Ah, the joys of cooking with a slow cooker! If you’ve ever had one of those days when you want a delicious meal waiting for you after a long day, let me tell you, this Slow Cooker Guinness Corned Beef recipe is like a warm hug in a bowl. I still remember the first time I made it. It was St. Patrick’s Day, and as an avid lover of all things Irish and culinary, I decided to invite some friends over for a celebration. This dish was the showstopper! The rich aroma wafted through the house and made everyone drool. Let’s just say there weren’t any leftovers that night!
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is! You just toss everything into the slow cooker, and it does the magic for you. The **corned beef** gets so tender, and the flavors meld together beautifully with the **Guinness stout**, giving the meat an unforgettable richness. So whether it’s St. Patrick’s Day or just a cozy Sunday dinner, this dish will become a favorite in your home too!
What’s in Slow Cooker Guinness Corned Beef?
Corned Beef Brisket: The star of the show! This cut is brined and seasoned for incredible flavor. I usually go for a 3 to 4-pound brisket for the best results.
Guinness Stout Beer: Adding a can of this dark beer lends a unique depth and richness to our dish. Plus, who doesn’t love a little Guinness in their cooking, right?
Beef Broth: It adds moisture and enhances the beefy flavor. I prefer low-sodium broth to control the saltiness.
Onion: Quartered onions add a sweet flavor as they cook down; they practically dissolve into the broth creating a lovely base.
Garlic: Because everything’s better with garlic! It gives a nice aromatic kick to the dish.
Bay Leaves: These guys impart a subtle, herbal flavor that complements the meat perfectly.
Black Peppercorns & Mustard Seeds: I like to throw these whole spices in for some extra flavor goodness! They give the dish more dimension.
Carrots & Potatoes: A must for heartiness! Carrots add sweetness, while potatoes soak up all that delicious gravy.
Salt: Use to taste, but remember the corned beef is already seasoned, so be careful.
Fresh Chopped Parsley: This is totally optional, but a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness right before serving.
Is Slow Cooker Guinness Corned Beef Good for You?
Now, while “healthy” might not be the first word that comes to mind when you mention corned beef, let’s break it down a bit.
Corned Beef: It’s a good source of protein and packed with iron. However, it’s worth noting that it can be higher in sodium because of the brining process. So if you’re watching your salt intake, stick to the low-sodium broth and adjust the added salt accordingly.
Vegetables: The carrots and optional potatoes bring a wealth of vitamins and minerals to the table. Plus, they add fiber, which is always a bonus!
Overall, just remember that balance is key. Enjoy this dish on special occasions or when you need a warm, comforting meal!
Ingredients
– 3 to 4 pounds corned beef brisket
– 1 can (14.9 oz) Guinness stout beer
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 onion, quartered
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 tbsp black peppercorns
– 1 tbsp mustard seeds
– 4 medium carrots, cut into chunks
– 4 medium potatoes, cut into quarters (optional)
– 1 tsp salt (to taste)
– Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
**Servings:** This recipe serves about 6 people, so it’s perfect for those family gatherings or dinner parties!
How to Make Slow Cooker Guinness Corned Beef?
1. Place the **corned beef brisket** in the slow cooker, fat side up.
2. Pour the **Guinness beer** over the brisket.
3. Add the **beef broth** to the slow cooker, ensuring the brisket is mostly submerged.
4. Toss in the **quartered onion**, **minced garlic**, **bay leaves**, **black peppercorns**, and **mustard seeds**.
5. If you’re feeling veggie adventurous, add the **carrots** and **potatoes** around the brisket.
6. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 8 to 9 hours, or until the corned beef is fork-tender. Trust me, this is the tough part—smelling it cooking all day!
7. Once it’s done, carefully remove the corned beef from the slow cooker, and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing against the grain.
8. Serve the sliced corned beef with the cooked veggies, and don’t shy away from garnishing with fresh parsley if you want to impress! Enjoy with some mustard and brown bread on the side!
Serving Suggestions for a Hearty Meal
Let’s talk presentation! Serve this corned beef with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery bread to soak up the irresistible gravy. If you want to add a burst of freshness, I sometimes drizzle a little horseradish sauce over the slices! And hey, if you have leftovers (which is rare), they make for some stellar sandwiches the next day.
I hope you give this Slow Cooker Guinness Corned Beef a go! It’s perfect for cozy evenings or celebrating with loved ones. Let me know how it turns out for you, and feel free to share any tweaks you made to make it your own. Happy cooking!
