Description
A hearty and flavorful slow cooker recipe for classic Guinness Corned Beef and Cabbage, featuring tender corned beef braised in rich Guinness beer with vegetables cooked to perfection. This comforting Irish-inspired dish is perfect for a family meal or St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 3 pounds corned beef (plus spice packet)
Vegetables
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 2-3 inch sections
- 2 pounds baby red potatoes
- 1/2 green cabbage, sliced into 1 inch pieces
Liquids
- 1 Guinness beer (extra stout recommended)
- 1-2 cups water
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Add the corned beef into the slow cooker fat side up. Arrange the peeled carrots and baby red potatoes around the sides of the meat. Sprinkle the spice packet that comes with the corned beef evenly over the meat.
- Add Liquids and Start Cooking: Pour the Guinness beer over the corned beef and vegetables. Add enough water, about 1 to 2 cups, to fully submerge the corned beef, although vegetables do not need to be fully covered. Cover the slow cooker.
- Initial Cooking Phase: Cook on LOW setting for 4 to 5 hours. This slow braise allows the beef to become tender and absorb the rich flavors of the beer and spices.
- Add Cabbage: About 2 hours before the meal is ready, add the sliced cabbage on top of the corned beef and surrounding vegetables. Cover and continue cooking for an additional 2 hours, enabling the cabbage to soften perfectly.
- Check Doneness and Serve: Ensure the corned beef has reached an internal temperature of 165º F for safe consumption. Slice or shred the beef for serving. Serve hot with the cooked vegetables and consider adding old-style or whole grain mustard as a flavorful accompaniment.
Notes
- Use Guinness extra stout for the best rich, deep flavor.
- Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker model; adjust accordingly.
- If preferred, vegetables can be cooked separately for texture control.
- Leftovers store well and flavors deepen after a day.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the corned beef spice packet and Guinness beer are gluten-free alternatives.
