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Transfer the hot glazed corned beef to a cutting board and slice against the grain into ¼-inch thick pieces. This ensures each bite is tender and juicy. Serve alongside the roasted carrots and onions for a warm, comforting Irish feast that’s sure to impress!

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the best flavor and texture out of your Glazed Corned Beef Roast Recipe, making sure every bite is tender, juicy, and beautifully caramelized.

Slow and Steady Wins: I always recommend slow roasting the corned beef at 325°F for the full 3 hours. Rushing this step can compromise tenderness, so patience really pays off.
Don’t Skip Scoring the Fat: Scoring the fat in a diamond pattern lets the glaze seep in and caramelize perfectly. I learned this after a few tries and it truly makes the difference between good and great.
Glaze Wisely: Apply the glaze liberally and be sure to brush it on while the oven is hot at 375°F for that perfect bubbly, sticky finish.
Use a Roasting Pan with High Sides: This prevents water from spilling over during the slow roast, which keeps your oven clean and the meat juicy—lesson learned from my early kitchen mishaps!

How to Serve Glazed Corned Beef Roast 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 parsley or chopped chives sprinkled over the sliced corned beef add a lovely burst of color and a subtle freshness that balances the rich glaze. A few whole grain mustard seeds on the side can also enhance the visual appeal and give guests an added flavor boost.

Side Dishes

Classic Irish sides like creamy mashed potatoes or colcannon (mashed potatoes with kale or cabbage) complement this glazed roast beautifully. Roasted Brussels sprouts or buttered green beans add a fresh, vibrant touch. Don’t forget some crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to mop up that delicious glaze and pan juices!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, tightly wrap leftover glazed corned beef and vegetables in aluminum foil or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 to 4 days—perfect for tasty next-day sandwiches or hearty hashes.

Freezing

You can freeze sliced leftover corned beef and roasted vegetables in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. For best quality, separate individual slices with parchment paper to prevent sticking, then thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Rewarm leftovers gently in a covered baking dish at 300°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave slices on medium power, covered, to keep the meat moist. Adding a splash of beef broth or water before reheating helps keep the meat tender.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I prepare the corned beef ahead of time and glaze it later?

Yes! You can slow roast the corned beef and cool it completely, then score and glaze it right before finishing in the oven for 15 minutes. This makes it convenient if you want to prepare it ahead.

What if I don’t have whole grain pommery mustard?

No worries! You can substitute with an equal amount of coarse Dijon mustard. It will still provide that lovely tang and texture to your glaze.

Can I add other vegetables to the roasting pan?

Absolutely! Potatoes, parsnips, or turnips all roast well alongside the beef. Just cut them into similar sizes as the carrots and onions for even cooking.

How do I know when the corned beef is perfectly tender?

After roasting for 3 hours at 325°F, the beef should be fork-tender, meaning you can easily insert a fork and the meat pulls apart slightly. If it feels tough, you can slow cook it for up to an additional hour for extra tenderness.

Final Thoughts

Making this Glazed Corned Beef Roast Recipe has been such a rewarding experience in my kitchen—there’s something truly special about that tender, flavorful meat combined with the sweet and spicy glaze. Whether you're cooking for a festive Irish gathering or a comforting family dinner, I hope these tips and ideas help you create a meal that everyone will cherish. Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to share the love!