Slow Cooker Guinness Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Guinness Corned Beef and Cabbage is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any time you want a hearty meal with minimal effort. Tender corned beef simmers slowly with rich Guinness beer and classic vegetables for a traditional Irish-inspired feast.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 lb. flat cut corned beef brisket
• 1 seasoning packet from the corned beef roast
• 12 oz. Guinness beer (bottled extra stout recommended)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 bay leaf
• 8 Yukon gold potatoes
• 4 carrots
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 head cabbage, cut into slices

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the corned beef brisket and pat it dry with paper towels. Place it in the slow cooker.
2. Step 2: Sprinkle the seasoning packet over the corned beef, then add the brown sugar on top. Arrange the potatoes, carrots, garlic cloves, and bay leaf over the meat, then pour the Guinness beer evenly over everything.
3. Step 3: Cover with the slow cooker lid and cook on low for 8 hours. For the cabbage, add it at the 6-hour mark and let it cook for the remaining 2 hours. You can also add the cabbage at the beginning or during the last 30 minutes, depending on your texture preference.
4. Step 4: When done, carefully remove the vegetables and set them aside. Place the corned beef on a cutting board and slice it against the grain. Serve the beef slices alongside the cooked vegetables.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger beer flavor, use a full stout Guinness; for milder taste, substitute with a lighter Irish ale.
• Try adding a few whole black peppercorns or mustard seeds for extra spice depth.
• If you prefer softer cabbage, add it at the beginning of cooking; for crunchier cabbage, add it later.
• Use red potatoes instead of Yukon gold for a slightly different texture and color.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a covered pan on low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Leftover corned beef slices are also great cold in sandwiches.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different beer instead of Guinness?

Yes, you can substitute Guinness with any dark stout or even a lighter beer if preferred. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

When is the best time to add the cabbage?

The cabbage can be added at the beginning for softer texture, at 6 hours for tender but slightly firm, or in the last 30 minutes for a crisper bite. Choose based on your preference.

Slow Cooker Guinness Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe

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4.6 from 144 reviews

This Slow Cooker Guinness Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe offers a tender and flavorful traditional Irish meal made effortlessly in a slow cooker. The corned beef is braised in rich Guinness beer and brown sugar, creating a savory and slightly sweet broth, while potatoes, carrots, and cabbage cook to perfect tenderness. Ideal for St. Patrick’s Day or any comforting dinner.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Irish

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Seasoning

• 2 1/2 lb flat cut corned beef brisket
• 1 seasoning packet from the corned beef roast
• 1 bay leaf

Liquids and Sweeteners

• 12 oz Guinness Beer (bottled extra stout preferred)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

Vegetables

• 8 Yukon gold potatoes, whole or halved depending on size
• 4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1/2 head cabbage, cut into slices

Instructions

1. Prepare the Corned Beef: Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water to remove excess brine, then pat it dry with paper towels. Place the brisket into the slow cooker.
2. Add Seasonings and Vegetables: Sprinkle the seasoning packet from the roast evenly over the meat. Then, add the brown sugar on top. Arrange the potatoes, carrots, garlic cloves, and bay leaf around and on top of the corned beef.
3. Pour Guinness Beer: Carefully pour the 12 oz of Guinness stout over the meat and vegetables, ensuring the liquid surrounds them for optimal slow cooking.
4. Slow Cook the Corned Beef: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW for a total of 8 hours. This low and slow method tenderizes the meat beautifully.
5. Add Cabbage: After 6 hours of cooking, add the sliced cabbage to the slow cooker and continue cooking for the remaining 2 hours. This allows the cabbage to become tender without getting too soft or mushy. Alternatively, cabbage can be added earlier or during the last 30 minutes based on personal preference.
6. Serve: Once finished, carefully remove the vegetables and place the corned beef onto a cutting board. Slice the beef against the grain into portions. Serve the meat slices alongside the cooked vegetables for a classic and hearty meal.

Notes

• You can adjust the timing of adding the cabbage to suit your texture preference – earlier for softer cabbage, later for firmer.
• If you don’t have Guinness, use another stout beer or a robust dark beer for similar flavor.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3-4 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
• To save time, peel and chop the vegetables the night before and store in the fridge.

Keywords: corned beef, Guinness, slow cooker, St. Patrick’s Day, Irish, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, comfort food, slow cooked beef