Easy Slow Cooker Guinness Corned Beef – Best Tender & Flavorful Recipe!

Corned beef is a classic dish that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any cozy family dinner. Cooking it in a slow cooker ensures it turns out tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, requiring minimal prep work and letting the slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this slow cooker corned beef recipe will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

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Recipe Preparation Equipment

• Slow Cooker (6-8 quarts): Essential for tender, slow-cooked corned beef.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For slicing vegetables and trimming the beef.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Tongs or Fork: For handling the cooked corned beef.
• Serving Platter: To present your delicious corned beef.

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Ingredients

• 3-4 pounds corned beef brisket (with spice packet included)
• 4 cups water (or beef broth for extra flavor)
• 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 large onion, cut into wedges
• 1 small cabbage, cut into wedges
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (optional)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon thyme (optional)

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How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Corned Beef

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water to remove excess brine.
2. Pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Peel and chop the vegetables (carrots, potatoes, onion, and cabbage).

Step 2: Layer the Slow Cooker

1. Place the onion wedges and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add the corned beef brisket on top, fat side up.
3. Sprinkle the spice packet (included with the brisket) over the meat.
4. Add the carrots and potatoes around the brisket.

Step 3: Add Liquid and Seasonings

1. Pour water or beef broth into the slow cooker until the brisket is mostly submerged.
2. Add black pepper, thyme, and whole grain mustard (if using).

Step 4: Cook on Low Heat

1. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat.
2. Cook for 8-10 hours until the corned beef is fork-tender.

Step 5: Add Cabbage and Finish Cooking

1. About 1-2 hours before the cooking time ends, add the cabbage wedges to the slow cooker.
2. Cover and continue cooking until the cabbage is tender.

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Variations

• Beer-Braised Corned Beef: Replace water with a dark beer for a richer flavor.
• Honey Mustard Glaze: Mix honey and mustard, then brush it over the brisket before cooking.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicy twist.

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Cooking Notes

• Trim Excess Fat: If your brisket has a thick fat cap, trim it to about ¼ inch for better texture.
• Don’t Overcook: Cooking for too long can make the meat mushy. Check for tenderness after 8 hours.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with Irish soda bread or buttered rye bread.
• Pair with a side of creamy horseradish sauce or mustard.
• Add a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

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Helpful Tips

• Slice Against the Grain: Always slice corned beef against the grain for tender pieces.
• Save the Broth: Use the cooking liquid as a base for soups or stews.
• Make Ahead: Corned beef tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

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Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Corned Beef

1. Use a high-quality corned beef brisket with a good fat-to-meat ratio.
2. Don’t skip rinsing the brisket to avoid overly salty meat.
3. Add the cabbage later to prevent it from becoming too mushy.

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Prep Time, Cooking Time, Total Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes to 10 hours 15 minutes

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Nutritional Information

(Serving size: 4 ounces of corned beef with vegetables)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 25g
• Sodium: 900mg

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FAQs

1. Can I cook corned beef on high heat in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook it on high for 4-5 hours, but low heat yields more tender results.

2. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Try adding parsnips, turnips, or celery for extra flavor.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

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Conclusion

This slow cooker corned beef recipe is a foolproof way to create a tender, flavorful meal with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, it’s a dish that will impress your family and guests. With the added tips, variations, and serving suggestions, you can customize it to suit your taste. Give it a try, and enjoy the delicious results!

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Let me know if you need more recipes or adjustments! 😊

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