Slow Cooker Corned Beef Cooked in Beer

There’s no better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than with a delicious slow-cooked corned beef recipe that’s sure to impress your family and friends. This recipe takes traditional corned beef and elevates it to a whole new level by cooking it in rich, flavorful Guinness beer. The meat comes out so tender and tasty!

It’s my birthday today and St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, so we thought we’d combine two celebrations together and enjoy a delicious slow-cooked corned beef recipe for my family! We had to do our celebration in advance as we planned to travel to New York City for my birthday.

I must say it was a success! Not only did we have a lovely dinner, but we also loved the flavorful and succulent Guinness-flavored corned beef that came out of our Instant Pot Dutch Slow Cooker.

This slow cooker corned beef recipe takes traditional corned beef and elevates it to a whole new level by cooking it in rich, flavorful Guinness beer. It’s a tried and tested recipe and great feedback has been received on this slow cooker Guinness Corned Beef and Cabbage stew!

WHY DO I NEED TO COOK THIS SLOW COOKER CORNED BEEF IN BEER?

Using beer to cook corned beef is a popular method because it adds flavor and complexity to the dish. The alcohol and hops in the beer add a rich, slightly bitter flavor that complements the salty and savory taste of the corned beef.

Beer also contains enzymes that help to tenderize the meat, making it more tender and juicy. The low and slow cooking method used in a crockpot allows the beer to penetrate the meat, infusing it with flavor and helping to break down tough connective tissues.

Additionally, the sugars in the beer can help to caramelize the exterior of the corned beef, creating a delicious crust that adds texture and depth of flavor.

While it’s not strictly necessary to use beer when cooking corned beef, it is a great way to enhance the flavor of the dish and take it to the next level. If you prefer, you can use other liquids such as water or broth, but you may not get the same depth of flavor that beer provides.

DO YOU SERVE THE BROTH THE CORNED BEEF IS COOKED IN?

Yes, the broth that the corned beef is cooked in the crockpot is a flavorful and delicious broth that can be served alongside the corned beef and vegetables. It’s a great way to enhance the flavor of the dish and provide a warm and comforting soup-like element to the meal. Simply ladle some of the broth into bowls and serve it alongside the corned beef and vegetables. You can also use any leftover broth as a base for a tasty soup or stew.

DO YOU NEED TO LET THE SLOW COOKER CORNED BEEF REST AFTER COOKING?

Yes, it’s important to let the corned beef rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing and serving it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and helps to keep it moist and tender.

When the corned beef is done cooking in the crockpot, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Cover it with foil and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This will give you enough time to prepare any side dishes or serve the broth.

After the resting period, use a sharp knife to slice the corned beef against the grain into thin slices. This will help to ensure that the meat is tender and easy to chew. Serve it with the cooked vegetables and some of the cooking liquid for a delicious and comforting meal.

HOW DO YOU SERVE THIS SLOW COOKER CORNED BEEF?

There are many ways to serve corned beef that has been cooked in a crockpot, depending on personal preference and the occasion. Here are some popular serving suggestions:

1. Classic Corned Beef and Cabbage: Slice the cooked corned beef against the grain into thin slices and serve it with boiled or roasted cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. This is a classic St. Patrick’s Day meal and is perfect for a festive dinner.
2. Reuben Sandwich: Use the leftover cooked corned beef to make a classic Reuben sandwich. Layer the corned beef on rye bread with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, then grill until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Corned Beef Hash: Dice the cooked corned beef into small pieces and sauté it with potatoes, onions, and peppers to make a delicious corned beef hash. Serve it with a fried egg on top for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
4. Corned Beef Tacos: Shred the cooked corned beef and serve it in taco shells with shredded cabbage, sour cream, and salsa. This is a fun and flavorful twist on traditional tacos.

No matter how you choose to serve it, corned beef cooked in a crockpot is a delicious and easy meal that is sure to please. Enjoy!

WHAT DO YOU SERVE WITH THIS SLOW COOKER CORNED BEEF?

Corned beef is a versatile and flavorful protein that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some delicious options:

1. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, potatoes, and onions are classic accompaniments to corned beef. Toss the vegetables with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, then roast in the oven until tender and caramelized.
2. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish to soak up all the delicious cooking juices from the corned beef. You can make them plain or add in some garlic or herbs for extra flavor.
3. Cabbage: Boiled or sautéed cabbage is a traditional side dish that complements the salty and savory flavors of corned beef. Add in some bacon or onions for even more flavor.
4. Soda Bread: Irish soda bread is a quick and easy bread that goes well with corned beef. It’s slightly sweet and has a tender crumb that’s perfect for soaking up juices.
5. Mustard: A good quality mustard, such as Dijon or whole-grain, is a classic condiment that pairs well with corned beef. Spread it on the meat or serve it on the side for dipping.
6. Beer: A cold pint of Guinness or your favorite Irish ale is a perfect beverage to serve alongside corned beef. It’s a classic combination that’s sure to please.

These are just a few ideas, but many other side dishes would go well with corned beef. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combinations!

WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS FOR THIS SLOW COOKER CORNED BEEF COOKED IN BEER?

• 1 large onion, peeled and sliced
• 3 -4 lbs corned beef brisket (with spice seasoning packet, optional)
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons molasses sugar or dark brown sugar
• 1 (12 oz) Guinness Stout Beer
• 2 cups water, adjust to taste (as needed)
• 2 bay leaves
• 6 medium red potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 6 medium carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally
• 1 small cabbage, cut into wedges
  

HOW TO COOK SLOW COOKER CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE WITH BEER?

Rinse the corned beef thoroughly in cold water several times. Do this especially if you get one packed with its brine. Do not skip this because you want to rinse out any excess salt or you might end up with very salty corned beef. Don’t worry about rinsing away the flavor, the meat is fully infused with flavor by this point. Keep the spice seasoning packet if you wish to use it.

Place the sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the corned beef brisket on top. Sprinkle the seasoning spice all over the brisket (if using). You don’t need the spice packet for this so this step is optional.

Combine the balsamic vinegar with the sugar. Pour over the brisket. Pour the beer and water on the sides of the brisket.

Add the bay leaves. Place the potatoes and carrots on the side or around the meat. I have a big slow cooker so I could do this. But if you have a small crockpot, just place the veggies either on the side or on top of the meat. Adding the meat on top ensures it won’t get mushy. Alternatively, you can also add the veggies after 6 hours when the meat is already tender or almost to that point. Cook on a low setting in the slow cooker for 8-10 hours or until the meat is fork-tender. Place cabbage wedges on top of the meat during the last 1-2 hours of cooking.

Take the brisket out of the slow cooker and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes. After the resting period, use a sharp knife to slice the corned beef against the grain into thin slices. Serve with vegetables, some of the cooking liquid (if desired), and some mashed potatoes on the side.

This Slow Cooker Corned Beef cooked in Guinness Beer is a delicious way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The meat becomes tender and flavorful, and the vegetables are infused with the rich flavor of the beer. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work for you, making this a stress-free and easy meal to prepare. Enjoy!

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Slow Cooker Corned Beef Cooked in Beer

Manila Spoon

There’s no better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than with a delicious slow-cooked corned beef recipe that’s sure to impress your family and friends. This recipe takes traditional corned beef and elevates it to a whole new level by cooking it in rich, flavorful Guinness beer. The meat comes out so tender and tasty!

4.85 from 13 votes

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Irish

Servings 6

Calories 716 kcal

Ingredients

 

1x2x3x

• 1 large onion peeled and sliced
• 3 -4 lbs corned beef brisket (with optional spice seasoning packet)
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons molasses sugar or dark brown sugar
• 12 oz Guinness Stout Beer
• 2 cups water, adjust to taste (as needed)
• 2 bay leaves, fresh or dried
• 6 medium red potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 6 medium carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally
• 1 small cabbage, cut into wedges

Instructions

 

• Rinse the corned beef thoroughly in cold water several times. Do this especially if you get one packed with its brine. Do not skip this because you want to rinse out any excess salt or you might end up with very salty corned beef. Don’t worry about rinsing away the flavor, the meat is fully infused with flavor by this point. Keep the spice seasoning packet that comes with the beef if you wish to use it.
• Place the sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  
• Add the corned beef brisket on top.
  
• Sprinkle the seasoning spice all over the brisket (if using).
  
• Combine the balsamic vinegar with the sugar. Pour over the brisket.
  
• Pour the beer and water on the sides of the brisket.
  
• Add the bay leaves. Place the potatoes and carrots on the side or around the meat. I have a big slow cooker so I could do this. But if you have a small crockpot, just place the veggies either on the side or on top of the meat. Adding the meat on top ensures it won't get mushy. Alternatively, you can also add the veggies after 6 hours when the meat is already tender or almost to that point. (see notes)
  
• Cook on a low setting in the slow cooker for 8-10 hours or until the meat is fork-tender. Place cabbage wedges on top of the meat during the last 2 hours of cooking.
  
• Take the brisket out of the slow cooker and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes. After the resting period, use a sharp knife to slice the corned beef against the grain into thin slices. Serve with vegetables, some of the cooking liquid (if desired), and some mashed potatoes on the side.
  

Notes

TIPS & TRICKS

Some similar recipes place the vegetables at the bottom and top them with the meat. If you feel comfortable doing that, then do so. My slow cooker (despite the name) is pretty fast cooking so to ensure they don’t overcook I place my vegetables on top of the meat or on the side.

Nutrition

Calories: 716kcalCarbohydrates: 59gProtein: 40gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 122mgSodium: 2875mgPotassium: 2136mgFiber: 9gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 10356IUVitamin C: 140mgCalcium: 131mgIron: 6mg

Keyword how to cook corned beef with beer

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Last updated on March 16th, 2024 at 08:51 pm